
Laura works at the intersection of law, policy and technology, providing clients with creative regulatory solutions to bring new wireless technologies to market. Areas of focus include unlicensed and licensed wireless technologies, unmanned aircraft, satellite, medical devices, and the Internet of Things.
Before joining Mintz, Laura was a partner at a DC-area firm that serves technology, telecommunications, and media clients. She counseled clients on licensing, regulatory matters, and spectrum allocation issues and represented them before the Federal Communications Commission, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and other federal agencies. She also previously advised clients on wireless, broadband, internet, satellite, and telecommunications issues and worked on legislative matters at another DC-based telecommunications law firm.
Before turning her focus to telecommunications law, Laura practiced as a litigator for several years, primarily handling employment disputes and administrative law actions.
Education
- George Washington University (JD)
- Lawrence University (BA)
Experience
Medical Devices
- Counsel manufacturers on the choice of frequency range and FCC service rules for wireless medical devices and obtain waivers of the FCC’s rules to allow for the marketing of new wireless medical devices in the United States.
- Represent medical device manufacturers in FCC rulemaking proceedings related to specialized medical spectrum use and in FCC spectrum proceedings having the potential to affect their ability to use shared spectrum.
- Represent medical device trade associations before the FCC.
Unlicensed Devices
- Assist with U.S. market entry and FCC regulatory compliance relating to wireless devices used on unlicensed frequencies.
Unmanned Systems
- Advised clients (broadcasters, trade associations, energy companies) on state and local laws regarding privacy, trespass, and other limitations imposed on the operations of small unmanned aircraft (sUAS), and the implications of possible federal preemption of state and local jurisdiction. Also, monitored legislation regarding grant of additional preemption authority to the Federal Aviation Administration.
- Advised client on potential FAA waivers to allow sUAS used for taking RF measurements of communications towers to fly within the DCFRZ and in controlled airspace on a nationwide basis.
- Advised energy client on use of sUAS to inspect and monitor facilities, assisting the client in understanding the parameters of lawful use and the possibility of a waiver of the beyond-line-of-sight rule.
- Prepared Section 333 Exemption of FAA rules to allow for operations of sUAS.
- Counseled client on U.S. market entry for UAS detection system.
FCC Regulation
- Advised robotics manufacturer on FCC spectrum and operational requirements for indoor millimeter Wave frequency operations.
- Obtained waiver of Federal Communications Commission rules to allow robotics manufacturer to bring new consumer device to market.
Internet of Things
- Advise and advocate for clients on pre-market testing, device approval, and the use and allocation of spectrum related to the Internet of Things (IoT).
Radar Systems
- Advise on FCC licensing and regulatory scheme for short and long distance radar devices, and obtain regulatory relief.
Recognition & Awards
- Best Lawyers in America: Communications Law (2019 – 2020)
- Recommended by the Legal 500 United States for Telecom & Broadcast: Regulatory (2019)
- 2018 Distinguished Service Award, Federal Communications Bar Association
Involvement
- Member, Federal Communications Bar Association
- Co-chair, Internet of Things Committee, Federal Communications Bar Association
- Past Co-chair, Continuing Legal Education Committee, Federal Communications Bar Association
- Past Co-chair, Engineering and Technical Committee, Federal Communications Bar Association
- Past Co-chair, International Telecommunications Committee, Federal Communications Bar Association