Kirsten Ryan is an associate in the Business Trial Practice Group in the firm's Washington, D.C. office.

Areas of Practice

Kirsten represents clients in complex litigation and regulatory compliance, with an emphasis in the telecommunications sector. She represents clients before federal and state trial and appellate courts across the country as well as federal and state administrative agencies. She represents cable operators and other broadband providers in matters related to municipal franchising (including franchise renewal and transfers of control), franchise fees, fees in support of Public, Educational and Governmental (PEG) channels, institutional networks, access to rights-of-way, pole attachments, infrastructure deployment and a host of related issues.

As a member of Sheppard Mullin’s Communications Industry Team, which was named “Telecommunications Practice Group of the Year” for 2019, Kirsten also counsels satellite companies in matters before the Federal Communications Commission, including rulemaking, licensing, and enforcement matters. She also counsels international communications providers regarding regulatory compliance for activities in the United States.

Kirsten also has a robust pro bono practice, representing numerous clients seeking asylum in the U.S. and an environmental organization in federal court actions arising under the Clean Water Act.