Legal Alerts Sep 20, 2022
Homeland Security Unveils State, Local and Cybersecurity Grant Program
First Application Deadline is Nov. 15; 80% Required Pass-Through to Local Governments
At a Glance
Gerry advocates against preemption of public and private property owners’ rights before state and federal legislative bodies and before corresponding regulatory agencies.
Lederer is a registered federal lobbyist and has both public and private sector advocacy experience protecting property rights and police powers when dealing with cable, small cell, broadband and telecommunications franchising and renewals.
Gerry is one of the nation’s leading authorities on marketplace solutions for deployment of small cells and other wireless technologies, as well as deployment of municipal broadband and WiFi services.
Gerard Lavery Lederer’s unique background as a nationally recognized telecommunications, cable and small cell lawyer combined with his experiences as a registered federal lobbyist provides clients unparalleled service in seeking both legislative and transactional solutions. Prior to joining Best Best & Krieger LLP as a partner in the Municipal Law practice group in Washington, D.C., Gerry was an attorney with Miller & Van Eaton, a highly regarded local government rights of way law firm.
Understanding the Marketplace
Gerry is one of the nation’s leading authorities on marketplace solutions for the seamless integration of cable and wireless technology into communities. He authored “Critical Connections” and “Wired for Profit,” two leading guides on the integration of telecommunications technology in the built environment. He developed the first model license agreements for access to buildings and rooftops to promote cooperative relations between telecommunications service providers and property owners, while protecting both parties’ interests. He has facilitated the negotiations on some of the leading cable franchise and small cell agreements in the nation.
A Voice for Local Government
Gerry advocates for public and private property owners regarding issues of law and policy arising from federal and state communications legislation and regulation. Gerry serves as legislative counsel and lead Washington advocate for TeleCommUnity, a collection of local governments dedicated to ensuring respect for local rights in federal legislative and regulatory activity. He has also led numerous FCC coalitions of local governments on cable and wireless regulations.
Since arriving in Washington, D.C. in 1985 as the City of Philadelphia’s Washington advocate, Gerry has served as Washington legislative counsel to a number of local governments and agencies, including as lead advocate for local governments on infrastructure issues and as general counsel of the United States Conference of Mayors. He has also served as executive director of advocacy and research advancement for the Building Owners and Managers Association, International and executive director of government affairs for the United States Telephone Association. Prior to his career in Washington, he served as the chief deputy city commissioner for the City of Philadelphia. This position oversees the city’s voter registration and election day. He is a member of the Federal Communications Bar Association and the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors from whom he has received numerous Ovation Awards and was the 2011 NATOA Member of the Year. Gerry was selected to the 2022 The Best Lawyers in America®
list for Communications Law and was named the Outstanding Associate Member of the International Municipal Lawyers Association in 2020.
Education
- Temple University Beasley School of Law, J.D.
- Haverford College, B.A.
Admissions
- District of Columbia
- Maryland
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
Awards
- The Best Lawyers in America®, Communications Law, 2021–2023
- Outstanding Associate Member, International Municipal Lawyers Association, 2020
- Member of the Year Award, National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors, 2011
Community Involvement
- Member of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, Potomac, Maryland
- Assistant Scout Master of Troop 461
- Fathers Club of Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart
Authored Articles & Publications Sep 02, 2022
Current Rules & Future Happenings In Cable Franchising
BB&K’s Gerard Lavery Lederer and Cheryl Leanza Address In-Kind and Mixed-Use Rules in Municipal Maryland Article
Legal Alerts Aug 11, 2022
FCC Creates $100 Million Outreach Grant Program for Affordable Connectivity Program
Local Governments Eligible to Compete for These Funds
Legal Alerts Jun 14, 2022
Process for Federal Internet Infrastructure & Digital Equity Fund Distribution Begins
State Deadlines Are in Mid-July; Localities Should Start Consulting With Their States Now
Authored Articles & Publications Apr 04, 2022
Wireless Landlords: Checklist for Protecting Landlord Rights and Budgets
In March/April Cover Story of ABA's Probate & Property Magazine, Authors Note Landlords Should Be Prepared to Deal with Tower Lease and License Issues
Legal Alerts Jan 18, 2022
FCC Issues New Guidance for Affordable Connectivity Program
Local Government Voices Have Been Heard
Legal Alerts Jan 07, 2022
U.S. Treasury Releases Final Rule on ARPA Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds
Final Rule, Considered Victory for Local Governments, Takes Effect in April 2022
Legal Alerts Nov 16, 2021
Monumental $1.2 Trillion Bill Passed to Revitalize the Nation’s Infrastructure
Highlights of the Bill President Biden Signed Into Law on Nov. 15
Legal Alerts Sep 03, 2021
California’s New $6 Billion Broadband Program: How Can It Assist Your Community?
