Owen Smith is an associate at HWG LLP, where his practice focuses on civil litigation, telecommunications, and government enforcement matters.

Investigations and Enforcement

Owen defends clients in government investigations and enforcement matters. His recent experience includes defending communications and technology companies engaged in the FCC’s Universal Service Fund programs in matters involving concurrent investigations by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and its Office of Inspector General (OIG), state commissions and attorneys general, and the Department of Justice (DOJ).

He currently serves as a co-chair of the Federal Communications Bar Association’s Enforcement Committee.

Litigation

Owen represents plaintiffs and defendants in litigation matters. His recent experience includes representing plaintiffs in civil rights actions against municipalities and the federal government; representing individuals and commercial entities in breach of contract disputes; advising technology companies on pre-litigation matters involving the accessibility of technology for individuals with disabilities; and representing a client, pro bono, to secure rights to safe and well-maintained housing.

Telecommunications

Owen advises emerging and established communications and technology companies on complying with the Communications Act and other federal and state laws governing telecommunications. His recent experience includes providing advice to video conferencing, VoIP, enterprise communications, investor relations technology, and contact center solutions, concerning market entry, regulatory strategy and compliance, and operational issues.

Prior to entering private practice, Owen served as a law clerk for the Honorable Deborah K. Chasanow of the United States District Court for the District of Maryland and was an extern for the Honorable Kim McLane Wardlaw of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. He received his J.D., Order of the Barristers, from UCLA School of Law, where he was a member of the Moot Court Honors Board, and an editor of the Criminal Justice Law Review. He received his B.A. from the University of Maryland where he was a NCAA Division I student athlete.