2024-2025 Global AI Trends Guide
Selected to the 2022 list are the firm counsels Michael Jacobson (International Trade) and Zachary Launer (Energy), and senior associate George John (Telecommunications), all based in Washington, D.C.
In a profile, the editors noted Jacobson for his lead role securing a landmark, unanimous victory before the second-ever United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) State v. State dispute settlement panel on behalf of the Government of Canada. The panel of international jurors ruled in favor of Canada on every one of the several claims, finding that safeguard tariffs on imports from Canada were unlawful under USMCA. Jacobson’s full Law360 profile can be read here.
Launer was recognized for guiding gas pipeline companies through lengthy rate cases at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). In particular, he helped Columbia Gas Transmission file, litigate, and eventually settle one of FERC’s most complicated section 4 rate case proceedings in decades, including one of the most comprehensive pipeline modernization proposals filed in a section 4 rate proceeding. Launer advised the client in preparing the overall strategy and execution of the multi-billion dollar rate filing that ultimately resulted in a rate settlement where for the first time in such a settlement a pipeline company committed to take necessary steps over a period of time to remediate a portion of its pipeline system to reduce its GHG emissions. Launer’s full Law360 profile can be read here.
John was recognized for helping major aerospace and telecommunications clients navigate Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations when it comes to obtaining spectrum for their launch vehicles. For United Launch Alliance, a joint venture between Lockheed Martin and Boeing, John led the shaping of the legal framework for how the FCC should regulate spectrum for launch vehicles, an industry experiencing rapid growth without a well-established legal framework. John’s full Law360 profile can be read here.
A full list of all Law360 Rising Stars winners can be found here.