Akin Adds Top Space Industry Leader, Building Out its Space Regulatory and Policy Practice

(Washington, D.C.) – Akin is pleased to announce that Dr. Michael Mineiro, a former U.S. government official with deep experience in U.S. space law and policy, has joined the firm’s telecom, media and technology (TMT) practice. He joins the firm as a senior counsel and is based in Washington, D.C. Immediately prior to joining Akin, Dr. Mineiro was senior vice president of legal, regulatory and government affairs at HawkEye360, a space-based RF analytics company.

With nearly two decades of experience in both the public and private sectors, Dr. Mineiro brings to the firm significant insight into space law and space-related policy. At Akin, he will advise launch companies, satellite operators, space-based service providers and other technology-focused investors to address wide-ranging regulation, disputes and compliance issues.

“Akin has a long history of serving clients connected to the space industry,” said regulatory practice group leader Tom McCarthy. “Mike’s arrival marks a critical investment by the firm in its capacity to serve the rapidly expanding and diversifying commercial space industry. Mike’s experience on the Hill, in the White House, at NOAA and working in industry will enable us to provide existing and emerging clients in the space industry with a holistic view of the legal, policy and business landscape as we help them achieve their business objectives.” 

At Akin, Dr. Mineiro is reunited with former U.S. Congressman Lamar Smith, who chaired the House Science, Space and Technology committee when Mineiro served on its professional staff. During his government tenure, Dr. Mineiro held various prominent roles in the space sector. As Staff Director and Senior Counsel to the House Space Subcommittee, he played a pivotal role in overseeing committee activities, leading preparations for congressional investigations, and drafting and negotiating significant legislation, including the Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act of 2015 and NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2017.

Additionally, Dr. Mineiro served as a Senior Policy Analyst and Liaison to the National Space Council within the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. In this capacity, he advised senior White House leadership on space law and policy, as he led interagency policy development efforts, including for Space Policy Directive-2, Streamlining Regulations on Commercial Uses of Space. His distinguished government service extends to positions in the Office of the General Counsel and the National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service (NESDIS) at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Commenting on Dr. Mineiro’s arrival, TMT practice head Jennifer Richter said, “Mike will be the bow that pulls together Akin’s deep export control, FCC, policy, government contracts, launch and Title 51 experience to further cement Akin’s reputation as a leading space practice.”

“Akin’s reputation for excellence, its forward-thinking approach to legal services and the depth of its world class regulatory and policy team, including its space, international trade, national security, government contracts and TMT experience, made it the ideal platform for me to move into private practice,” said Dr. Mineiro. “As I explored opportunities in the market, it was clear that there was not a firm better positioned to help clients take advantage of the opportunities in today’s booming commercial space industry.”

Dr. Mineiro earned his doctorate in space law and an LL.M. in air and space law from McGill University’s Faculty of Law. He also holds a J.D. from the University of North Carolina School of Law.

Akin is a leading international law firm with more than 900 lawyers and advisors in offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

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