Jonathan Marashlian
Managing Partner
Mr. Marashlian is the Managing Partner of Marashlian & Donahue, PLLC, The CommLaw Group. He is also the founder and CEO of The Commpliance Group, the firm’s affiliated regulatory compliance and consulting services firm. Mr. Marashlian is a nationally-recognized expert in the areas of communications taxes, regulatory fees, regulatory litigation, audits and defense. Mr. Marashlian also counsels regulated communications enterprises with respect to customer privacy and data security issues, licensing, mergers & acquisitions and commercial transactions.
Biography
Mr. Marashlian is the Managing Partner of Marashlian & Donahue, LLC, The CommLaw Group. He is also the founder and CEO of The Commpliance Group, the firm’s affiliated regulatory compliance and consulting services firm. Mr. Marashlian is a nationally-recognized expert in the areas of communications taxes, regulatory fees, regulatory litigation, audits and defense. Mr. Marashlian also counsels regulated communications enterprises with respect to customer privacy and data security issues, licensing, mergers & acquisitions and commercial transactions.
Mr. Marashlian boasts a vibrant and diverse telecom law practice serving U.S. and international clients operating in every sector of the communications industry, including traditional domestic and international telecommunications, wireless, “Cloud Communications,” VoIP, SaaS, UCaaS, broadband (fixed & wireless), Internet of Things (“IoT”) and other advanced communications service providers. He is responsible for managing a team of highly-skilled professionals and guiding the firm’s clientele through the rapidly evolving and byzantine maze of state, federal and international communications laws, regulations and policies.
Mr. Marashlian has comprehensively advised several Fortune 500 companies on regulatory issues and assisted with their entry into the telecom marketplace, thereafter managing all aspects of post-entry regulatory and tax compliance through The Commpliance Group and its Cloud Commpliance Solution.
In 2005, anticipating the seismic shift in the market for effective, yet affordable legal services, Mr. Marashlian set out to engineer a one-of-a-kind, “Full Spectrum” professional services business model tailored to serve the needs of the dynamic and hyper-competitive telecom industry. The revolutionary processes developed by and deployed at Mr. Marashlian’s firms offer clients value-driven, high-quality professional services that deliver business-savvy solutions for reasonable, project appropriate costs; all provided with the customer-friendly approach that has become the firms’ hallmark characteristic.
The CommLaw Group is a full service Washington, D.C.-area law firm serving the comprehensive legal needs of the communications industry. Experienced in all aspects of federal and state telecommunications law and regulation, we represent businesses engaged in the dynamic communications and information technologies industry with virtually all legal needs. No matter the scope of our representation, we are committed to offering our clients personal attention and efficient, professional representation. While always keeping your objectives in mind, we maintain our clients’ trust and confidence through open and direct communication and valuable, responsive and cost-effective performance.
Unique among its peers, The CommLaw Group offers clients a scope of capabilities rarely found in boutique law firms. With a headcount rivaling the Telecom Practice Groups of most major law firms, Mr. Marashlian’s firm boasts a team of attorneys, paraprofessionals and consultants possessing the skills, focus and resources necessary to serve the communications law needs of Fortune 100 companies, all without sacrificing the range of services and affordability which makes us the “go to” firm for new entrants and service providers of all sizes. An AV Preeminent Rated attorney, Mr. Marashlian is the winner of three consecutive Lexology /International Law Office (“ILO”) Client Choice Awards, named overall winner in the Telecommunications Law-U.S. category; Mr. Marashlian also received SmartCEO’s Executive Management Award, an honor bestowed upon C-Suite leaders who uphold the highest ethics, lead collaboratively and creatively, and enhance and support the organization’s mission. For three years in a row, Mr. Marashlian’s firm was named “Leading Customer Service Law Firm of the Year in the U.S.” by ACQ Global Awards; The CommLaw Group was also named “Best Communications Law Firm of the Year in the U.S.” by ACQ LawAwards.
Mr. Marashlian earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Richmond and his law degree from the George Mason University School of Law.
