WASHINGTON, June 14, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Bryan Tramont, Chief of Staff of the Federal Communications Commission under former Chairman Michael Powell, will become a partner in Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP, a Washington, D.C. communications law firm, in September 2005 after completing a visiting professorship this summer.
As FCC Chief of Staff, Mr. Tramont directed the agency's staff in implementing FCC policies in all areas of regulation. Before being elevated by Chairman Powell to the Chief of Staff post, Mr. Tramont was the Chairman's Senior Legal Advisor, advising him generally on FCC agenda and circulate issues, and specifically on wireless, international, technology, and consumer issues. Mr. Tramont also served as Senior Legal Advisor to Commissioner Kathleen Abernathy and, before that, to Commissioner Harold Furchtgott-Roth. Before joining the FCC in 1999, Mr. Tramont practiced communications law at Wiley Rein and Fielding in Washington, D.C. He also served as a law clerk for the Honorable Duane Benton on the Supreme Court for his home state of Missouri.
Mr. Tramont is an adjunct law professor at The Catholic University of America, and currently is the Silicon Flatirons Visiting Professor at the University of Colorado's Interdisciplinary Telecommunications Program in Boulder, where he is co-teaching (with Professors Dale Hatfield and Phil Weiser) a telecommunications policy course titled "Foundations of Telecommunications Policy." Mr. Tramont serves on the Executive Committee of the Federal Communications Bar Association, and was awarded the organization's Distinguished Service Award. He is the author of numerous articles on communications policy and is a frequent speaker and lecturer at academic and industry events.
Bryan Tramont graduated summa cum laude from The George Washington University with a degree in political science. He earned his law degree from Yale Law School, where he served as editor of the Yale Law & Policy Review.
L. Andrew Tollin, managing partner of Wilkinson Barker, said, "Bryan's leadership abilities, wide-ranging substantive knowledge and good judgment were proven over and over in the many roles he played at the FCC. Bryan will be an important addition to our practice, and we are delighted to welcome him to our firm." Mr. Tramont commented, "Government service is an honor and privilege and I will miss all the talented professionals and my close friends at the Commission. Leaving government has been easier because I am so proud to be joining the Wilkinson Barker team. Over my years at the FCC, I have always admired their legal skill, passionate advocacy and strong values. I look forward to building on that fine tradition of excellence."
Mr. Tramont, who can be reached effective today at 202-383-3331 or at btramont@wbklaw.com, is the second high-ranking FCC official to join Wilkinson Barker recently. David H. Solomon, until recently Chief of the FCC Enforcement Bureau, also became a partner in the firm this week.
Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP is one of the largest law firms in the nation dedicated to the practice of communications and technology law. The firm assists U.S. and foreign clients ranging from Fortune 50 companies to small start-ups in regulatory, transactional and litigation matters involving all aspects of telecommunications and mass media. More information about the firm can be found at www.wbklaw.com.