President of the Federal Communications Bar Joins Pillsbury in DC

Petro has more than 20 years’ experience representing broadcasting, wireless and telecommunications companies in navigating the intersection of technology and regulatory developments. He helps develop innovative solutions to clients’ spectrum needs through acquisitions, leasing, experimental licensing and regulatory waivers, and representing clients before the Federal Communications Commission and other agencies.

Petro also advises on distributed ledger and Blockchain technologies in the advertising, supply chain and insurance industries. In healthcare, he advises on federal and state regulations for digital health and telemedicine services, including funding strategies, cybersecurity and privacy.

“Lee’s well-rounded practice enhances the diversity of our service offering and supports the firm’s technology industry focus—particularly in connection with emerging technology and data privacy,” said Communications practice leader Glenn Richards. “His addition strengthens what is already one of the top teams in the communications sector and we’re thrilled to welcome him.”

Petro was elected president of the 2,000-member Federal Communications Bar Association in June; the group’s multidisciplinary membership helps drive the development, interpretation and practice of communications law and policy. In addition to serving in numerous leadership roles, he was named Volunteer of the Year in 2013 for his work with the FCBA’s charitable arm, the FCBA Foundation, which was formed over two decades ago during Pillsbury alum Richard Zaragoza’s tenure as FCBA president. Petro has served on Law360’s Telecommunications Editorial Advisory Board for the past two years and has been a member of the Board of Trustees for the Washington Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs since 2014.

“I am thrilled to join what is widely considered one of the preeminent communications groups in the U.S.,” Petro said. “With a dedicated group of communications practitioners that are singularly focused on this increasingly complex sector, Pillsbury is ideally suited to the needs of my clients and I look forward to being a part of this exceptional team.”

Backed by more than 100 years of experience, Pillsbury’s Communications practice is a market leader in the U.S. and has been instrumental in helping to shape the sector. Pillsbury’s Communications lawyers are involved in nearly every facet of U.S. communications policymaking, rulemaking and litigation before the FCC, state public utility commissions and the courts. The practice has a depth of transactional experience that comes from handling more than $150 billion worth of communications industry acquisitions, joint ventures, financings and other transactions.