WASHINGTON, D.C. – Four experienced communications attorneys have joined Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP in its Washington, D.C. office. John Heitmann, Steven Augustino, and Joshua Guyan all join as partners from Kelley Drye, where they were also partners. All are recognized in the 2021 Chambers USA guide in the Telecommunications Regulatory field.  Debra McGuire Mercer, also formerly of Kelley Drye, joins as of counsel.

“We are pleased to welcome John, Steve, Josh and Debra to our Washington office,” said the firm’s Washington office leader Chris Cushing. “Communications clients are subject to intense and increasing public and regulatory scrutiny. This proven team brings to the office a keen sense of business opportunities, as well as the insight and experience to manage the policy and regulatory risks of communications transactions in a dynamic market.”

The four bring an extensive practice involving the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC’s) Universal Service Fund (USF), representing both communications providers receiving broadband support through the USF and contributors to the USF.  Their experience encompasses policy advocacy, compliance counseling, audits and enforcement defense, and appeals before agencies and the courts. In addition, the group counsels communications providers and emerging technology companies on federal and state regulatory strategy, compliance, telecommunications, privacy, and information security matters.

“John, Steve, Josh, and Debra all have extensive experience representing clients before the Federal Communications Commission and other regulatory bodies,” noted Geof Vickers, head of the firm’s Technology, Outsourcing, Procurement and Privacy Team. “Their experience in broadband matters and emerging technologies will be a great asset to our team and clients.”

“The depth and reach of Nelson Mullins’ coast-to-coast platform will enable us to provide an enhanced level and range of services to our clients, and we are excited to add our capabilities on cutting-edge communications and broadband matters to the services the firm can offer existing clients,” said Heitmann.

Heitmann is a leading advocate for mobile wireless service providers participating in the FCC’s Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Programs. He also counsels international and domestic entities ranging from start-ups to the industry giants on regulatory strategy involving new business models and product offerings, policy, compliance, and investigations at the federal and state levels. He advises clients on complying with the Communications Act, the Federal Trade Commission Act, and other federal and state laws governing telecommunications, privacy, and information security. 

Augustino’s practice focuses on USF contributions, E-rate and Universal Service audits and investigations. He also is a leading practitioner in anti-robocall technologies and Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) matters. For over 25 years, he has guided clients through the shifting policies, exponential growth, and extraordinary innovation in the telecommunications industry. His clients include companies and organizations from around the world, including major wireless service providers, manufacturers, trade associations, and emerging telecom businesses.

Guyan advises Lifeline providers and other providers of wireline, wireless, Voice over Internet Protocol, and satellite services. He has particular experience in domestic and international compliance and licensing, as well as USF and broadband affordability programs. He also counsels technology companies and unlicensed and licensed users of spectrum on compliance strategies and advanced communications providers on disability access under the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA). Guyan advocates on behalf of clients at the FCC, before state commissions, and on Capitol Hill.

Mercer focuses on communications regulation and judicial and administrative litigation. She represented one of the largest Lifeline providers for nearly two decades and regularly represents clients in adjudicatory, enforcement, and rulemaking proceedings before the FCC as well as state public utility commissions and courts. She has worked with clients in several industries, including casino gaming, real estate, healthcare, hospitality, and consumer communications.

Established in 1897, Nelson Mullins has more than 930 attorneys and government relations professionals with offices in 14 states and Washington, D.C. For more information on the firm, go to www.nelsonmullins.com.