WASHINGTON, Dec. 7, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP is pleased to announce that Russell P. Hanser will join the firm in January 2006 as a partner. Mr. Hanser spent his last three years as one of the leading FCC attorneys on wireline communications policy. During his FCC tenure, he held senior positions in the Wireline Competition Bureau, the Office of General Counsel, and most recently the Office of Commissioner Kathleen Abernathy, where he served as her Acting Legal Advisor for Wireline Competition Issues. Mr. Hanser played a key role in the development of the Commission's approach to competition policy, broadband deployment, and the regulation of IP-enabled services, and was significantly involved in critical Commission decisions such as the Triennial Review Order, the Triennial Review Remand Order and the IP-Enabled Services NPRM.
In welcoming Mr. Hanser to Wilkinson Barker, L. Andrew Tollin, managing partner of the firm, said, "Russ has been on the front lines of the most contested wireline issues at the Commission, and has emerged with a tremendous reputation for his piercing intellect, skillful writing, and sterling integrity. Russ strengthens and adds an important dimension to our existing wireline legal team."
Mr. Hanser commented, "The regulatory hurdles faced by communications companies in today's converging market are substantial, and I am delighted to have the opportunity to work closely with Wilkinson's clients to ensure they receive the very best advice to navigate these difficult challenges. With the recent addition of my former colleagues Bryan Tramont and David Solomon, the Firm extended its substantive reach and again demonstrated the value it places on advocates deeply rooted in communications law and policy. I look forward to joining the team."
While at the Commission, Mr. Hanser also served as an Adjunct Professor of Law at the George Washington University Law School. Previously, he was an attorney at Wilmer Cutler & Pickering, where he focused on pricing-related wireline competition matters, and at Ropes & Gray, where he practiced commercial litigation. Mr. Hanser clerked for Judge Norman H. Stahl on the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. He is an honors graduate of the Harvard Law School, where he was a Primary Editor on the Harvard Law Review. He received his Political Science degree magna cum laude from Amherst College. He is admitted to the District of Columbia and Massachusetts Bars.
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.