Representative Experience
- Represent competitive telecommunications, enhanced services, interconnected Voice over IP (VoIP), non-Interconnected VoIP, Cloud communications and Software as a Service (SaaS) providers in all matters before the FCC, USAC and state regulatory agencies across the nation;
- Counsel clients on regulatory requirements and compliance obligations arising under the federal Telecommunications Act, FCC Regulations and State Public Utility Commission rules and policies;
- Regularly engage in regulatory litigation and mediation before the FCC and state agencies regarding commercial disputes, regulatory compliance, competitive harms, marketing practices and more;
- Participate in Rulemaking, Declaratory Ruling and other policy proceedings and engage in lobbying and policy/client advocacy before the FCC;
- Obtain FCC and state authorizations for local, long distance, international, operator and prepaid telecom services; drafting, preparing, filing and maintaining telecommunications tariffs; advising clients on state and federal regulatory developments; cultivating close working relationships with FCC and state commission staff to aid client interests;
- Manage the prosecution of routine and complex regulatory filings associated with the full panoply of corporate transactions, including: transfers of control and assignments of authorization, FCC 214 discontinuances, and asset and customer base transfers;
- Spectrum license assignment, partitioning, and transfers of control applications utilizing Universal Licensing System;
- Expert in state and federal rules regarding slamming, cramming and telemarketing;
- Negotiate settlements of carrier contractual and billing disputes, including FCC mediations;
- Lead regulatory counsel to facilities-based IXC, Touch America, Inc. (“TA”); represented TA during its acquisition of the in-region long distance assets of Qwest Communications International, Inc. (“Qwest”) and subsequent corporate re-organization and divestiture of The Montana Power Company; prosecuted two formal FCC Complaints against Qwest; assisted FCC’s Investigations & Hearings Division in its informal investigation of Qwest (File No. EB-02-IH0674), which at the time resulted in the single, largest FCC fine ever issued;
- Represented regional ISP association, Federation of Internet Service Providers of America (FISPA), against BellSouth and Verizon de-regulation of telecommunications component of wireline broadband;
- Regulatory counsel to Nortel Networks and guide roll-out of Enterprise Division’s Hosted Solutions
Specialties
FCC and State (PUC/Secy. of State) regulatory, transactional, tax, litigation and advocacy;communications taxes & VoIP taxation issues; regulatory fees & tax planning; wireline & wireless transfers/assignments of control; licensing & tariffing; customer base/asset sales; regulatory reporting & compliance, contract drafting & negotiation; dispute resolution; FCC advocacy and representation in administrative proceedings, including rulemakings, declaratory petitions, and enforcement proceedings.
Affiliated Interests
- The CommLaw Group- Oversee and set strategic vision of firm’s affiliated regulatory compliance consulting firm.
- My FCC Compliance-Created revolutionary, one-of-a-kind service that puts the power to obtain basic FCC licenses and maintain compliance with FCC regulations directly in the hands of communications service providers.
- Ad Hoc Coalition of International Telecommunications Companies-Coalition founder and advocate for fair, equitable and responsible administration of Universal Service Fund program by Universal Service Administrative Company.
- Member, Editorial Board of Law360
- Member, Editorial Advisory Board for the Thompson Multichannel Video Compliance Guide
Publications
Mr. Marashlian is published in the Federal Communications Law Journal, and more recently, the CommLaw Conspectus. Mr. Marashlian actively contributes articles to industry and trade publications and is frequently quoted as an industry expert on a variety of subject matters.
- Co-Authored, “Confusion, Uncertainty, and Fear: How the FCC’s Increased Reliance on Adjudication Is Harming Carriers, Competition, Consumers, and Investment,” Federal Communications Law Journal, Volume 68, Issue 2, August 2016
- Co-Authored, “Mis-Administration and Misadventures of the Universal Service Fund: A Case Study in the Importance of the Administrative Procedure Act to Government Agency Rulemaking”, CommLaw Conspectus, Journal of Communications Law and Policy, Volume 20, Issue 1, June 2011
- Co-Authored, “Detariffing and the Death of the Filed Tariff Doctrine: De-Regulation in the “Self” Interest,” Federal Communications Law Journal, Volume 54, March 2002
- Co-Authored, “United States – International Telecommunications Law, 2nd Edition”
- Co-Authored, “Analyzing SIPs Role in Regulatory and Tax Structures,” Internet Telephony, Nov. 1, 2011
- Authored, “The Future of VoIP: Regulatory Storm Clouds on the Horizon,” Internet Telephony, Oct. 2011
- Authored, “Do Taxes Really Matter? Navigating Regulatory Considerations Associated with the Transition to VoIP, SIP and Beyond,” VoIP Logic Quarterly, Sept. 2011
- Authored articles for Wireless Dealer Magazine, including:
- “Top 4 Wireless Providers Agree to Text-to-911 Commitments”
- “911 Regulations Evolving to Eliminate Loopholes and Exemptions for Prepaid”
- “FCC Considering Extension of USF Contributions to Wireless Text Messaging Services” (Oct. 2011)
- “FCC Signals Heavier Regulation of Private Label Distribution of Prepaid Wireless Services” (Sept. 2011)
