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)
- 2018 Distinguished Service Award, Federal Communications Bar Association
Involvement
- Member, Federal Communications Bar Association
- 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
Recent Insights
Viewpoints
Hefty Fine is a Reminder of FCC’s Purview Over Certain Personal Hygiene and Wellness Devices
February 27, 2019|Blog
FAA Announces New UAS (Drone) Marking Rule
February 14, 2019|Alert
FAA Announces Draft Proposals for the UAS (Drone) Industry
January 17, 2019|Alert
News & Press
Laura Stefani, a telecommunications attorney at Mintz, is quoted within this feature article discussing what attorneys need to know as the Federal Communications Commission and other agencies focus on updating regulations to keep up with the demand for commercial drone usage.
Laura Stefani, a telecommunications and technology attorney at Mintz, authored this Law360 column discussing how California’s newly enacted net neutrality law and another new law may add an additional layer of regulation for manufacturers of certain "internet of things" devices.
Viewpoints
Hefty Fine is a Reminder of FCC’s Purview Over Certain Personal Hygiene and Wellness Devices
February 27, 2019 | Blog | By Laura Stefani
Do you manufacture, import, or market personal hygiene and wellness devices sold in drugstores? If so, you may be focused on U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) compliance, but may not have considered the requirements of another Federal regulatory agency: the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Manufacturing, importing, and/or marketing non-compliant personal hygiene, wellness and similar devices may violate the FCC’s rules.
FAA Announces New UAS (Drone) Marking Rule
February 14, 2019 | Alert | By Laura Stefani, Jonathan R. Markman
This article covers an immediate FAA rule change requiring markings for small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS, commonly known as drones). Beginning February 25, 2019, every UAS must have its registration number displayed and visible on the external surface of the aircraft.
FAA Announces Draft Proposals for the UAS (Drone) Industry
January 17, 2019 | Alert | By Laura Stefani, Jonathan R. Markman
Read about two FAA draft proposals concerning the commercial operations of small Unmanned Aircraft Systems, or drones, and how they could impact the industry and how drones are used.
Regulatory Challenges for the New Frontier of Medical Imaging: Terahertz Spectrum
November 15, 2018 | Blog | By Laura Stefani
Emerging medical imaging technologies being developed for the terahertz spectrum may face regulatory hurdles from an unexpected Federal agency: the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has jurisdiction over medical devices with respect to safety and effectiveness – including premarket approval, inspection of manufacturing facilities, and monitoring of post-market adverse events – the FCC has jurisdiction over certain technical and spectrum use requirements for medical devices that operate on radiofrequency (RF) spectrum. Medical device developers need to be aware of the current state of play at the FCC in these areas.
Congress Directs the FAA to Modify Drone Rules
October 8, 2018 | Alert | By Laura Stefani, Jonathan R. Markman
This alert provides a list of 10 important new directives to the FAA that should soon allow drones to be used for a broader array of commercial operations, including package deliveries, and hasten the integration of UAS into national airspace.
Trump Administration Botnet Report Will Impact IoT Device Makers – Things You Should Know
June 25, 2018 | Blog | By Christopher Harvie, Cynthia Larose, Laura Stefani
Manufacturers of wireless devices used for Internet of Things (IoT) applications should take heed of new Trump Administration proposals aimed at reducing the cybersecurity threats from botnets and other automated and distributed attacks.
Proposal for FCC Rules for UAS Command and Control Spectrum
May 2, 2018 | Alert | By Laura Stefani
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seeking public comment on a proposal by the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) to adopt service rules for the use of 5030-5091 MHz by small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS).
FCC to Facilitate Deployment of Small Satellites
May 1, 2018 | Advisory | By Laura Stefani
The Federal Communications Commission has proposed adding an innovative regulatory regime to Part 25 of its rules to enable deployment of small satellite systems. The proposal is aimed at NGSO-like small satellite systems engaged in small-scale operations using spacecraft with short life expectancies.
FAA to Expand UAS (Drone) Airspace Authorization Program
March 22, 2018 | Alert
Under the FAA’s rules governing the operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS, commonly known as “drones”) for non-recreational purposes, operations within a few miles of an airport (referred to as “controlled airspace”) are prohibited absent permission from Air Traffic Control (ATC).
News & Press
What Comms Attys Need To Know About Drone Regulations
November 1, 2018 | Law360
Laura Stefani, a telecommunications attorney at Mintz, is quoted within this feature article discussing what attorneys need to know as the Federal Communications Commission and other agencies focus on updating regulations to keep up with the demand for commercial drone usage.
How New Calif. Law Will Impact Device Cybersecurity
October 18, 2018 | Law360
Laura Stefani, a telecommunications and technology attorney at Mintz, authored this Law360 column discussing how California’s newly enacted net neutrality law and another new law may add an additional layer of regulation for manufacturers of certain "internet of things" devices.
Mintz Adds Wireless Tech Expert In DC
February 1, 2018 | Law360
The addition of Laura Stefani, a communications and FCC Regulation attorney, was featured in a February 1st Law360 article. Laura brings extensive experience in emerging wireless technologies, including emerging technologies involving internet of things and health care.
Mintz Expands Communications Practice in Washington, D.C. with Arrival of Laura Stefani
February 01, 2018
Mintz is pleased to welcome Laura A. Stefani to the firm. Ms. Stefani joins the Communications Section, where she will work with clients on creative regulatory solutions to bring new technologies to market.