Edlira Kuka is an associate specializing in communications and technology law within the firm's technology, communications, and privacy and security practice group. Prior to joining DWT, Edlira spent over five years in the tech and telecom industry, working in government and regulatory affairs for a major media company.
Edlira's experience includes working with internet service providers in securing rights to expand their networks and deploy broadband services. Edlira has negotiated transactions and advised on complying with franchise rights and obligations, overcoming regulatory hurdles, deploying infrastructure, and analyzing rights-of-way, permitting, and related licensing requirements. Her experience also includes advising on federal and state broadband funding, fiber deployment, and matters related to emerging technologies, including drones, AI, and machine learning.
Edlira's career spans over two decades of experience in the nonprofit, public, and private sectors. She previously held lobbying, governmental affairs, and policy positions, including working as legislative staff in the Washington State Senate and House of Representatives. Edlira specializes in advising on public-private partnerships and navigating local governmental regulatory challenges. She has appeared to testify before state and local legislative and regulatory bodies, formed coalitions and managed issue campaigns. Outside of communications law, Edlira has served in numerous community leadership roles, advocating for a number of pro bono and social issues, including anti-human trafficking, gang prevention, affordable housing, criminal justice reform, digital equity, and human rights.
Admitted to Practice
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District of Columbia, 2023
Education
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J.D., Seattle University School of Law, 2023, magna cum laude
- Faculty Trust Scholar
- Dean's List
- CALI Awards for the highest grade in: Administrative Law, Antitrust Law, Criminal Law
- Tony Yerry Memorial Law Review Scholarship
- Research & Tech Editor: Seattle University Law Review
- Co-founder and President: Tech, Media & Telecom Law Association
- President: Business & Entrepreneurial Law Association
- Antitrust Research Assistant to Professor John B. Kirkwood
- International Human Rights Clinic
- Moderate Means Practicum
- Tech, Media & Telecom Law Certificate, FCBA, 2021
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B.A., International Studies, University of Washington, 2009
- Minor, French Language & Literature
- European Union Policy Certificate
- Research Assistant, University of Washington Autism Center
Languages
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Albanian, French, and Italian
Memberships & Affiliations
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- Federal Communications Bar Association
- Law Student Mentor, Leadership Council on Legal Diversity, 2023-present
- Antitrust Ambassador, American Bar Association, 2021-2022
- Court-Appointed Special Advocate, King County Superior Court, 2011-2017
- Commissioner, City of Seattle Human Rights Commission, 2015-2017
- Vice President, Board of Directors, Safe Futures Youth Center, 2010-2015
Background
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- Manager, Communications Law, Regulations & Policy, Davis Wright Tremaine, Seattle, 2022-2023
- Manager, Government & Regulatory Affairs, Comcast NBCUniversal, Seattle, 2017-2022
- Summer Associate, Davis Wright Tremaine, Washington, D.C., 2022
- Summer Associate and FCBA 1L Diversity Pipeline Fellow, Davis Wright Tremaine, Washington, D.C., 2021
- Associate, Government & Community Relations, Vulcan Inc., Seattle, 2015-2017
- Legislative Assistant, Rep. Gael Tarleton, Washington State House of Representatives, 2014-2015
- Session Aide, Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, Washington State Senate, 2013-2014
- Housing Counselor and State & Local Policy Lead, Solid Ground, Seattle, 2010-2014