Wiley Stepping Down as Chairman of Wiley Rein

Richard Wiley, former FCC chairman and founder of Wiley Rein, is stepping down as chairman of the firm effective Jan. 1, Wiley Rein said Wednesday. Wiley is retiring from the firm’s executive committee, but will continue at the firm as chairman emeritus. Wiley has also headed the firm’s 80-attorney communications practice. Bert Rein, a specialist in antitrust and commercial law and the firm’s co-founder, is also leaving the executive committee and will become vice chairman emeritus, the firm said. Industry lawyers said the change isn't a surprise, at least within Wiley Rein, and that a succession plan had been in the works for a long time. Wiley was at the FCC 1970-1977, rising from general counsel to commissioner to chairman. There has been an orderly transition, starting with Peter Shields being named managing partner several years ago, Andrew Schwartzman, senior counselor at the Georgetown Institute for Public Representation, told us in an email. “Dick is unquestionably the most influential member of the private communications bar and, if anything, this change gives him more time to practice law. I don't see any sign that he is slowing down.” Kathleen Kirby, co-chair of the telecom, media and technology practice, and Kimberly Melvin, partner in the insurance practice, will replace Wiley and Rein on the executive committee.