Thaila Sundaresan

Thaila Sundaresan is an appellate and communications regulatory attorney who helps clients navigate complex legal, policy, and regulatory challenges. She represents businesses in high-stakes appeals across a broad range of industries and advises communications companies on regulatory, compliance, and policy matters before state and federal agencies.

Thaila maintains a national appellate practice, representing clients in federal and state appellate courts in matters involving constitutional, administrative, employment, healthcare, energy, technology, and communications law. She has briefed and argued numerous appeals, helping clients address significant legal issues and develop effective strategies in cases that shape business operations and industry practices. Before joining the firm, Thaila spent six years at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), where she led major appellate litigation involving spectrum policy, broadband deployment, and emergency communications systems.

Recent appellate matters include representing a communications provider in a challenge to a California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) decision concerning inmate calling service rate regulation; representing an energy company in a petition for writ of review challenging a CPUC decision affecting distributed energy resources; briefing and arguing appeals in the California Courts of Appeal involving employment arbitration and class action waiver issues; representing technology companies in appellate proceedings concerning enforcement of online arbitration agreements; and handling appeals involving First Amendment, healthcare, and constitutional issues.

In her regulatory practice, Thaila focuses on representing communications and technology companies before the CPUC, FCC, and other regulatory bodies. She advises clients on transfers of control, licensing and certification requirements, rulemakings, regulatory compliance, and other matters critical to achieving business objectives in highly regulated industries. Drawing on her experience as both a regulator and an advocate, she helps clients navigate complex regulatory frameworks and manage interactions with government agencies.

Thaila also maintains an active pro bono appellate practice, representing clients before the U.S. Supreme Court and other federal courts in matters involving significant constitutional issues. Her commitment to public service reflects her dedication to advancing important legal causes and expanding access to justice.

By combining sophisticated appellate advocacy with deep communications regulatory experience, Thaila helps clients address their most significant legal and regulatory challenges where law, policy, and business intersect.