As a Co-Chair of the firm’s Communications, Internet, and Technology Practice, John Flynn combines sophisticated legal analysis with practical in-house experience in his representation of communications, media, and technology companies. John draws on his more than 25 years of experience in private practice, government, and public companies to help his clients achieve their goals through creative and practical solutions. A versatile lawyer and strategic business advisor, John handles a wide range of communications and technology advocacy, with an emphasis in three areas:
Merger Approvals and other Government Investigations. John represents clients before federal agencies on communications and antitrust issues. He has secured approvals from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and state public utility commissions, as well as clearance from the Department of Justice (DOJ), for transactions totaling in the hundreds of billions of dollars. John also represents clients in other antitrust-related investigations before the FCC, DOJ, and the Federal Trade Commission involving technology and communications companies.
Class Actions and other Litigation. John represents clients in class action and other complex tech-related litigation. His recent cases have included those regarding the Video Privacy Protection Act and the Sherman Act.
Wireless, Internet, and Emerging Technologies. John counsels clients on wireless issues, including spectrum auctions and broadband satellite initiatives, and is helping start-ups secure permission to sell their innovative wireless products in the United States. John also guides clients through rulemakings and other aspects of the regulatory process, including regarding Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act.
John previously served as Senior Counsel for Transactions to the FCC’s Chairman. In that role, he led the FCC’s review of the Comcast-NBCU deal and helped create the first set of rules to address sharing of video programming with internet video distributors. John also served as a General Counsel/Deputy General Counsel of three publicly traded technology companies, two of which he helped take public. In his last GC role, John led a team that won the largest jury verdict in in the country that year.
My clients’ issues are my issues, and, together, we tackle them through an approach that is both creative and practical. My broad background in private practice, government service, and in-house legal roles allows me to see the whole picture and deliver excellent results—advocating effectively, fighting when necessary, and devising solutions and proactive strategies whenever possible.
Representative Matters
- Obtained regulatory approvals for Charter Communications, Inc.’s $90 billion merger with Time Warner Cable Inc. and Bright House Networks.
- Represented Sprint Corporation before the FCC in its $26 billion merger with T-Mobile.
- Secured FCC, Team Telecom, and state PUC approvals for funds affiliated with Apollo Global Management in a $7.5 billion carve-out transaction with Lumen Technologies, Inc.
- Representing TEGNA Inc. in a multidistrict class action litigation alleging the industry engaged in antitrust violations.
- Advising Ossia Inc. in obtaining FCC approval for innovative technology that provides wireless power at a distance.
Credentials
Service / Recognition
Overview
As a Co-Chair of the firm’s Communications, Internet, and Technology Practice, John Flynn combines sophisticated legal analysis with practical in-house experience in his representation of communications, media, and technology companies. John draws on his more than 25 years of experience in private practice, government, and public companies to help his clients achieve their goals through creative and practical solutions. A versatile lawyer and strategic business advisor, John handles a wide range of communications and technology advocacy, with an emphasis in three areas:
Merger Approvals and other Government Investigations. John represents clients before federal agencies on communications and antitrust issues. He has secured approvals from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and state public utility commissions, as well as clearance from the Department of Justice (DOJ), for transactions totaling in the hundreds of billions of dollars. John also represents clients in other antitrust-related investigations before the FCC, DOJ, and the Federal Trade Commission involving technology and communications companies.
Class Actions and other Litigation. John represents clients in class action and other complex tech-related litigation. His recent cases have included those regarding the Video Privacy Protection Act and the Sherman Act.
Wireless, Internet, and Emerging Technologies. John counsels clients on wireless issues, including spectrum auctions and broadband satellite initiatives, and is helping start-ups secure permission to sell their innovative wireless products in the United States. John also guides clients through rulemakings and other aspects of the regulatory process, including regarding Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act.
John previously served as Senior Counsel for Transactions to the FCC’s Chairman. In that role, he led the FCC’s review of the Comcast-NBCU deal and helped create the first set of rules to address sharing of video programming with internet video distributors. John also served as a General Counsel/Deputy General Counsel of three publicly traded technology companies, two of which he helped take public. In his last GC role, John led a team that won the largest jury verdict in in the country that year.
My clients’ issues are my issues, and, together, we tackle them through an approach that is both creative and practical. My broad background in private practice, government service, and in-house legal roles allows me to see the whole picture and deliver excellent results—advocating effectively, fighting when necessary, and devising solutions and proactive strategies whenever possible.
Areas of Focus
Representative Matters
- Obtained regulatory approvals for Charter Communications, Inc.’s $90 billion merger with Time Warner Cable Inc. and Bright House Networks.
- Represented Sprint Corporation before the FCC in its $26 billion merger with T-Mobile.
- Secured FCC, Team Telecom, and state PUC approvals for funds affiliated with Apollo Global Management in a $7.5 billion carve-out transaction with Lumen Technologies, Inc.
- Representing TEGNA Inc. in a multidistrict class action litigation alleging the industry engaged in antitrust violations.
- Advising Ossia Inc. in obtaining FCC approval for innovative technology that provides wireless power at a distance.
Credentials
Admissions
- District of Columbia
- California
Education
- Georgetown University Law Center, JD, magna cum laude; Georgetown Club Award; Kappa Beta Pi Prize; Tamm Memorial Award; Dean Hugh J. Fegan Memorial Prize; Order of the Coif, 1995
- Stanford University, MA, 1988
- Stanford University, BA, with distinction, 1988
Court Admissions
- US Court of Appeals, Third Circuit
- US Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
- US Court of Appeals, District of Columbia Circuit
- US District Court, Central District of California
- US District Court, Eastern District of California
- US District Court, Northern District of California
- US District Court, Southern District of California
Clerkships
- Hon. Byron R. White, US Supreme Court, 1996-1997
- Hon. John Paul Stevens, US Supreme Court, 1996-1997
- Hon. Edward R. Becker, US Court of Appeals, Third Circuit, 1995-1996
Service / Recognition
Awards
- Chambers USA, Telecom, Broadcast & Satellite: Regulatory (District of Columbia), 2014-2026
- Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll, 2022, 2024-2025
- Legal 500, Media, Technology, and Telecoms: Telecoms and Broadcast: Regulatory, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021; Media, Technology, and Telecoms: Telecoms and Broadcast: Transactional, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021
- The Best Lawyers in America, Communications Law, 2026; Technology Law, 2026
-
The BTI Class Action Leaders, 2026
Community
- Practising Law Institute, Taught Legal Issues Affecting B2B Transactions
- University of Michigan Business School, Lectured on Cyberlaw issues