Partner

Gerard Lavery Lederer

He/Him

gerard.lederer@bbklaw.com

(202) 370-5304

Washington, D.C.

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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 has been consistently recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® for Communications Law since 2022 and was named the Outstanding Associate Member of the International Municipal Lawyers Association in 2020.

Accolades

Burk E. (Buck) Delventhal Legal Advocacy Award, International Municipal Lawyers Association, 2024
The Best Lawyers in America®, Communications Law, 2021–2025
President’s Award: Outstanding Associate Member, International Municipal Lawyers Association, 2020
Member of the Year Award, National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors, 2011

Professional & Community Involvement

Federal Communications Bar Association
The National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors
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

Thought Leadership

Publications

“Local Gov'ts Must Be Vigilant Ahead Of New TCPA Rules.” Law360, July 7, 2023
“Local Governments and Robocalls: Updated Rules Restricting Artificial and Prerecorded Calls,” IMLA's Municipal Lawyer The Journal of Local Government Law, July-Aug. 2023
“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, Apr. 13, 2017
“Infrastructure Plan Watch: Hearings, Meetings and a Speech… but no White House Proposal,” BBKnowledge, Mar. 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, Apr. 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,” BBK Legal Alert, June 10, 2014
“WIFIA: New $350 Million Water Project Federal Financing Program*,” BBKnowledge, May 23, 2014

