Washington, D.C. (February 4, 2026) — It is with deep sadness that HWG LLP shares news of the passing of esteemed partner and former Federal Communications Commission Bureau Chief and Deputy General Counsel Julie Veach, a beloved colleague, mentor, and friend to many across the communications bar. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of working with Julie.
“Julie was a superb lawyer, leader, teacher, and mentor, and was one of the nicest people you could ever meet,” said John Nakahata, Chair of HWG. “She approached every challenge with honesty, professionalism, and grace. Her greatest legacy is the many people she trained, supported, and influenced throughout her extraordinary career. She always reached out to help others develop. She will be profoundly missed.”
Services will be private, reserved for Julie’s family and closest loved ones. HWG will bring together colleagues, clients, and friends at a later date to honor her legacy, with details to be shared once plans are finalized.
Julie’s passing is an immeasurable loss to our firm and to the broader communications community.
About Julie Veach
Julie brought extraordinary leadership, intellect, and humanity to the telecommunications field. Over more than 14 years at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), she held numerous senior roles, including Chief of the Wireline Competition Bureau and Deputy General Counsel. During her time at the FCC, she helped shape foundational national policies on broadband, universal service, and emerging communications technologies. She played a central role in modernizing universal service rules for the broadband era, redefining broadband to meet contemporary usage, and guiding dozens of significant FCC orders.
Julie’s extensive government experience informed her practice at HWG, where she advised wireline, wireless, VoIP, TRS, and cloud-based service providers on complex regulatory issues. She was a trusted advisor to clients navigating FCC rulemakings, transactions, and enforcement matters. Julie also had substantial experience guiding clients through FCC mergers and transactions, ensuring clear, timely, and effective advocacy.
Julie was an active and deeply respected member of the Federal Communications Bar Association, serving on its Executive Committee and previously co‑chairing both the Judicial Practice Committee and the Wireline Committee.
Throughout her career, Julie earned a reputation as a brilliant lawyer and a generous collaborator. She frequently testified before Congress, spoke at major industry conferences, and was widely known across the communications bar for her deep intellect, integrity, and kindness. A first-generation law student from Indiana, she loved life with her husband of 24 years and together raising their two wonderful children. Colleagues at the firm and throughout the FCC and its alumni remember her as a thoughtful leader, a patient teacher, and a steady mentor, calm under pressure and tough when needed, who inspired and was a role model for countless professionals across the industry.