Sherrese M. Smith | Paul Hastings LLP

Clients on structuring regulatory compliant transactions and securing FCC and Team Telecom regulatory approvals for complex media and telecommunications transactions.
Clients on complex federal law and policy matters regarding foreign investment in U.S. media companies and on navigating the FCC’s rules governing multiple, cross-ownership and joint-ownership of media and telecommunications properties.
Broadcast, cable, telecommunications, equipment manufacturer, and investor clients on various matters including spectrum policy, content distribution (including retransmission consent), network-affiliate relations, mergers and acquisitions, and FCC enforcement actions.
Media and telecommunications clients on regulatory and business issues involving the use and sale of spectrum, public safety and national security, licensing, compliance, policy, and foreign ownership matters.
Domestic and international companies, including media, technology and telecommunications conglomerates, global online and retail companies, healthcare providers, and others on compliance with diverse domestic and global data protection laws and standards, including: compliance with U.S. federal and state privacy and security laws (Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, Electronic Communications Privacy Act, TCPA, CAN-SPAM, VPPA, HIPAA, and the new California Privacy Act (CCPA) and related state privacy and security laws, among others); and various international data protection laws, including, but not limited to, the EU and U.S. Privacy Shield Frameworks and the EU Data Protection Directive and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Crisis response for multinational companies responding to data breaches in various jurisdictions including the U.S., EU, and Asia and represents companies in associated regulatory investigations and enforcement proceedings.
Assists organizations in developing risk management strategies, including the implementation of cybersecurity frameworks and other planning tools to minimize risk and developing incident response plans ahead of cyber incidents.
Companies before regulatory agencies in connection with the formulation or consideration of new regulatory or legislative initiatives.
Provides privacy and security advice in M&A and other corporate transactions by efficiently identifying, assessing, and quantifying risk to assist companies in making smart business decisions in business transactions and negotiations.

Band 1 – Media & Entertainment: Regulatory
- Clients note Sherrese is “an excellent lawyer with excellent expertise in the regulatory space” and “an insightful advisor who is very responsive and offers a commanding voice in any storm.” In prior years, she has been recognized for being “pragmatic, client-focused and collaborative. She is creative in finding solutions to challenging and novel issues for her clients” and “extremely helpful, quick to respond and has an answer to every question we ask.”
Chambers USA (2023-26)
America’s Top Lawyers
Forbes (2025-26)
America’s Top Women Lawyers
Forbes (2026)
Telecom and Broadcast: Regulatory
Legal 500 (2025)
Cyber Law (including Data Privacy and Data Protection)
Legal 500 (2025)
Media and Entertainment: Litigation
- Sources say: “Sherrese Smith is the avatar of the perpetually insightful advisor. She is perpetually in motion and responsive. She runs the firm and is her clients'' first and last call on every issue and offers a commanding voice in any storm.”
Legal 500 (2025)
Managing Partner of the Year, Women
Influence & Power in Law (2024)
Most Influential Lawyers
Savoy (2024)
Honoree, 13th Annual Minority Business Leader Awards
Washington Business Journal (2020)
Influential Women in Communications Award
Women to Watch Award
American Bar Association
Outstanding In-House Counsel
District of Columbia chapter of the Association of Corporate Counsel
Innovative Lawyers Award for Great Legal Ideas
- “A multi disciplinary team of lawyers was responsible for a series of ideas to create a model sharing agreement for the Federal Communications Commission’s auction of television spectrum, a first of its kind. Critical to creating successful contractual instrument was enabling broadcasters to share spectrum, foresee how future technologies would develop, and write these eventualities into the contract. Commended: Sherrese Smith.”
Financial Times