Presentations

“Policy Rapid Fire with the Experts,” National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors Annual Conference, Aug. 19, 2025
“FCC's Actions to Date in 2025: What You Need to Know” eNATOA Webinar, June 30, 2025
“Cell Tower Management and Pricing on Public Lands,” Virginia Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors Annual Meeting, June 27, 2025
“A Legislative Discussion on what is currently happening National, at the FCC and here in New Jersey” and “Broadband Deployment in New Jersey and The Federal Incentives Funding Them,” Jersey Access Group Conference, May 15, 2025
“Cell Tower Management and Pricing on Public Lands,” Texas Chapter of the American Public Works Association Annual Conference, June 9, 2025
“Federal Policy Update: Recapping the First 100 Days of the Administration and Congress,” International Municipal Lawyers Association Mid-Year Seminar, Apr. 28, 2025
“It’s Worth What?” International Municipal Lawyers Association Mid-Year Seminar WONK Breakfast, Apr. 27, 2025
“Summary of the Virginia Legislative Session 2025 and Update on Federal Legislative Matters & Funding Status,” Virginia Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors Webinar, Mar. 13, 2025
“Understanding Cable Franchising & What to Know When Renegotiating,” New Jersey 2024 League of Municipalities Annual Conference, Nov. 21, 2024
“How Your Town Can Access Federal Broadband Improvement Funds,” New Jersey 2024 League of Municipalities Annual Conference, Nov. 20, 2024
“Communications Policy in Broad(band) Strokes: How Courts, Elections and Technology add Uncertainty,” Texas Coalition of Cities for Utility Issues Annual Seminar, Oct. 18, 2024
“Telecom Toolkit—Critical Issues for Local Governments,” International Municipal Lawyers Association Annual Conference, Sept. 26, 2024
“Policy Rapid Fire Q&A with the Experts,” National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors Annual Conference, Aug. 26, 2024
“Cell and Wireless Tower Law 2024,” National Business Institute Webinar, July 19, 2024
“Winning at Three Dimensional Chess: Telecommunications Law Today,” International Municipal Lawyers Association Mid-Year Seminar, April 20, 2024
“HR 3557,(mis) cited as the American Broadband Deployment Act of 2023,” NATOA Webinar, Nov. 6, 2023
“Watching D.C. While Drawing a B.E.A.D. on Austin,” Texas Coalition of Cities for Utility Issues Fall Seminar, Oct. 27, 2023
“The Future of PEG & Local Government Franchise Revenue,” National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors Annual Conference, Oct. 4, 2023
“Dialing for Answers: Telecommunications Law Speed Dating,” International Municipal Lawyers Association Annual Conference, Sept. 29, 2023
“Dialing for (Broadband) Dollar$,” International Municipal Lawyers Association Annual Conference WONK Breakfast, Sept. 29, 2023
“Rules Governing ROW Franchises/Licenses: Understanding what Federal & Utah Law Permits for Cable, Telecomm, Broadband, and Wireless Providers in Your Community,” Utah Municipal Attorney Association Spring Conference, May 3, 2023
“Robocall or Public Service? Understanding the TCPA and FCC Rules That Govern Automated Calls,” International Municipal Lawyers Association's Mid-Year Seminar, WONK Breakfast, Apr. 23, 2023
“Local Government Telecommunications Practice: The State of Small Cell Litigation and Threats and Opportunities in the 118th Congress and Biden Administration,” International Municipal Lawyers Association's Mid-Year Seminar, Apr. 21, 2023
“Outlook for Telecommunications and Technology Issues,” NACo Legislative Conference, Telecommunications and Technology Policy Steering Committee Meeting, Feb. 11, 2023
“Cable Franchising Today and the Future of ROW Franchising,” National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors eNATOA Webinar, Jan. 23, 2023
“When It Rains, It Portlands: Navigating Federal Telecom Policy and Broadband Funding Opportunities,” International Municipal Lawyers Association's Annual Conference, Oct. 22, 2022
“The Rise of Broadband and Other Non-Cable Services: Impacts on Local ROW Management,” National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors Annual Conference, Sept. 1, 2022
“Cell and Wireless Tower Law: A Regulatory and Transactional Primer,” MyLawCLE Webinar, July 21, 2022
“COVID-19 Community & Broadband Aid: Funding Sources for PEG Efforts,” Alliance for Community Media's Annual Conference, June 29, 2022
“Federal Legislation Coming Down the Pike,” International Municipal Lawyers Association's Mid-Year Seminar, Apr. 11, 2022
“Telecommunications Update: Focus on Fees and Charges for Public Rights-of-Way and Public Property,” International Municipal Lawyers Association's Mid-Year Seminar, Apr. 10, 2022
“Washington in Review,” Texas Coalition of Cities for Utility Issues Seminar, Oct. 15, 2021
“Outdated Ordinances: When and How to Revise,” National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors Annual Conference, Sept. 22, 2021
“Understanding and Integrating the Sixth Circuit’s Cable Order,” BBK Webinar, July 15, 2021
“An Update on Federal Policy Impacting Public, Education and Governmental Channels/Programs,” Alliance for Community Media Annual Conference, June 30, 2021
“Now That You Have ARPA Funds – What’s Next?” BBK Webinar, June 23, 2021
“Out With the Old and In With the New: How President Biden's Election Will Change Federal Communications Policy Affecting Local Government Authority and Funding Opportunities,” Workshop, Arizona City Attorneys Association, May 11, 2021