Localities Should Take Advantage of Grant Programs Before Application Deadlines Close
Authored Articles & Publications Jul 20, 2021
ARPA Guidance for Municipalities
Six Main Categories for Recipients, Writes Attorneys Ana Schwab, Andre Monette and Gerard Lavery Lederer in PublicCEO
Legal Alerts Jul 14, 2021
Sixth Circuit Cable Order Challenged by City Coalitions
Franchise Requirements Should Not be Treated as Franchise Fees and Cable Operators Can be Charged Fees on Non-Cable Services, Cities Argue
Legal Alerts Jun 18, 2021
Treasury Releases ARPA State and Local Recovery Funding Compliance and Reporting Requirements/Deadlines
Guidance Includes Four Key Principles to Know
Legal Alerts May 25, 2021
Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund Guidance for NEUs
U.S. Treasury Provides Direction on Distribution to Non-Entitlement Units of Local Government
Legal Alerts May 10, 2021
U.S. Treasury Releases Guidance on the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds
Six Ways the Funds Can be Used
Legal Alerts Feb 03, 2021
FCC Continues to Undercut Local Authority on OTARD
Oversight of Satellite Dishes and Certain Antennas Curtailed
Legal Alerts Jan 05, 2021
FCC Further Regulates Artificial or Prerecorded Voice Calls
Public Agencies Using Robocalls Have New Limitations/Obligations
Legal Alerts Dec 15, 2020
FCC Clarifies That Prohibitions on Robocalls Apply to Local Governments
Telephone Consumer Protection Act and Public Agencies
Legal Alerts Nov 17, 2020
Cell Site Landlords: Expect Increase in Requests to Install Generators
Don’t Surrender Your Property Rights
Legal Alerts Aug 17, 2020
5G Infrastructure Decision Mixed for Local Governments
Ninth Circuit Takes on FCC Small Cell Orders
Legal Alerts Jun 22, 2020
FCC Adopts Rules that Could Impact Concealment of Wireless Infrastructure
How Communities Can Respond
Legal Alerts Nov 12, 2019
FCC Denies Cable Franchise Order Stay Request But Provides Implementation Guidance
Deadline for Appeal Coming Soon
Legal Alerts Oct 31, 2019
Reminder: New Federal 911 Law Goes Into Effect in February
Kari’s Law Sets New Requirements for Multi-Line Telephone Systems
Authored Articles & Publications Oct 18, 2019
A Texas Bill Reducing Telecom Right of Way Fees Could Set Trends in Other States
In the Practical Law Journal, BB&K Partner Gerard Lederer Explains How Such Laws Could Impact Cities’ Revenue
Legal Alerts Aug 06, 2019
FCC Releases Cable Order that Will Cost Communities Hundreds of Millions of Dollars
BB&K Summarizes Order’s Four Major Elements and Offers Response Options
Authored Articles & Publications May 06, 2019
FCC’s OTARD Rule Proposal: Comment Period Open
Partner Gerry Lederer Discusses New Developments in PublicCEO
Legal Alerts Apr 22, 2019
Further FCC Assault on Local Zoning
Join Coalition to Fight Proposed Expansion of OTARD Rule
Legal Alerts Jan 14, 2019
New FCC Shot Clocks and Other Rules Preempting Local Authority Over Wireless Take Effect Today
Federal Shutdown Does Not Delay Implementation
Legal Alerts Sep 25, 2018
FCC Takes First of Two Actions: Could Cost Local Government Billions in Next Decade
Communities Coalition Forming Now
Legal Alerts Sep 12, 2018
Proposed FCC Actions Will Limit Local Control and Cut Revenues
Immediate Action Needed — Community Coalition Forming
Legal Alerts Aug 08, 2018
FCC Bans Moratoria on Communications Facilities Deployment
FCC Bans Moratoria on Communications Facilities Deployment
Legal Alerts May 07, 2018
Cell Tower Landlord’s Checklist
Know Your Rights Amid Mobile Carrier Mega Mergers
Legal Alerts Feb 16, 2018
New Federal 911 Law Could Impact Many Public Agencies and Businesses
Kari’s Law Sets New Requirements for Multi-Line Telephone Systems
Legal Alerts Feb 12, 2018
Federal Infrastructure Outline Released
Details Local Agencies Need are Included
Legal Alerts Jan 31, 2018
A Peek Inside the Trump Infrastructure Plan: What Local Government Agencies Should Know
The State of the Union Address and a Leaked Memo Give the Insight We’ve Been Waiting For
Legal Alerts Jan 30, 2018
Red Flags on Wireless: A Recent Resignation Signals Industry-Weighted Regulations Ahead
