The Firm: “Staffed with lots of former FCC types,” this respected communications boutique continues to draw extensive client praise, with interviewees agreeing: “Some lawyers just go through the motions, but these guys go the extra mile and bring the knowledge and insight that adds value and helps the transaction run smoothly.  They’re among the smartest and most able telecom lawyers in town.”  One satisfied client summed up: “When we have issues at the FCC that need deep thought and strategy, we call Lawler Metzger, and that’s what we get.”

The Lawyers: Noted for his regulatory and antitrust expertise in the communications field, telecom practice head Richard Metzger “certainly does his homework, and boy he hits it on the head!”  One client added: “No matter who we’re visiting, whether at the FCC or wherever, there’s a sense of respect when he enters the room - you get a lot of credibility just walking in the door with him.”  Clients esteem the “knowledgeable and detail-oriented” Ruth Milkman for her spectrum expertise: “She has the best gut feelings, backed up by facts - she can call from day one how things are going to play out, and she’s always right.”  Gina Keeney is “incredibly insightful” and “works tirelessly to get the desired results.”  She represents telecom, computer and Internet clients on a range of regulatory and legislative issues.

Clients/Work Highlights: The practice has been advising Sprint Nextel on the FCC’s 800 megahertz rebranding proceeding and on the AT&T/BellSouth merger.  It has also been advising Access Spectrum on the 700 megahertz spectrum auction proceeding at the FCC.  In addition, it has been advising clients such as Yahoo! and Skype on various FCC regulations, particularly regarding VoIP services.  Other clients include Sorenson Communications; Lucent Technologies; Cisco Systems; Nextlink; XO Communications; MCI/Verizon; Comcast; Epok; The Blackstone Group and Intel.