Enforcement and Investigations

Every government investigation is a serious matter that requires immediate and experienced counsel. 

Regulatory investigations and enforcement actions, including Letters of Inquiry from the FCC, Civil Investigative Demands or access letters from the FTC, or subpoenas or informal inquiries from Congress or state attorneys general, have become increasingly complex and aggressive and are especially challenging because they require a complete understanding of the regulatory regime, the regulated industry, and the processes and procedures of the regulators.  In addition, government enforcement actions now routinely involve millions of dollars in penalties and structural or operational remedies. 

That’s why companies of all sizes turn to WBK to help them successfully navigate what can be a challenging dynamic.  Our record of success in handling complex investigations flows from our vast expertise and experience.   

WBK attorneys have dealt with a wide variety of investigations, with particular expertise on FCC enforcement.  WBK attorneys are recognized experts in their fields, with broad and deep substantive knowledge of the regulations and laws being enforced.  Moreover, our attorneys have worked closely with our industry clients for decades, several as in-house counsel, bringing an unparalleled understanding of the operational impact of those laws and regulations.  In recent years, we have handled over 100 FCC investigations, covering virtually every area of communications, telecommunications, and technology regulation.   

Critically, our team includes several attorneys that have served at senior levels in the US government, including: 

• a former Deputy Chief of the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau who helped create and organize the Bureau and lead it under FCC Chairmen of both parties; 
• a former Division Chief of the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau who personally led hundreds of investigations, enforcement actions, and settlement negotiations; 
• a former DOJ national security/cybersecurity prosecutor; 
• a former Acting General Counsel of the FCC; and 
• two former FCC Chiefs of Staff. 

Our team’s experience within government allows us to provide insight into both the enforcement processes and the decision-making that guides those processes.  WBK attorneys know enforcement from the inside out. WBK recognizes that every enforcement matter is important.  Our role goes far beyond the mechanics of dealing with an investigation and guiding a client through the process.  From Day 1, we focus on achieving the best possible result.  We work closely with clients to develop and implement the best strategic and advocacy approach tailored to the specific facts, law, and client goals at issue.  We are equally at home negotiating a settlement with the FCC or fighting back against alleged liability.  And, no matter how a given investigation develops, we’re never satisfied unless and until the client gets the best possible outcome.