Madeleine M. Lottenbach

Madi provides legal counsel and strategic advice to technology, media, and telecommunications clients on domestic and international communications matters. Her representation includes some of the largest and most successful satellite operators, wireless providers, equipment manufacturers, and industry trade associations before U.S. and international agencies including the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

Representative Matters

• Assists clients with licensing of satellite and earth stations before the FCC. Provides counsel on satellite service regulations, including rules for NGSO, GSO, and small satellite systems, fixed- and mobile-satellite services, earth exploration satellite services, inter-satellite services, and earth stations in motion.
• Advises radio frequency device manufacturers and importers on FCC equipment authorization rules and applicable technical and operational requirements. Assists clients in securing equipment authorization, as well as authority for testing or demonstration of devices prior to completion equipment authorization.
• Offers counsel on Internet and Internet governance-related issues in the U.S. and abroad, including at the ITU. This includes counsel on the Internet of Things (IoT), net neutrality, privacy, cybersecurity, cross-border data flow, and digital trade matters. Served as a private sector member of the U.S. delegation to the 2018 Plenipotentiary Conference of the ITU.
• Counsels clients on compliance with federal tower and antenna siting rules under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).
• Represents clients in enforcement proceedings before the FCC, and assists clients in developing compliance plans and satisfying other requirements related to enforcement decisions.
• Conducts regulatory due diligence and risk assessments for communications transactions.
• Maintains an active pro bono practice. Madi provides counsel to the Space Generation Advisory Counsel, a non-profit organization representing university students and young space professionals before the United Nations, space agencies, industry, and academia. Madi also assists low-income individuals and families, persons with disabilities, and limited English-speaking taxpayers in preparing their federal and state income tax returns, as well as represents victims of human trafficking.

Professional Experience

• Legal Intern, U.S. Department of Commerce, NTIA, Office of Public Safety Communications (2013-2014)
• Intern, U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Organization Affairs (2013)

Affiliations

• Federal Communications Bar Association (FCBA)
  • Co-Chair of the Engineering and Technical Committee (2021-Present)
  • Charity Auction Committee (2020-Present)
  • Co-Chair of the International Telecommunications Committee (2019-2021)
• International Bar Association (IBA)
• American Bar Association (ABA)
• Women’s Bar Association (WBA)

Recognitions

• Recognized by The Legal 500 US in Telecom and Broadcast: Regulatory (2022)
• Included in The Best Lawyers in America directory of “Ones to Watch” for Communications Law (2023-2025) and Technology Law (2024-2025)