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Steven F. Lederman
Senior Associate
Steve Lederman focuses his practice on communications law matters, including regulatory and transactional issues involving wireless, wireline, broadcast, and cable television providers and public safety agencies. Steve practices before the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and has an in-depth understanding of federal and state regulations and FCC decisions impacting communications providers. He provides strategic and legal advice to clients in the communications industry on regulatory and transactional matters. In addition, Steve has experience with communications-related antitrust and litigation matters.
Steve has extensive experience in the areas of wireless communications and public safety communications. He advises clients on FCC licensing matters, spectrum policy, and regulatory compliance. While serving as FCC regulatory counsel to FCC licensees during transactions, Steve conducts due diligence reviews of licenses, advises on securing regulatory approvals, and prepares and files FCC licensing applications, including for assignment of authorizations and transfer of control. He also drafts and reviews language in communications-related contracts, including purchase agreements.
Steve is a member of the Federal Communications Bar Association.
- Serving as a member of the legal team of the 800 MHz Transition Administrator, LLC (TA), which has administered the reconfiguration of more than 2,000 licensees in the 800 MHz band to new frequencies in order to address interference and improve public safety communications. The reconfiguration program is the largest such realignment of radio spectrum in the history of the FCC. Steve advises on matters involving licensee implementation issues, regulatory compliance, progress reporting, stakeholder outreach, publication of TA documents and website content, and development of TA policies.
- Serving as a mediator for negotiations between 800 MHz licensees and Sprint Corporation regarding reconfiguration agreements.
- Acting as counsel to companies concerning FCC rules and policies.
- Assisting FCC licensees with licensing matters and serving as FCC regulatory counsel to entities with wireless licenses during transactions. Steve’s experience includes assisting licensees with applications for new licenses, preparing applications to modify FCC licenses, conducting due diligence reviews of FCC licenses, and preparing and filing applications for assignment of authorizations and transfer of control of FCC licenses.
- Representing a cable television multiple system operator (MSO) in seeking deregulation of its cable franchises based upon effective competition and advising on federal statutes and regulations.
- Counseling a local franchise authority on federal regulations regarding cable television.
- Advising a communications provider regarding state laws and regulations.
- Advising information service providers with respect to federal and state regulations.
Education
- The George Washington University, J.D., 2002
- University of Wisconsin - Madison, B.A., with honors, 1999
Admissions
- District of Columbia, 2005
- New York, 2003
Languages
- English
- French
- Recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America 2021, 2023 and 2025 for Communications Law in Washington DC