- “FCC Considers Reform of the Federal Universal Service Low-Income Program” (Dec. 2011)
- Authored, “VoIP Service Provider Primer: Compliance with Communications Taxes and Regulatory Fees, 3-part series,” TMCnet.com, November 2009
- Quoted, TMC Net, “FCC Considers Petition that Could Impact VoIP Peering Rules,” Paula Bernier, April 2011
- Quoted, Channelpro, “Using VPN for VoIP Security.” Martin Sinderman, January 2011
- Quoted, TMC Net NGN, “Broadband Stimulus Applicants Hold On for a Long, Bumpy Ride,” Paula Bernier, Sept/Oct 2009 | Volume 1/Number 5
- Quoted, Rural Telecommunications, “The Fight to Protect CPNI,” Anna Henry, November 2009
- Interview, Network IP Connections, Regulatory Watch: Q&A with Jonathan Marashlian, Summer 2009
- Authored articles for The Prepaid Press (www.Prepaid-Press.com), including:
- “FCC Not the Only Enforcer”, August 2014
- “Coalition Seeks Support to Lower TRS Fees”, June 2014
- “Ad Hoc Coalition Wants Amnesty”, May 2014
- “FCC to Clarify Scope of TCPA”, March 2014
- “FCC Enforcement Sends Signals to Prepaid Wireless Providers”, February 2014
- “USF Exemption Process, Confusion Starts January 1”, Oct. 2013
- “Universal Service Fund Contributor Audits”, August 2013
- “Hands off VoIP!,” August 2006
- “Net Neutrality: What is it and why should I care?,” June 2006
- “Year of the DAC,” December 2005
- “Are Wireless Providers Destined for State Regulation?,” June 2005
- “Misery Loves Company AT&T Calling Card Saga Continues,” May 2005
- “Cutting the Cord Wireless boom causing states to rethink “hands off” approach to wireless regulation,” March 2005
- “FCC Rules Against AT&T Order May Impact All Card Providers,” March 2005
- “FCC USF Enforcement – Is the sleeping lion about to wake?,” June 2004
- Co-Authored, “USTA v. FCC: A Decision Ripe for the Supremes,” March 2004
- Co-Authored, “The Forgotten Quo,” Phone + Magazine, May 2004
- Authored Articles for Accelerate Telecom Magazine (“ATM”), “LD Gets Hammered,” Fall Quarterly 2001: “Uneven Playing Field,” Winter Quarterly 2001
- Authored, “Preventing Re-Monopolization: A Call to Arms to Competitors” and “Telecom Re-Monopolization – Is it Too Late?,” published on www.ISP-Planet.com and www.CLEC-Planet.com, 2001
- Co-Authored, “Operating in the Detariffed Environment: Are you Ready?,” Phone + Magazine, August 2001
Recognition
- Winner – SmartCEO Executive Management Award
- Winner – Telecommunications Law – International — Lexology/International Law Office – (profiled at Page 124)
- Winner – Telecommunications Law – US/Canada — Lexology/International Law Office (profiled at Page 91)
- Lexology/International Law Office Award Press Release
- Martindale-Hubbell. AV Preeminent Peer Rating (Jonathan Marashlian)
- Martindale-Hubbell. Preeminent Client Rating (Jonathan Marashlian)
Education
Mr. Marashlian received his Bachelor of Arts degree and graduated cum laude from the University of Richmond, majoring in Political Science. Mr. Marashlian earned his Juris Doctor at the George Mason University School of Law where he completed specialized courses as part of the law school’s Regulatory Track; focusing on the telecommunications and information technology industries
Admissions
Mr. Marashlian is licensed to practice in the state of Maryland.
Admitted to United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
Member of the Federal Communications Bar Association since 1997 and Armenian Bar Association.
Speaking Engagements
Mr. Marashlian has also been invited to speak at a variety of industry events:
- “Surviving a USAC Audit: Tips for Facing an Audit with Confidence,” Speaker at TeleStrategies 2014.
- “Enter the SIP / Mobility / UCaaS Market with Confidence,” Speaker at Cloud Channel Partners 2015.
- “Ask a Lawyer,” Speaker at TeleStrategies 2015.
- “Managing Exemptions and Minimizing Exposure,” Speaker at TeleStrategies 2013.
- “Advanced FCC Revenue Reporting: Misperceptions, Mistakes & Missed Opportunities,” Speaker at TeleStrategies 2012. Click here to download presentation.
- Cloud Communications Alliance Webinar on Federal, State and Local Laws that affect Hosted VoIP Products and Services, 2012.
- “Regulatory Landscape: FCC Regulation of Non-Interconnected VoIP Service and the ‘Cloud,’” Speaker at Polycom ITSP Leadership Summit (Dec. 2011). Click here to download presentation.
- “Regulatory Landscape: VoIP and Cloud-based Communications,” Speaker at Avaya Global Law and Contracting Conference (Nov. 2011)
- “Regulatory, Tax and Business Implications of Recent FCC Decisions Related to Enhanced Communications,” Speaker at TeleStrategies Communications Taxation 2011 (May 2011). Click here to download presentation.
- VoIP Taxation and Regulatory Fees on the Rise: Your Guide to Compliance, Thompson Interactive Audio Conference (August 2009)
- “The Future of Regulation, Taxes and Litigation in Prepaid Calling,” Speaker at Prepaid Press Expo (August 2008)
- “Prepaid Industry Legal & Regulatory Update,” Speaker at NetworkIP 2007 Prepaid Leadership Summit (September 2007)
- Sonus Networks Technical Leadership Forum 2007, Moderator of Panel Session on Today’s Regulatory Environment & Net Neutrality
- “Prepaid Industry Legal & Regulatory Update: The Times, They are a Changin’,” Speaker at NetworkIP 2007 Prepaid Leadership Summit (April 2007)
- “Universal Service Fund: What is the End Game?,” Speaker at NetworkIP 2006 Prepaid Leadership Summit (September 2006)
- “USF: Past, Present & Future,” Speaker before National Telecommunications Credit Association (Nov. 2003)
- Implementation of the New National Broadband Plan – Issues, Opportunities and Challenges, Thompson Interactive Webinar (June 2010).
