Christine (“Chris”) McLaughlin

Senior Managing Attorney

Christine McLaughlin has more than 20 years’ experience representing clients in a variety of communications and technology industries.

t. (703) 714-1328

Biography

Christine (“Chris”) McLaughlin brings nearly three decades of extensive experience in representing clients across the communications and technology sectors. Her distinguished career includes positions at both small, specialized communications boutiques and prominent AMJUR 100 law firms. Chris has successfully guided a diverse range of clients, from innovative start-ups and non-profit organizations to large publicly traded companies, navigating the complexities of licensing, regulatory compliance, and transactional law.

Chris’s practice is deeply rooted in licensing and regulatory compliance, with a particular focus on matters before the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and state Public Utility Commissions (PUCs). She has a proven track record of ensuring her clients’ adherence to regulatory requirements while facilitating their growth and innovation. Her expertise extends to a broad spectrum of transactional matters, where she has skillfully handled mergers and acquisitions, product licensing, and reseller and distribution arrangements for telecommunications and media companies.

Known as a contracts law guru, Chris excels in crafting and negotiating complex commercial agreements. Her ability to understand and address the nuances of various business models and commercial structures is unmatched, making her a go-to resource for clients facing challenging negotiations or seeking innovative solutions to business agreements.

In addition to her proficiency in telecommunications and technology law, Chris has substantial experience representing broadcasters and other radio-spectrum licensees before the FCC. Her knowledge of spectrum management and broadcasting regulations has been invaluable to clients navigating this highly regulated space.

Chris also possesses in-depth experience with issues arising from the FCC’s nationwide 911 and E-911 laws, rules, and regulations. She is well-versed in the complexities of ensuring compliance with these critical emergency communication requirements. Additionally, Chris has extensive knowledge of Kari’s Law, which mandates direct dialing of 911 from multi-line telephone systems, and RAY BAUM’s Act, which requires the provision of accurate caller location information to emergency services. Her expertise in these areas has been instrumental in helping clients understand and implement the necessary measures to comply with these laws, thereby ensuring that their communication systems contribute to public safety.

Chris McLaughlin’s combination of legal acumen, strategic insight, and a deep understanding of the communications and technology industries makes her an invaluable asset to her clients. Whether advising on regulatory compliance, structuring complex transactions, or advocating before the FCC, Chris is committed to delivering results that align with her clients’ business objectives and long-term success.

From 2007 through 2010, Ms. McLaughlin published a regular column in “Making Waves,” the magazine then published by the Alliance for Women in Media (f/k/a American Women in Radio and Television).

Ms. McLaughlin has served on the boards of the Alliance for Women in Media and its associated 501(c)(3) foundation.

Ms. McLaughlin is a graduate of Fordham University, and earned her Juris Doctorate at the Catholic University of America’s Columbus School of Law, where she also earned a certificate from the Institute for Communications Law.

Ms. McLaughlin admitted to practice in the District of Columbia.  She is a member of the Federal Communications Bar Association.

Ms. McLaughlin co-taught a class on media transaction due diligence for the National Association of Broadcasters Educational Foundation’s Broadcast Leadership Training program from 2014-2016.

In 2020 and 2021, Ms. McLaughlin co-presented webinars regarding Kari’s Law and RAY BAUM’s Act compliance.

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