Local Governments Should Speak Up Now for Local Control
Authored Articles & Publications Jan 30, 2018
Local Government Reaction is Swift to FCC’s Wireless Regulation Actions
By Joseph Van Eaton, Gerard Lavery Lederer and Gail A. Karish
Legal Alerts Oct 31, 2017
Drones: A Legal and Regulatory Update
Recent White House and Federal Court Action Impacting Future UAS Regulations
Authored Articles & Publications Jul 12, 2017
Good News for Public Agencies and Communities on Regulation of Cable Systems
By Joseph Van Eaton and Gerard Lavery Lederer
Legal Alerts May 17, 2017
New Potential Threats to Communities from the FCC
Comments Due Soon — BB&K Coalition Formed to Respond
Legal Alerts Jan 18, 2017
The Trump Infrastructure Plan
How BB&K Can Help Your Agency Position and Respond
Authored Articles & Publications Jan 10, 2017
HUD Issues New Broadband Mandates
Rules Ensure Broadband-Ready Developments
Legal Alerts Nov 15, 2016
The Future of U.S. Infrastructure and Local Control Amid Post-Election Uncertainty
Post-Election Opportunities for Local Government Agencies
Legal Alerts Sep 28, 2016
Regulation of Antennas In Rights of Way Based on Aesthetic Concerns Upheld
Court Allows City’s Ordinance
Legal Alerts Aug 24, 2016
New Rules Impact PEG Access Stations’ Responsibilities Regarding Closed Captioning
Additional Reporting and Compliance Requirements
Legal Alerts Jun 30, 2016
E-Rate Program Proposed Expansion
FCC Looking to Increase Eligibility for Reimbursement
Legal Alerts Jun 27, 2016
HUD Proposes Two New Rules on Broadband Infrastructure and Consolidated Planning
Failure to Comply Could Impact HUD Funding
Legal Alerts Jun 22, 2016
FCC’s Lifeline Order
Opportunities for Public Housing Residents and Local Government Agencies
Authored Articles & Publications Apr 19, 2016
[PRESENTATION] Telecommunications 2016: The Challenges Facing Local Government
By Joseph Van Eaton and Gerard Lavery Lederer
Legal Alerts Apr 14, 2016
FCC Proposed Rule Will Change Business Data Services (Also Known as “Special Access”) Marketplace
Public and Private Agencies' Rates Could Be Impacted
Legal Alerts Feb 19, 2016
FCC Opens Door to New Regime of Multichannel Video Programming
FCC Will Seek Comments
Authored Articles & Publications May 27, 2015
Cellphone Tower Regulation: Maximizing Revenue While Protecting Local Interests
By Joseph Van Eaton and Gerard Lavery Lederer
Authored Articles & Publications Feb 09, 2015
Landlord’s Checklist For Cell Tower Transfers
By Gerard Lavery Lederer
- "Gerard Lederer and McKenzie Schnell: FCC Continues to Undercut Local Authority on OTARD," Broadband Breakfast, Feb. 4, 2021
- “Good News for Public Agencies and Communities on Regulation of Cable Systems,” BBKnowledge, July 12, 2017
- “Trillion Dollar Infrastructure Investment Watch: “Parameters,” But Not Full Plan to be Released this Month,” BBKnowledge, May 23, 2017
- “Local Government in the Crosshairs,” BBKnowledge, April 13, 2017
- “Infrastructure Plan Watch: Hearings, Meetings and a Speech… but no White House Proposal,” BBKnowledge, March 10, 2017
- “FCC Shot Clock Not Tolled by Applicant Delays or Vague Notice of Incompleteness, Court Finds,” BBKnowledge, Jan. 10, 2017
- “HUD Issues New Broadband Mandates,” BBKnowledge, Jan. 3, 2017
- “HUD Seeks to Widen Broadband Accessibility,” BBKnowledge, Aug. 3, 2016
- HUD and FCC Broadband Services Expansion Proposals,” BBKnowledge, June 30, 2016
- Cell Siting Dilemmas,” BBKnowledge, April 20, 2016
- “Cell Towers: Be Prepared or Beware of the Substantial Change to Come,” BBKnowledge, Feb. 24, 2015
- “New FCC Rules Will Require New Approach to Siting of Wireless Facilities,” BBKnowledge, Nov. 6, 2014
- “December 3 Deadline for Submitting Federal Water Projects,” BBKnowledge, Oct. 9, 2014
- “Franchise Renewal and Cable Regulation in the Digital World,” BBKnowledge, Oct. 3, 2014
- “Regulatory Threat to Water and Wastewater Treatment Facilities,” BBKnowledge, July 18, 2014
- “Developments in Water Law,” BB&K Legal Alert, June 10, 2014
- “WIFIA: New $350 Million Water Project Federal Financing Program*,” BBKnowledge, May 23, 2014
