Wiley Rein’s Media Group Rated Among Washington’s Best; Richard E. Wiley and Kathleen A. Kirby Named “Exceptional Individuals”

June 21, 2007

The 2007 edition of Chambers USA:  America’s Leading Lawyers for Business recognizes Wiley Rein’s Media Practice as one of the best in Washington, DC and singles out Managing Partner Richard E. Wiley as a “Leading Lawyer” and Of Counsel Kathleen Kirby as an “Industry Up and Comer.”

Chambers reports that “clients were quick to praise” Wiley Rein’s “excellent FCC regulatory work” and notes that the group “deals with radio and television clients, handling all regulation requirements and assisting in the transition to digital broadcasting.”  Recent representations include the Newspaper Association of America and Gannett in appellate proceedings against FCC media ownership issues and Comcast on the FCC requirements of its acquisition of Comcast Corp. and Time Warner.

The Media Practice is led by former FCC Chairman and “heart of the firm” Dick Wiley, whose “previous experience as a regulator for the FCC makes him an ‘expert of a high caliber’ and gives him a unique insight into complex FCC matters.”

Kathleen Kirby, “one of the few lawyers who deal with FCC issues and First Amendment work,” is highly recommended for her “specialty in representing reporters and news gathering work.” Clients told the publisher that she is “smart, down-to-earth and produces terrific written work.”

The Chambers ratings are based on extensive interviews of law firms’ clients, colleagues and competitors.  Inclusion in the directory is determined through a rigorous vetting process whereby Chambers researchers evaluate law firms and attorneys on a number of factors.