Matthew B. Berry, former Chief of Staff and General Counsel at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), has joined Akin Gump as a partner in the communications and information technology section of its regulatory practice. Mr. Berry, who served as Chief of Staff under FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, brings to the firm more than 12 years of experience at the FCC handling a wide range of policy and legal issues, with a particular focus on those impacting the broadcast and cable industries.

As Chief of Staff, Mr. Berry provided strategic counsel on a wide array of policy issues, including: major telecommunications, cable and broadcast mergers; licensed and unlicensed spectrum; 5G; non-geostationary satellite systems; rural broadband; net neutrality; auctions; supply chain matters; and a major initiative to update the FCC’s broadcast and cable media regulations, including the modernization of the FCC’s media ownership rules.

As General Counsel, Mr. Berry supervised the representation of the Commission in federal court litigation, arguing significant cases in the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit and 2nd Circuit.

“Matthew is an incredible addition to our communications and information technology team,” said Akin Gump chairperson Kim Koopersmith, “His deep experience at the highest levels of the FCC will be a huge asset not only to our telecom clients, but also to our funds and restructuring clients who are making investments in the media and cable industries. He also brings valuable litigation experience on FCC matters that will perfectly complement our market-leading appellate practice. His mix of regulatory, policy and litigation skills is an ideal fit for us, and I’m thrilled to welcome him to Akin Gump.”

“Having worked with him before in private practice, I know Matthew to be among the brightest lawyers in the communications bar, and I’m delighted to welcome him to our team,” said communications and information technology section head Jennifer Richter. “He possesses a wealth of knowledge regarding key issues facing the telecom and technology industries. He also brings significant FCC experience that will be greatly beneficial to our clients as they seek to understand and address FCC initiatives and decisions that are pushing our industry in new and exciting directions. Matthew will offer invaluable perspectives on FCC decisions impacting our clients’ businesses.”

Added Mr. Berry, “Akin Gump is well known for its outstanding work in the media and telecom spaces, and for its excellence in handling clients’ interests before the FCC. With its strong regulatory bench in Washington and strength in other areas such as investment funds, public law and policy, international trade and appellate work, the firm offers an ideal platform for this next chapter in my career. I look forward to bringing my background and perspective to the firm and being a part of this incredible team.”

Prior to his lengthy tenure at the FCC, Mr. Berry served at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in the Office of Legal Policy as Counselor to the Assistant Attorney General and Senior Counsel, and as an Attorney-Adviser in the Office of Legal Counsel. While at DOJ, he earned the Department’s John Marshall Award for providing legal advice related to counterterrorism policy.

Mr. Berry previously served as a law clerk to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and Judge Laurence H. Silberman of the D.C. Circuit.

Mr. Berry received his J.D. from Yale Law School and his A.B., summa cum laude, from Dartmouth College.