Laura A. Stefani
Partner
Laura also serves as transactional counsel, advising clients on FCC regulatory strategies, including M&A transactions and negotiating agreements related to communications services. She provides counsel on business planning and handling the day-to-day regulatory requirements for regulated entities and defends clients against FCC enforcement investigations. Her years of legal and policy experience allow her to break down complex technical concepts and translate "Inside the Beltway" terms into clear language to provide her clients with a comprehensive understanding of their legal options.
Experience
Experience
Representative Matters
New Technologies
- Guided manufacturers of wireless power transfer systems with FCC approvals for U.S. market entry
- Advised and advocated for clients on pre-market testing, RF safety compliance, device approval, and the use and allocation of spectrum related to the Internet of Things (IoT) technologies
- Counseled manufacturers on the choice of frequency range and service rules for wireless devices, and obtained necessary waivers of the FCC's rules to allow for the marketing of new wireless devices in the United States
- Represented a medical device trade association before the FCC in a range of regulatory issues
- Led a coalition of unlicensed spectrum users responding to proposed rule changes
- Advised on FCC's licensing and regulatory scheme for short-range and long-distance radar devices, and obtained numerous waivers of the FCC's rules for various radar systems
Satellite
- Advised satellite operators, earth station licensees, technology developers, and other clients on U.S. rules and policies regarding space and earth station operations in the United States, including licensing, regulatory fees, orbital debris, and relevant regulatory changes
- Developed regulatory strategy for satellite operators to access the U.S. market and guided these clients in business planning
- Assisted clients with satellite regulatory issues worldwide, with a focus on market access and obtaining temporary and permanent licenses
Transactional
- Provided guidance and business planning advice to multiple clients around the country regarding multi-tenant environments (MTEs)
- Counseled a client on state and federal regulatory issues concerning indefeasible rights of use
- Provided regulatory advice and due diligence for the sale, merger, and other transactions involving broadcast, satellite, and telecommunications entities
Unmanned Systems
- Advised clients (broadcasters, trade associations, energy companies) on state and local laws regarding privacy, trespass, and other limits imposed on the operations of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) and the implications of possible federal preemption of state and local jurisdiction
- Aided clients in understanding the lawful use of sUAS to inspect and monitor facilities, advised on possible waivers of FAA rules, and counseled a client on U.S. market entry for a UAS detection system
Insights
Insights
Credentials
Credentials
Education
- J.D. The George Washington University Law School
- B.A. Economics magna cum laude Lawrence University
Bar Admissions
- District of Columbia
Professional Memberships and Activities
- Co-chair, Woman's Leadership Committee, Federal Communications Bar Association
- Past co-chair, Federal Communications Bar Association
- Internet of Things Committee
- Continuing Legal Education Committee
- Engineering and Technical Committee
- International Telecommunications Committee
Recognition
Recognition
- The Best Lawyers in America, Communications Law, 2019 – 2025
- Legal 500, Telecom & Broadcast: Regulatory, 2019 – 2020
- Federal Communications Bar Association, Distinguished Service Award, 2018