DLA Piper welcomes Julie Kearney, former FCC Space Bureau Chief, as Co-Chair of the Space Exploration and Innovation Practice

DLA Piper is pleased to welcome Julie Kearney, former Chief of the Space Bureau at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), as Co-Chair of the Space Exploration and Innovation Practice and a partner in the Telecom Group. She will be based in the firm’s Washington, DC office.

Kearney is a dynamic leader in the satellite, telecom, space, and technology industries with more than 25 years of experience. As the first Chief of the Space Bureau at the FCC, she represented and served as spokesperson for the Chairwoman and Commissioners on satellite and space-based communication matters and represented the Commission at the domestic and international level.

Under Kearney’s leadership, the FCC unanimously adopted several regulatory frameworks and launched initiatives to successfully advance industry leadership in the New Space Age. Additionally, during her tenure as Chief, the FCC adopted a regulatory structure for Supplemental Coverage from Space, which made the FCC the first regulator in the world to issue a framework for connecting satellites directly to consumer handsets using spectrum previously allocated only to terrestrial service.

Before joining the FCC, Kearney served as the Vice President of Communications Regulatory Affairs and Policy at Twilio Inc., a publicly traded Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) provider, where she developed and implemented the company’s global telecommunications regulatory and policy and law enforcement response strategy. She also served as the Global Head of Communications Regulation and Policy for Loon, an Alphabet Inc. company, where she led international and US regulatory initiatives to bring internet access to unserved and underserved communities around the world via a network of balloons on the edge of space.

“Space is a dynamic frontier with a unique set of complex issues. Julie’s unmatched background will further enable us to provide clients with forward-thinking, innovative solutions,” said Christian Ford, Co-Chair of DLA Piper’s Space Exploration and Innovation Practice.

“Julie is a well-known and highly regarded figure in the satellite and space sector, and her ability to navigate opportunities for transformative services and innovative technologies in the US and around the world will expand our offerings for existing clients as well as open the door for new startups,” said Mike Senkowski, Co-Chair of DLA Piper’s US and Global Telecom Practice.

“From her leadership role in government to first-hand experience in the private sector, Julie’s insights will play a pivotal role in addressing the complex legal, regulatory, and technical issues facing businesses and investors across the satellite and space sector,” said William Minor, Managing Partner of DLA Piper’s Washington, DC office.

Kearney joins DLA Piper and its Telecom Group shortly after the arrival of former Verizon Business Group Senior Vice President, General Counsel John Frantz, former Federal Aviation Administration Chief Counsel Marc Nichols, and two satellite engineers, demonstrating the firm’s continued investment and commitment to the to serving the satellite and space sector’s needs.

DLA Piper’s Telecom Group is ranked Band 1 by both Chambers USA and US Legal 500 for its top-tier work on telecom regulatory matters and transactions. With lawyers and other telecom specialists worldwide, DLA Piper is well positioned to assist clients with multi-country and global deals in addition to regional and global strategies for market entry and product development.