Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP (WBK) is pleased to announce that Slate Herman is joining the firm as Legislative Counsel in the Washington, DC, office. Slate comes to WBK after serving as Counsel for the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce.

In his role on the House committee, Slate took charge of shaping wireline and satellite communication policy, playing a pivotal part in crafting and refining legislation on a wide range of communications issues. These included the reauthorization of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and efforts to address national security concerns on large social media platforms, remove barriers to broadband deployment, and shorten satellite licensing timelines. He spearheaded discussions on crucial topics such as rural broadband deployment, NTIA oversight, and the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. Slate also participated in fostering bipartisan, bicameral collaboration to overhaul the FCC’s Universal Service Fund Program and efforts to reform the Affordability Connectivity Program.

Before his tenure on Capitol Hill, Slate served as an attorney advisor in NTIA’s Office of the Chief Counsel. In this capacity, he provided invaluable counsel on NTIA’s grant programs, including the Connecting Minority Communities Program, the Broadband Infrastructure Program, the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program, the Digital Equity Programs, and the BEAD Program.

WBK is excited to welcome Slate to the firm and provide our clients with his extensive experience in legislative drafting and exceptional insight to the workings of Capitol Hill.

“We have known Slate and been fans of his for many years – beginning with his tenure as a WBK summer associate through his various roles in government,” said Managing Partner Bryan Tramont. “We look forward to welcoming Slate back to the team and bringing his legislative know-how and NTIA expertise to our client work at this critical juncture.”

“Leaving Capitol Hill is bittersweet, but I am excited to bring the insights and experiences I’ve gained on Capitol Hill to my new role at WBK,” said Herman. “The rapidly evolving telecommunications landscape presents unique challenges and opportunities, and I look forward to helping our clients navigate this complex terrain.”

Slate received his J.D. from the University of Colorado Law School and a B.S. in Business Administration from the Grand Canyon University.