The Firm: Noted by interviewees for its traditional representation of players on the competitive side, this boutique continues to represent wireless and wireline firms and other industry participants in matters before the FCC. Clients commented that "if you're focusing on regulatory work at the FCC level, you really want to use Lawler Metzger. They're very highly skilled and specialized, with people who've worked at the FCC and have done this work their whole career." Further comment was that "they have people who are focused on telecom, broadcast, media, wireless, all the subspecialties in the area." The practice's recent work includes representing Nextel in the FCC proceedings concerning its proposed merger with Sprint. It also represented MCI in FCC proceedings relating to its proposed merger with Verizon and has advised various wireline and satellite-based clients in relation to the ramifications of the FCC's e911 rules.

The Lawyers: A "quite splendid" attorney, Richard Metzger heads the firm's telecom practice and advises clients on a range of regulatory, antitrust and other issues. Drawing on his background as a former FCC common carrier bureau chief, he has also served as an expert witness in relation to common carrier regulation. Gina Keeney is particularly praised by peers and clients alike for her expert witness testimony in relation to FCC wireless laws. She also has an FCC background, having been a former international bureau chief. One interviewee commented: "If I need an expert witness she's the first person I call: she's bright, practical and less likely to be conflicted out because of the firm she works for." Continuing the FCC theme, Ruth Milkman is a former deputy international bureau chief who has a practice encompassing common carrier, wireless, satellite, and international telecommunications matters.

The Clients/Work Highlights: Sprint Nextel; MCI; Comcast; Epok; The Blackstone Group; New Skies Satellites and XO Communications.