The Firm: Soaring in the estimation of peers and clients, this telecom boutique is considered to be one of a "new age of firms" which is "picking up lots of business and really coming up the ranks." Competitors routinely praised the caliber of lawyers at the firm, many of whom have FCC and Capitol Hill experience and thus give the firm substantial telecommunications regulatory and legislative capability. Satellite, cable, common carrier, wireless and mass media issues are all elements of the firm's caseload.

The Lawyers: "One of the brightest in the city," Richard Metzger is admired for his private and government experience: "He really knows the nuts and bolts of the FCC practice." Also highly regarded for her FCC and industry knowledge is Ruth Milkman, who won glowing reports from clients.

The Clients: The firm remains WorldCom's lead FCC counsel and also maintains its reputation for "attracting the best new entrants to the sector." The firm is assisting Comcast in seeking FCC approval of its merger with AT&T Broadband, and represented Nextel Communications before the FCC on wireless regulatory matters.