“Making the Connection: Update on Federal Communications Policies Impacting Local Government,” Maryland Municipal League, May 6, 2021
“Franchising in the Era of 3^rd 621 Order,” Webinar, Virginia Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors, Apr. 29, 2021
“Out With the Old and In With the New: How President Biden’s Election Will Change Federal Communications Policy Affecting Texas Local Government Authority and Funding Opportunities,” Texas Municipal League, Apr. 28, 2021
“Out With the Old and In With the New: How President Biden's Election Will Change Federal Communications Policy Affecting Local Government Authority and Funding Opportunities,” International Municipal Lawyers Association's Mid-Year Seminar, Apr. 22, 2021
“Regulating OTARDS: The Other Small Cells,” BBK Webinar, Mar. 4, 2021
“Federal Communications Policy in 2021 and Beyond: What to Expect from the Administration and New FCC Leadership,” National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors, Feb. 8, 2021
“A No-Nonsense Guide to 5G: Wireless Infrastructure, Municipal Rights-of-Way and the 5G Rural Fund,” Broadband Breakfast Live Online, Dec. 9, 2020
“Municipal Management of Cellphone Towers, DAS, and Small Cell Deployments,” Webinar, Strafford, Dec. 1, 2020
“Two Minute Warning: Federal Communications Policy Update,” Seminar, Texas Coalition of Cities for Utility Issues, Oct. 23, 2020
“Telecommunications Update,” International Municipal Lawyers Association's Annual Conference, Sept. 24, 2020
“Wireless Siting Tips and Trends,” National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors Annual Conference, Sept. 1, 2020
“Update: FCC Cable Franchising Proceeding,” International Municipal Lawyers Association, May 28, 2020
“The FCC, Local Government and the Ninth Circuit: Where Do We Stand on Small Cell and Cable In-Kind Appeals?” International Municipal Lawyers Association, Apr. 26, 2020
“Communications Update: Congress, the FCC, Local Governments and the Sixth and Ninth Circuits: Where Do We Stand on Small Cell and Cable In-Kind Appeals and Legislation?” International Municipal Lawyers Association's Mid-Year Seminar, Apr. 22, 2020
“5G Deployment and the FCC's Orders Limiting Local Authority Over Small Cells,” Congressional City Conference, National League of Cities, Mar. 8, 2020
“Newest FCC Preemption: Cable Franchising Fees,” Massachusetts Municipal Association Annual Meeting Workshops, Jan. 25, 2020
“The Courts, The Hill and The FCC - A Year in Review and Setting the Stage for 2020,” eNATOA Web Seminar, National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors, Dec. 9, 2019
“Telecommunications: You've Got Questions, We've Got Answers,” International Municipal Lawyers Association's 2019 Annual Conference Telecommunications Subcommittee Meeting, Sept. 20, 2019
“Telecommunications Work Session: Small Cells, the FCC and Cable,” International Municipal Lawyers Association's 2019 Annual Conference, Sept. 20, 2019
“Responding to FCC’s Cable In-Kind Order,” International Municipal Lawyers Association's 2019 Annual Conference WONK Breakfast, Sept. 20, 2019
“Understanding and Responding to the FCC Cable In-Kind and Mixed Use Order,” BBK Webinar, Sept. 5, 2019
“The FCC and Cable Franchising: What Cities Need to Know,” NLA Webinar, National League of Cities, Aug. 27, 2019
“Small Cell and 5G – Regulation and Innovation,” NCSL Legislative Summit, National Conference of State Legislatures, Aug. 7, 2019
“Cell and Wireless Tower Law,” Video Webcast, National Business Institute, Aug. 6, 2019
“Update 9th Circuit’s Review of FCC’s Small Cell Rules, FCC’s Threat to PEG,” The United States Conference of Mayors’ 87th Annual Meeting, July 1, 2019
Webinar "Cell Tower Zoning, Placement and Leases,” National Business Institute, June 20, 2019
“FCC Changes to Cable Franchising,” 2019 Distance Learning IMLA Webinar, International Municipal Lawyers Association, May 13, 2019
“How are Communities Regulating Small Wireless Facilities,” International Municipal Lawyers Association's Mid-Year Seminar WONK Breakfast, Mar. 31, 2019
“Telecommunications: An Update on, and Responses to, the FCC’s Encroachment into Local Rights of Way Management, Zoning and Cable Franchising Authority,” International Municipal Lawyers Association's Mid-Year Seminar, Mar. 30, 2019
“Broadband Policy in 2019: A Regulatory Minefield,” Congressional City Conference, National League of Cities, Mar. 11, 2019
Information Technology & Communications Meeting, National League of Cities Summit Meeting, Nov. 7, 2018
“CLE Webinar: Funding and Facilitating Wireless and Wireline Broadband Deployment,” Wolters Kluwer Legal & Regulatory U.S. Webinar, Nov. 1, 2018
“The Threats to Local Governments’ Interests Posed by the FCC,” TR Daily, Wolters Kluwer Law & Business, Oct. 24, 2018
“Telecommunications – Managing Rights of Way: The New Hub for Wireless, Internet of Things and Smart City Applications,” International Municipal Lawyers Association's Annual Conference, Oct. 19, 2018
“Myth Busters: Attacking the False Narrative of Small Cell Legislation,” International Municipal Lawyers Association's Annual Conference State League Meeting, Oct. 17, 2018
“Double Whammy: A Review of the FCC's Actions to Preempt Local Authority,” Webinar, National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors, Oct. 10, 2018
“The New Age of Innovation,” POLITICO Live, Sept. 20, 2018
“Cell Tower and Small Cell Law: A Regulatory and Transactional Primer,” BBK Municipal Law Webinar Series, Sept. 20, 2018
