Attorney Bios

Mr. Petro has substantial experience representing broadcasters before the FCC, handling the day-to-day licensing matters, as well as negotiating the purchase and sale of radio and television FCC licenses and related assets. In addition, he works extensively with television licensees in the roll-out of their digital television service, including developing channel election strategies and related build-out issues, as well as obtaining carriage on cable and DBS systems, including SHVIA-compliance matters. Mr. Petro has extensive experience in FM allotment proceedings, and negotiating related frequency coordination and interference reduction agreements.

Additionally, Mr. Petro has substantial experience working with BRS and EBS (formerly MDS and ITFS) licensees towards the roll-out of fixed wireless broadband service. In fact, he was instrumental in obtaining one of the first authorizations of two-way service on behalf of a client in Alaska. Mr. Petro also has worked with BRS and EBS clients with regard to excess capacity leasing matters and related transactions. He has also prosecuted trademark applications before the Patent and Trademark Office on behalf of his telecommunications clients, and has represented clients before the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice relating to merger and acquisition issues.

In 2005, Mr. Petro was elected to serve a three-year term on the Board of Trustees of the Federal Communications Bar Association Foundation, and, in 2007, was elected to serve as the Foundation's Chair. Previously, Mr. Petro served as the Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer of the Foundation, and was Chair of the Scholarship Committee.   In addition, Mr Petro has served as the Co-Chair of the FCBA's Continuing Legal Education Committee (2003-2005) and the National Telecommunications Moot Court Competition Committee (2000-2003).

Prior to, and during law school, Mr. Petro worked as a paralegal and law clerk for a leading telecommunications boutique law firm in Washington. While attending law school, he also served as Editor-in-Chief of the CommLaw Conspectus, The Journal of Communications Law & Policy, and was founder and Editor-in-Chief of dicta..., The Columbus School of Law Student Magazine. His article A New Trial for Solomon: Comparative Hearings after Bechtel II was published in the CommLaw Conspectus in the Summer 1996 edition. Mr. Petro earned his B.A. in 1992 from the James Madison College at Michigan State University in International Relations.

Mr. Petro is a member of the District of Columbia and State of Maryland Bars.