Washington, D.C. (April 9, 2025) – HWG LLP is pleased to welcome Rakesh Patel to the firm. Rakesh brings over twenty-five years of public service experience to HWG following senior leadership roles at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), where he focused on enforcement, privacy, cybersecurity, fraud, and regulatory compliance, and the Criminal Division of the Maryland Attorney General’s office.  Rakesh will oversee HWG’s expansive Audits and Enforcement Practice Group.  

“Rakesh’s depth of experience in complex litigation, consumer protection, and telecom enforcement at both federal and state levels, coupled with his strong understanding of government operations, will make him a trusted advisor to clients navigating complex government investigations,” said John Nakahata, Chair of HWG. 

At HWG, Rakesh will counsel clients on a wide range of telecommunications, consumer protection, and data/cyber security issues, with an emphasis on FCC investigations and enforcement. Having built and led the FCC’s Fraud Division, he brings a rare perspective on how the agency approaches fraud prevention and enforcement – knowledge that will be invaluable to clients facing scrutiny or seeking to minimize regulatory risk.  

“We are excited to add Rakesh to our telecom team,” said Managing Partner Jennifer Bagg. “His public service background and practical approach strengthen our ability to guide clients through high-stakes compliance and enforcement matters.” 

Prior to joining HWG, Rakesh served as Deputy Bureau Chief of the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau, where he led initiatives to combat illegal robocalls and scam messages, while also shaping policy on privacy, data protection, and cybersecurity. He also served as the first Chief of the FCC’s Fraud Division, directing efforts to detect and prevent fraud in federally funded telecommunications programs. Prior to joining the FCC, Rakesh was Director of the Criminal Division in the Office of the Maryland Attorney General.  

Rakesh earned his J.D. from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law and his B.A. from the University of Toronto University College.