“Small Cell Legislative Report: An Update from States, Congress and the FCC,” National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors Annual Conference, Aug. 29, 2018
“Industry’s Recent Assault of Cable Franchises and Next Steps for Locals,” National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors Webinar, July 23, 2018
“Cell Tower Zoning & Placement: Navigating Recent FCC Changes,” MyLawCLE Webinar, Apr. 19, 2018
“5G Discussion: 'We Want to be at the Table,” National Association of Counties Legislative Conference, Mar. 3, 2018
“Broadband Deployment: Federal & State Threats to City Property and Authorities,” United States Conference of Mayors Annual Winter Meeting, Jan. 25, 2018
“Cell Tower Zoning and Placement: Navigating Recent FCC Changes,” National Business Institute Seminar, Nov. 30, 2017
“Cell Tower/Telecom Issues,” Iowa Municipal Attorney Association's Annual Seminar, Nov. 17, 2017
“Municipal Management of Cellphone Towers, DAS and Small Cell Deployments,” Strafford Webinar, Oct. 19, 2017
“Telecommunications: Controlling Your City's Cable TV, Wireless and Broadband Destiny... and Other Telecom Updates,” International Municipal Lawyers Association Annual Conference, Oct. 16, 2017
“Telecommunications Section Meeting: FirstNet and an Open Forum on Topics of Current Interest with the Experts,” International Municipal Lawyers Association Annual Conference, Oct. 16, 2017
“Telecom Update 2017,” National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors Conference, Sept. 14, 2017
“Right of Way Control and Compensation,” eNATOA Webinar, Aug. 7, 2017
“Federal Public Policy Update,” Alliance for Community Media's Annual Conference, July 13, 2017
“Improving Your Advocacy,” Alliance for Community Media's Annual Conference, July 12, 2017
“Ways to Get Your Video Messages Out,” States of California & Nevada Chapter - National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors Conference and STAR Awards Ceremony, May 11, 2017
“Right of Way Management and Zoning,” States of California & Nevada Chapter - National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors Conference and STAR Awards Ceremony, May 11, 2017
“Trump’s Trillion Dollar Infrastructure Plan — What Local Governments and Their Lawyers Should be Doing to Ensure You Are Positioned to Maximize Your Community’s Participation,” International Municipal Lawyers Association Mid-Year Seminar WONK Breakfast, Apr. 23, 2017
“Ensuring Preemption is not Synonymous with Deregulation: The Threats and Opportunities of the Trump Administration,” International Municipal Lawyers Association Mid-Year Seminar WONK Breakfast, Apr. 21, 2017
“Wireless Siting Rules,” MyLawCLE Webinar, Feb. 29, 2017
“Telecommunications Issues in the Trump Administration,” Virginia Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors Webinar, Jan. 17, 2017
“Telecommunications - New Challenges for Local Counsel in a Broadband World: Why Public Safety, Economic Development, Planning and Zoning and Elected Officials Will Be Knocking On Your Door,” International Municipal Lawyers Association Conference, Oct. 1, 2016
“Telecom Update 2016 -- A Critical Look at Federal, State and Local Regulatory, Legislative and Judicial Developments,” National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors Annual Conference, Sept. 22, 2016
“Cell and Wireless Tower Law,” National Business Institute Live Video Webcast, Sept. 9, 2016
“FirstNet,” International Municipal Lawyer's Association Webinar, Aug. 4, 2016
“Cellphone Tower Regulation: Maximizing Revenue While Protecting Local Interests,” Strafford Webinar, May 12, 2016
“Telecommunications Seminar,” International Municipal Lawyers Association's Mid-Year Seminar, April 16, 2016
“New FCC Wireless Rules and How They Impact Georgia Communities,” Georgia Municipal Attorneys Association's 62nd Annual Institue, Sept. 11, 2015
“Lobbying and Advocacy Boot Camp,” Alliance for Community Media's Annual Conference, Aug. 12, 2015
“Telecomm: An On Overview of FCC Regulations,” International Municipal Lawyers Association Mid-Year Seminar, Apr. 26, 2015
“Carrier Access to Buildings and Other Structures: Best Practices for Negotiating Lease Terms with the Landlord,” Law Seminars International Deployment of Wireless Facilities Conference, Nov. 14, 2014
“Introduction to Day 1: Demand Factors for New Infrastructure and New Regulatory Developments,” Law Seminars International Deployment of Wireless Facilities Conference, Nov. 13, 2014
“New FCC Rules Will Require New Approach to Siting of Wireless Facilities,” BBK Webinar, Nov. 5, 2014
“Impacts of Changing Markets on Localism,” National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors Annual Conference, Oct. 1, 2014
“Franchise Renewals, Transfers and Cable Regulation in the Digital World,” National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors Annual Conference, Oct. 1, 2014
“Disruptive Technologies: Responding To Uber, Lyft, AirBnb, Drones, Small Cells and other Technologies and Applications That Are Challenging Our Communities,” International Municipal Lawyers Association’s Annual Conference WONK Breakfast, Sept. 12, 2014
“Update on Congressional Actions Affecting Your Community and Your Budget,” International Municipal Lawyers Association’s Annual Conference, Sept. 11, 2014
“Key Public Policy Issues: Our Perspectives,” State & Main – A Joint Conference of the Alliance for Community Media and the National Alliance for Media Arts + Culture, Aug. 7, 2014
“Boston Wins Authority from the Federal Communications Commission to Control Cable Fees,” The Boston Globe, Apr. 10, 2012