Lee Petro

A member in Dickinson Wright’s Washington, D.C. office, Lee Petro offers strategic counsel to clients within the communications industry. Lee is highly regarded for his adept navigation of regulatory complexities, including those posed by the FCC, FTC, and Congress. He handles all aspects of broadcast and wireless regulatory matters. He also works with consumer product and industrial manufacturing clients to obtain FCC equipment authorizations for the importation and marketing of new technologies, with a particular focus on Internet of Things (IoT) and connected devices in all areas of commerce and industry.

Lee also provides strategic advice to clients involved with the adoption of generative Artificial Intelligence technologies, with a particular focus on the state and federal regulatory and legislative efforts. His work spans a broad spectrum of services, including regulatory compliance, transactional guidance, and intellectual property matters. His track record in facilitating mergers and acquisitions, negotiating spectrum leasing agreements, and pioneering ventures in emerging technologies speaks volumes about his effectiveness.

Beyond his corporate endeavors, Lee is committed to advancing connectivity initiatives such as broadband and telehealth projects for public schools, healthcare providers, and nonprofit organizations, showcasing his dedication to the broader community. He is past President of the Federal Communications Bar Association (FCBA), past Chair of the FCBA Foundation, and recently concluded a five-year term serving on the Board of Directors for the Washington Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs.

Federal Communications Bar Association, Executive Board, Ex officio President, 2019 – 2020, President, 2018 – 2019, President-Elect, 2017 – 2018, Assistant Secretary, 2013 – 2014; Federal Communications Bar Association Foundation, Chairman, 2007-2008, Co-Chair, Scholarship Committee, 2005-2007, 2012-2013; Federal Communications Bar Association, Committee Member, National Telecommunications Moot Court Competition Committee, Co-Chair: 2000 – 2003, 2014 – 2016, 2019 – 2024, 2026, Commissioner Robert Lee Memorial Golf Tournament Committee, Co-Chair: 2014 – 2018, 2019 – 2025; Pro Bono Counsel to Martha Wright, et al., 2009-2018, Served as pro bono counsel to Martha Wright petitioners in rulemaking before Federal Communications Commission and state PUCs regarding adoption of price caps for Incarcerated Persons Calling Services; Telecommunications for the Deaf, Counsel, 2001-2008, Served as pro bono counsel with respect to VoIP and Disability Access issues in several FCC and Access Board rulemakings.

Panelist, “How can businesses navigate US and EU telecom, privacy, and AI regulation in a shifting global landscape?” Mobile Ecosystem Forum, April 2026; Presenter, AI Regulatory Policy Discussion, Spring ’26 vCon Summit, March 2026; Co-Author, “Texas Passes TRAIGA: What the New AI Law Means for Your Business,” Dickinson Wright Client Alert, June 2025; Co-Author, “FCC Expands National Security Measures for Telecom Industry,” Dickinson Wright Client Alert, May 2025; Author, “Washington State Joins Right to Repair Movement,” Dickinson Wright Client Alert, May 2025; Co-Author, “Are We Living in The Jetsons’ Future? Telehealth, Broadband, and Policy Shifts,” Dickinson Wright Client Alert, April 2025; Co-Author, "FCC Updates Broadband Map to Highlight Health Disparities,” Health Law Blog, February 2025; Co-Author, “FCC Order Addresses Transition from DSRC to C-V2X Technology,” EV Newsletter Vol. 2 No. 10, Dickinson Wright EV Newsletter, December 2024; Co-Author, “AI in Political Advertising,” Dickinson Wright Client Alert, July 2024; Everything Has Changed (New Tech – 3.0, A.I., and Evermore!), The Eras of Broadcasting, American Bar Association, April 14, 2024, Las Vegas, Nevada; Birds of a Feather – Securing Critical Infrastructure, IoT Evolution Expo, The Smart City Event (204), February 14, 2024, Fort Lauderdale, Florida; A.I. Gone Wild, IoT Evolution Expo, The Generative AI Event (208-B), February 13, 2024, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law

J.D., Editor-in-Chief, The CommLaw Conspectus: Journal of Communications Law & Policy, 1996-1997, Author: A New Trial For Solomon: Comparative Hearings after Bechtel II, Volume 4, No. 2. 1996

James Madison College, Michigan State University

B.A.

Communications Law

Best Lawyers in America®

2026

Distinguished Service Award

Federal Communications Bar Association

2023

Pay It Forward Award

Catholic Law’s Law and Technology Institute Alumni Association

2020

Volunteer of the Year Award

Federal Communications Bar Association Foundation

2013

Recognized by The Legal 500 U.S.