Laura H. Phillips, chair of and partner in Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP’s Government and Regulatory Affairs practice group, yesterday assumed the presidency of the Federal Communications Bar Association (FCBA), the nation’s largest non-profit organization for communications lawyers and professionals.

Phillips, also a member of the firm’s Telecommunication & Mass Media Team, has more than 25 years of experience in nearly every aspect of the telecommunications market.  She counsels wireless and wired entrepreneurs on issues related to developing new technology.  Phillips is outside counsel to a major national wireless carrier, and regularly advises clients on managing government mandates, enforcement, hearings and compliance matters.  She has been ranked in the prestigious Chambers USA since 2009 in the Telecom, Broadcast & Satellite: Regulatory section.  

Phillips has been active in the FCBA for many years and has held numerous elected and appointed leadership positions within the organization including Secretary, Executive Committee member, Assistant Secretary and as former co-chair of the Wireless Telecommunications Practice Committee and co-chair of the Membership & Marketing Committee, among others. She also received the organization’s Distinguished Service Award for 2008-09.  

The Federal Communications Bar Association (FCBA) is a volunteer organization of attorneys, engineers, consultants, economists, government officials and law students involved in the study, development, interpretation and practice of communications and information technology law and policy. From broadband deployment to broadcast content, from emerging wireless technologies to emergency communications, from spectrum allocations to satellite broadcasting, the FCBA has more than 2,000 members and has been the leading organization for communications lawyers and other professionals since 1936.  

In addition to her activities with the FCBA, Phillips had chaired the Trinity University board of trustees for three years and served prior to that on the board for an additional six years.  She earned a bachelor’s degree from Trinity College, and a J.D. from American University, Washington College of Law.