Chairman Ajit Pai Announces FCC General Counsel

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, October 19, 2017

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai appoints Thomas M. Johnson Jr. as FCC General Counsel. Acting General Counsel Nick Degani will transition back to his role as senior counsel in the Office of Chairman Pai. Johnson joins the Commission from his position as deputy solicitor general for West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey. He's also worked at the law firm Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP and as a law clerk for Judge Jerry E. Smith of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

"Because we cannot stray beyond the authority granted to us by Congress, the General Counsel is one of the most important positions at the FCC," said Chairman Pai. "Having myself worked in the FCC's Office of General Counsel, I know the hard work that goes on there. I am grateful that someone with Tom's skill and experience is going to fill this vital role. Tom is an outstanding attorney and a strong leader."

Pai also thanked Degani for his work, "Nick once again stepped up when needed and did an outstanding job filling a temporary but fundamental need for the Commission. I welcome him back to my office and thank him for his tireless work."

The Office of General Counsel serves as the chief legal advisor to the Commission and its various bureaus and offices. The office also represents the Commission in litigation, recommends decisions in adjudicatory matters before the Commission, assists the Commission in its decision-making capacity, and performs a variety of legal functions regarding internal and other administrative matters.