Gerard Lavery Lederer’s unique background as a nationally recognized telecommunications, cable and small cell lawyer combined with his experiences as a registered federal lobbyist provides clients unparalleled service in seeking both legislative and transactional solutions. Prior to joining Best Best & Krieger LLP as a partner in the Municipal Law practice group in Washington, D.C., Gerry was an attorney with Miller &Van Eaton, a highly regarded local government rights of way law firm.

Understanding the Marketplace

Gerry is one of the nation’s leading authorities on marketplace solutions for the seamless integration of cable and wireless technology into communities. He authored “Critical Connections” and “Wired for Profit, ”two leading guides on the integration of telecommunications technology in the built environment. He developed the first model license agreements for access to buildings and rooftops to promote cooperative relations between telecommunications service providers and property owners, while protecting both parties’ interests. He has facilitated the negotiations on some of the leading cable franchise and small cell agreements in the nation.

A Voice for Local Government

Gerry advocates for public and private property owners regarding issues of law and policy arising from federal and state communications legislation and regulation. Gerry serves as legislative counsel and lead Washington advocate for TeleComm Unity, a collection of local governments dedicated to ensuring respect for local rights in federal legislative and regulatory activity. He has also led numerous FCC coalitions of local governments on cable and wireless regulations.

Since arriving in Washington, D.C. in 1985 as the City of Philadelphia’s Washington advocate, Gerry has served as Washington legislative counsel to a number of local governments and agencies, including as lead advocate for local governments on infrastructure issues and as general counsel of the United States Conference of Mayors. He has also served as executive director of advocacy and research advancement for the Building Owners and Managers Association, International and executive director of government affairs for the United States Telephone Association. Prior to his career in Washington, he served as the chief deputy city commissioner for the City of Philadelphia. This position oversees the city’s voter registration and election day. He is a member of the Federal Communications Bar Association and the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors from whom he has received numerous Ovation Awards and was the 2011 NATOA Member of the Year. Gerry has been consistently recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® for Communications Law since 2022 and was named the Outstanding Associate Member of the International Municipal Lawyers Association in 2020.