“Important Decision for Data Breach Litigation as Claims for Misuse of Private Information and Breach of Confidence Struck Out for Being ‘ill founded’,” Co-Author
August 2021
“The Supreme Court and the TCPA: What Companies Should Know About the Recent Ruling,” Co-Author
April 2021
“Analysis and Comparison: The Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act and California Privacy Laws,” Co-Author
February 2021
“Top 5 Privacy Developments in 2020 and 5 More to Prepare for in 2021,” Co-Author
December 2020
“FCC Adopts Rules Codifying Foreign Investment Process,” Co-Author
October 2020
“CCPA Enforcement Is Coming July 1—Here’s What to Know,” Co-Author
May 2020
“New Team Telecom Process Formalized; FCC Rules to Follow,” Co-Author
April 2020
“Relaxation of HIPAA Restrictions in the COVID-19 Era,” Co-Author
April 2020
“PH COVID-19 Client Alert Series: Location Privacy in a Crisis—Considerations for Businesses,” Co-Author
April 2020
“Steps You Can Take Now to Reduce the Risk of Litigation Under the New California Consumer Privacy Act,” Co-Author
June 2019
“Data Security in the Cloud Era: Development and Dividing Lines,” Author
December 2018
“Key Takeaways from the FTC’s Latest Privacy Enforcement,” Co-Author
January 2018
“FCC Votes to Revisit Net Neutrality Rules,” Co-Author
May 2017
“President Trump Signs Executive Order Requiring Review of Federal Cybersecurity Policies,” Co-Author
May 2017
“President Trump Repeals the FCC’s Broadband Privacy Rules; Legacy CPNI Rules Restored,” Co-Author
April 2017
“New Privacy Training Requirements for Covered Federal Contractor Employees,” Co-Author
April 2017
“U.S. House of Representatives Approves Repeal of FCC’s Broadband Privacy Rules, Awaits Signature by President Trump,” Co-Author
March 2017
“U.S. Senate Approves Resolution to Repeal FCC’s Broadband Privacy Rules; Resolution Heads to U.S. House of Representatives for Consideration,” Co-Author
March 2017
“The Self-Driving Turtle Wins the Race: Managing the Privacy and Security of Fast-Paced IoT Innovation,” Co-Author
December 2016
“FCC Releases Order Imposing New Privacy Rules on ISPs and Telcos,” Co-Author
November 2016
“Five Ways that Privacy Shield is Different from Safe Harbor and Five Simple Steps Companies Can Take to Prepare for Certification,” Co-Author
July 2016
“NTIA Seeks ‘Streamlining’ of Team Telecom Process; FCC to Propose Rules,” Co-Author
June 2016
“Third Circuit Overturns JSA Attribution Rule and Orders FCC to Complete Stalled Ownership Proceedings,” Co-Author
May 2016
“Tech Disruption Meets Market Disruption,” byline article published by BestTheNews.com
April 2016
“FCC Releases Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for New Broadband ISP Privacy Rules,” Co-Author
April 2016
“FCC Releases Fact Sheet Detailing Proposal for New Privacy Rules for Broadband ISPs,” Co-Author
March 2016
“Not Just Refrigerators and Light Bulbs: Connected Vehicles as an Extension of the Internet of Things,” Co-Author
April 2015
“FCC Releases Order Subjecting Broadband Internet Access Services to Greater FCC Oversight,” Co-Author
March 2015
“FCC Releases Fact Sheet Detailing Proposal for Unprecedented Reclassification of Mobile and Wired Broadband Internet Service,” Co-Author
February 2015
“FCC Issues Guidance on its Review of Transactions Proposing Sharing Arrangements and Contingent Interests,” Co-Author
March 2014

Member, Board of Visitors
The Philip Merrill College of Journalism, University of Maryland
Member, Board of Advisors
International Privacy and Security Forum
Member, Board of Trustees
America’s Public Television Stations (APTS)
Member, Board of Directors
APTS Action, Inc.
Member, Board of Directors
Student Press Law Center (2015-present)
Board Member
American Bar Association (ABA) Forum on Media and Communications Law
Past Member
Law360’s Cybersecurity & Privacy Editorial Advisory Board
Past Member
Law360’s Telecommunications Editorial Advisory Board
Member
Federal Communications Bar Association
Past Board Member
Media Law Resource Center Institute
Past Co-Chair
Copyright Committee of the ABA

Electronic Media Regulation Panel at the PLI Communications Law Program, Panelist
November 2021
“Get Smart: Cybersecurity and the Board,” 26th Annual Stanford Directors’ College Online, Speaker
June 2021

