John Nakahata, Chair of HWG LLP, is widely recognized as one of the top telecommunications lawyers in the United States. Ranked Band 1 by Chambers USA, he provides strategic regulatory counsel to a broad range of clients, including telecommunications carriers, internet providers, hardware and software companies, wireless operators, and cable companies.

With more than 25 years of experience in communications regulation and related legislative advocacy, John advises clients on FCC rulemakings, enforcement actions, regulatory compliance, transactional due diligence, and regulatory approvals. He has been deeply involved in major FCC proceedings related to competition, universal service, and consumer protection since 1996.  His clients include broadband providers in some of the most difficult settings in the country.

John served as Chief of Staff to FCC Chairman William Kennard and as Senior Legal Adviser to Chairman Reed Hundt. During his tenure, he played a key role in implementing the landmark Telecommunications Act of 1996, including the FCC’s foundational “competition trilogy” orders on interconnection, universal service, and intercarrier charges, and FCC decisions on the regulatory classification of internet services.

Following his FCC service, John led the Coalition for Affordable Local and Long Distance Services (CALLS), which developed a comprehensive plan—ultimately adopted by the FCC—to reform telecommunications subsidies and intercarrier pricing. He has also helped clients navigate complex FCC proceedings, including leading precedent-setting merger approvals, such as the acquisition of a U.S. carrier by a foreign provider and securing a major numbering contract.

John regularly counsels companies that receive FCC support payments on compliance, enforcement, and policy advocacy. These include matters that had overlapping FCC and US Department of Justice investigations.  His experience with FCC transactions includes oversight of a major telecommunications merger while at the agency and leading several high-profile approvals in private practice.

Earlier in his career, John served as subcommittee staff director and legislative counsel to U.S. Senator Joseph Lieberman (D-Conn.). There, he helped shape and pass the Cable Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act of 1992 and organized Senate hearings that led to the voluntary content rating system for video games.