Adams and Reese is pleased to announce Bill Atkinson has joined the firm as Special Counsel. Atkinson, whose practice focuses on the intersection of business and government, will work from the firm’s Atlanta office.
Atkinson brings nearly three decades of regulatory experience to his clients and represents them in government relations matters. His substantial knowledge in state regulatory affairs allows him to be an effective advocate and counselor to clients developing regulatory and legislative strategies.
In addition to his telecommunications industry-specific work, Atkinson has counseled clients through growth phases and new product rollouts, as well as through proposed mergers and acquisitions and the anticipated discontinuance of regulated service.
“I am excited to work with the Adams and Reese Government Relations Team to help clients in the telecommunications industry reach their goals. Additionally, I look forward to collaborating to help a variety of clients with state and federal regulatory challenges. Adams and Reese’s formidable team is an excellent fit for my practice, and I look forward to expanding my practice throughout the firm’s Southeast regional footprint,” said Atkinson.
Atkinson has significant telecommunications industry experience. He previously was Senior Counsel and Director of State Government Affairs for Sprint. Atkinson represented the company in state utilities commission proceedings, state and local agency proceedings, and state legislative matters in 14 U.S. jurisdictions. He advised the company on a wide range of regulatory compliance issues, conducted extensive legal research, addressed customer complaints, analyzed and drafted legislation, filed numerous required reports, and managed the Sprint Atlanta regulatory office for 15 years.
Prior to his in-house role with Sprint, Atkinson spent four years as a staff attorney for a Georgia state agency with business before the Georgia Public Service Commission.
“Bill is a powerhouse of knowledge, experience, and skill in telecommunications, regulations, and interfacing with governmental agencies,” said Kenny Bingham, a Government Affairs Advisor who leads Adams and Reese’s Government Relations Team. “He bolsters our capabilities to help clients reach their goals and overcome regulatory hurdles. We are excited to have Bill as part of our team.”
Atkinson received his J.D. from the Georgia State University College of Law, his M.A. in Music from the University of Georgia, and his B. Mus. (Bachelor of Music) from Louisiana State University.