Wiley Rein Adds Former Media Bureau Chief

Washington law firm Wiley Rein today said that former FCC Media Bureau Chief William Lake, a veteran communications lawyer, has joined the firm’s Telecom, Media & Technology practice as consulting counsel. He will provide counsel to clients on a variety of telecommunications and media issues.

Lake served as head of the FCC’s Media Bureau from 2009 to 2017, advising companies in the U.S. and international communications industries on regulatory, competition, intellectual property, and trade issues. He was named to that leadership role following his service as FCC coordinator for the digital television transition in 2009.

“Bill’s intellectual rigor, unique insight, and deep experience make him a valuable addition to our TMT Practice, and we’re delighted that he is joining the team,” said Kathleen Kirby, co-chair of the practice. “He is an exceptional lawyer, widely regarded for his work at the FCC, and his government perspective and private sector experience on critical issues impacting companies in the telecommunications and media industries will be of immense value to our clients.”

Prior to joining the FCC, Lake was a partner at a large Washington law firm, where he led the communications and electronic commerce practice. He also has served as principal deputy legal adviser to the U.S. Department of State, counsel to the Council on Environmental Quality and counselor to the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.

“Wiley Rein has an unparalleled regulatory team with outstanding expertise in transactional and policy issues in the media and telecom sector,” said Lake. “Their preeminent TMT Group is one that combines regulatory prowess with public policy, international advocacy, trade, intellectual property, government contracts, and litigation experience. I am proud to join this team of consummate professionals.”

Lake served as a law clerk to John M. Harlan of the Supreme Court of the United States, and Henry J. Friendly of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in New York. He received his LL.B. degree from Stanford Law School and his B.A., summa cum laude, from Yale University.