Communications Industry Veteran Douglas Brandon Joins Akin Gump
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(Washington, D.C.) Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP today announced that Douglas I. Brandon has joined the firm in Washington, D.C., as a partner in its communications and information technology practice. Mr. Brandon comes to Akin Gump from TerreStar Networks, where he served as general counsel.
Mr. Brandon has nearly 25 years of experience in the wireless telecommunications industry, working with terrestrial providers and satellite carriers on a range of regulatory and policy matters before the departments of Commerce and Justice and the Federal Communications Commission as well as with Congress. He also has tremendous knowledge of the array of issues faced by telecommunications companies, ranging from advising on compliance matters to structuring transactions and responding to government complaints and investigations.
Akin Gump chairperson Kim Koopersmith stated, “Many of our broadband and wireless clients have operations that are national and international in scope, and what happens in Washington has an immense impact on their businesses. Doug’s great familiarity with the policy and regulatory issues crucial to the industry will be an important asset for our firm and our clients, and we are delighted to have him join us.”
“Doug’s background in the wireless communications sector is invaluable,” said Tom W. Davidson, head of Akin Gump’s national communications and information technology practice. “Whether working on regulatory matters or those involving policy issues, Doug’s years of ‘in-house’ experience have provided him with a keen understanding of our clients’ needs and what is required to deliver focused advice in this area.”
While at TerreStar, Mr. Brandon oversaw all of the company’s legal matters, including collaboration with a team from Akin Gump that navigated the company through the bankruptcy process, culminating in the sale of substantially all of TerreStar’s assets to DISH Network.
“I have worked alongside many of my new colleagues for several years and am excited to be joining them at Akin Gump,” said Mr. Brandon. “This is a great opportunity to bring my wireless industry experience back to private practice, and I look forward to applying my skills on behalf of the firm’s clients.”
About Douglas I. Brandon
Mr. Brandon joined TerreStar Networks in 2007, first as vice president – regulatory affairs, then as general counsel, secretary and senior vice president. In addition to his role directing all aspects of legal and compliance functions, he also led TerreStar’s corporate development team.
Prior to joining TerreStar, Mr. Brandon spent nearly 10 years as vice president of external affairs and law at AT&T Wireless, where he was in charge of all federal policy development, implementation and advocacy. His work there included the oversight of regulatory approvals for the company’s sale to Cingular Wireless, a landmark deal that continues to reverberate throughout the telecommunications industry.
Earlier in his career, Mr. Brandon was head of the regulatory group in Washington, D.C., at McCaw Cellular Communications, with responsibilities for licensing, compliance and policy matters before the FCC and securing other federal approvals for transactions. He was also responsible for obtaining approval from the Department of Justice for McCaw’s merger with AT&T.
Mr. Brandon began his career working as an associate for a large, international law firm. He received his J.D. from Vanderbilt Law School in 1985 and his B.A. from the University of Virginia in 1981.
Founded in 1945, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP is a leading international law firm with more than 850 attorneys in offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
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