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Douglas A. "Drew" Svor

Partner•Washington, D.C. Office Recruiting Co-Chair
CONTACT
Washington, DC
T:+1.202.747.2305
CAPABILITIES
PRACTICES
  • Corporate
  • Mergers and Acquisitions
  • Governmental
  • International Trade
  • National Security
INDUSTRIES
  • Aerospace, Defense & Government Services
  • AI, Robotics and Quantum
  • Telecom
  • Space & Satellite
LINKEDIN
Svor Douglas
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Overview

Drew Svor is a go-to advisor to technology, telecommunications, space and defense tech innovators navigating today’s complex regulatory landscape. He helps clients build and scale advanced networks—on the ground and in orbit—by aligning business strategy with compliance at the FCC, CFIUS and Team Telecom.

Drew counsels startups, investors and global enterprises across the U.S., Europe and Asia on spectrum authorizations, satellite licensing, foreign ownership reviews and strategic transactions involving emerging, dual-use and defense technologies. His practical, forward-looking approach helps clients accelerate innovation, mitigate national security risk and stay ahead of evolving regulatory change.

His work includes:

  • Telecom and Spectrum Strategy: Advises satellite operators, mobile network providers and investors on FCC licensing, spectrum allocation and rebanding proceedings, including securing FCC approvals for mergers, acquisitions and other strategic transactions.
  • National Security and Foreign Investment: Represents clients before CFIUS and Team Telecom in transactions involving cross-border ownership, network infrastructure and sensitive technologies.
  • Space and Emerging Technologies: Counsels space and defense companies on orbital slot coordination, ITU filings, NOAA licensing and evolving regulation of AI-enabled and autonomous systems, including drones and dual-use technologies.
  • FCC Enforcement: Represents companies and investors in FCC enforcement proceedings and investigations.

Drew’s strategic, business-minded counsel helps clients translate regulatory complexity into competitive advantage.

Outside of work, Drew enjoys rugby, running, traveling and is a devoted friend to cats and dogs alike.

  • Developing comprehensive federal regulatory and FCC licensing strategies for a wide range of satellite and ground station operators, mobile network operators, MVNOS, original equipment manufacturers and investors in the telecommunications industry.
  • Advising stakeholders appearing before the FCC in complex spectrum licensing and spectrum rebanding proceedings.
  • Securing FCC approvals for mergers and public/private equity transactions involving satellite operators, infrastructure providers and telecommunications companies.
  • Representing operators and investors before CFIUS and the “Team Telecom” Executive Branch agencies seeking approval for strategic transactions involving foreign ownership and national security-related issues.
  • Counseling stakeholders on domestic and international telecommunications matters pending before the FCC, U.S. Congress, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and International Telecommunication Union.
  • Counseling companies with respect to the evolving federal and state regulation of unmanned aerial vehicles and drones.
  • Representing satellite companies navigating orbital slot, frequency use, satellite network coordination and operational aspects of the satellite services industry.
  • Representing companies and investors who are targets of FCC enforcement proceedings and investigations.

Education

J.D., Catholic University, Columbus School of Law, 2012, cum laude

B.A., University of Virginia, 2003

Admissions

Virginia

District of Columbia

  • Telecommunications Editorial Advisory Board, Law360, 2022-2023

  • Ones to Watch — Corporate Law, Best Lawyers, 2021-2025
  • Recommended Attorney - Telecoms and Broadcast: Regulatory, Legal 500, 2019-2022, 2024-2025
  • Recommended Attorney - Telecoms and Broadcast: Transactional, Legal 500, 2022-2026
Legal 500 Recommended Lawyer 2024
Legal 500 Recommended Lawyer 2025

Drew serves on the Washington Space Business Roundtable Board and is a member of the Federal Communications Bar Association.

 

A recognized thought leader on FCC, space, and national security policy, Drew regularly publishes insights on spectrum management, orbital infrastructure, and the intersection of AI and defense technologies. His commentary appears in outlets including SatNews and through panels hosted by the FCBA, ABA Space Symposium, and leading industry conferences such as Satellite and World Satellite Business Week. 

  • Speaker, Federal Communications Bar Association CFIUS event, November 7, 2017
  • Speaker, Space Law Symposium, ABA Forum on Air & Space Law, Washington, D.C., June 8, 2016

Drew is committed to pro bono work, frequently collaborating with Human Rights First to represent refugees in asylum cases before USCIS and DHS.

 

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