“Privacy Protection: Why Information Governance is Highly Important Now,” EY Webcast, Speaker
June 2021
“Cybersecurity Privacy & Data Protection,” Elevating Black Excellence Regional Summit, Speaker
June 2021
“Cybersecurity Privacy & Data Protection,” Elevating Black Excellence Regional Summit, Speaker
April 2021
“Women’s History Month Choosing to Challenge Series: Defining Your Impact as a Leader,” Paul Hastings, Panelist
MARCH 31, 2021
“Relationship Building for Business Development, Leadership Opportunities, and Effective Advocacy,” FCBA Women’s Summit, Panelist
MARCH 25, 2021
“Navigating Cross-Border Data Transfers: A Practical Review of the New Draft Standard Contractual Clauses,” PH Webinar, Panelist
FEBRUARY 10, 2021
“Different Types of Media and Its Lawyers,” How to be Media Lawyer Program, ABA Forum on Communications Law, Speaker
JANUARY 26, 2021
“Impact of COVID-19 and Industry Implications,” Pacific Telecommunications Council Annual Conference, Moderator
JANUARY 18, 2021
“What to expect in 2021: Biden Administration priorities in labor/employment, privacy and security and securities,” ACC WITH Program, Speaker
JANUARY 11, 2021
Electronic Media Regulation Panel at the PLI Communications Law Program, Panelist
NOVEMBER 12, 2020
“Managing Covid through Technology—Privacy & Locational Tracking—an International Perspective,” India International Law Foundation (IILF) in association with Associated Law Advisers and PH, Speaker
MAY 27, 2020
“Breaking News! Fake News and Deep Fakes and Their Impact on American Democracy Plenary,” ABA Forum on Communications Law 25th Annual Conference, Austin, TX
FEBRUARY 8, 2020
“Topical Session—Legal & Policy,” Pacific Telecommunications Council Annual Conference, Honolulu, HI, Moderator
JANUARY 20, 2020
“Electronic Media Regulation Panel,” Practicing Law Institute’s Communications Law in the Digital Age 2019, New York
NOVEMBER 7, 2019
“2020 Elections Panel (Film & TV, Social Media Policy),” BESLA at the CBC, Washington, D.C.
SEPTEMBER 11, 2019
“Making Sense of the Cybersecurity Landscape in 2019 Panel,” Kellogg Alumni Club of New York and the Northwestern Law Alumni Club of NYC, New York
FEBRUARY 6, 2019
“Global Data Privacy and Security Legal Issues Panel,” ABA Forum on Communications Law 24th Annual Conference, Miami Beach, FL
JANUARY 31, 2019
“Topical Session—Four Key Challenges Presented by Emerging Technologies and Evolving Legal Frameworks Affecting the Telecommunications Industry,” Pacific Telecommunications Council Annual Conference, Honolulu, HI, Moderator
JANUARY 21, 2019
“Electronic Media Regulation Panel,” Practicing Law Institute’s Communications Law in the Digital Age 2018, New York
NOVEMBER 8, 2018
“Women as Regulators, Women and Corporate Governance,” George Washington Law Review Fall 2018 Symposium, Washington, D.C., Moderator
NOVEMBER 2, 2018
“Privacy Challenges and Opportunities in Cloud Computing Panel,” IAPP, New York
JUNE 20, 2018
“Retrans Revenues and Costs: The Road Ahead Panel,” S&P’s 35th Annual TV & Radio Finance Summit, New York
JUNE 14, 2018
“Data Protection and Privacy in Internal Investigations Session,” PH/Navigant Internal Investigations Forum, London
MARCH 6, 2018
Interviewed by Legal Marketing Association, as a part of the P3cast series, celebrating the P3 Women’s Initiative Network and Women’s History Month
March 2018
“Plenary Session—Forty Years After FCC v. Pacifica Foundation,” ABA Forum on Communications Law 23rd Annual Conference, Napa, CA, Moderator
MARCH 1, 2018
“Topical Session on the Challenges Presented by Emerging Technologies and Evolving Legal Frameworks,” Pacific Telecommunications Council Annual Conference, Honolulu, HI
JANUARY 22, 2018
Aspen Action Forum, Aspen Institute, Aspen, CO
JULY 28, 2017
PH/GC Magazine Event: Diversity and Inclusion: Insights from Innovative General Counsel, Palo Alto, CA
MARCH 7, 2017
“Topical Session—Are Legal Frameworks Facing a Changing Reality?” and “Executive Insight Roundtable—Business Data Services: Market Realities,” Pacific Telecommunications Council Annual Conference, Honolulu, HI
JANUARY 16, 2017
Privacy and IoT Breakfast Roundtable, Paul Hastings, San Francisco, CA
JANUARY 12, 2017
“Electronic Media Regulation Panel,” Practicing Law Institute’s Communications Law in the Digital Age 2016, New York, NY
NOVEMBER 10, 2016
“IoT Central Event on Privacy & IoT,” New York, NY
OCTOBER 10, 2016
LeftFoot Podcast Interview titled, “Be ‘The Person’ with Sherrese Smith of Paul Hastings”
September 2016
“Women Corporate Directors Crisis Management in the Boardroom,” San Diego, CA
SEPTEMBER 27, 2016
“Telecommunications and Technology Panel,” Corporate Counsel Women of Color Twelfth Annual Career Strategies Conference, Las Vegas, NV
SEPTEMBER 21, 2016
Aspen Action Forum, Aspen Institute, Aspen, CO
JULY 19, 2016
Women to Watch Media Interview
July 2016
“This Isn’t the Data You’re Looking for: Privacy, Marketing, and Online Issues Panel,” ABA Forum on Communications Representing Your Local Broadcaster, Las Vegas, NV
APRIL 17, 2016
“IoT Panel Event,” Co-Hosted by Paul Hastings and OurCrowd, New York, NY
APRIL 13, 2016
“Leaders in Corporate Innovation,” Financial Times—Paul Hastings Innovators Forum, San Jose, CA
FEBRUARY 11, 2016
“Keynote Session—Policy Issues for Reimagined Telecoms” and “Panel on Legal and Regulatory Considerations in a Digital World,” Pacific Telecommunications Council Annual Conference, Honolulu, HI
JANUARY 18, 2016
“Electronic Media Regulation Panel,” Practicing Law Institute’s Communications Law in the Digital Age 2015, New York, NY
NOVEMBER 12, 2015
HOW Forum, “The Alchemy of Innovation,” New York, NY
NOVEMBER 6, 2015
“Communications Privacy and Security and FCC Enforcement,” Privacy and Security Forum, Washington, D.C.
OCTOBER 22, 2015
“Data Privacy and Cybersecurity—Sharing Best Practices,” Women in Corporate Governance Symposium, Washington, D.C.
OCTOBER 14, 2015
“Practical Consequences of the EU Decision on Safe Harbor,” Paul Hastings Webinar, Washington, D.C.
OCTOBER 13, 2015
“Best Practices on Protecting Employee Data, Company Data & Internal Emails,” Corporate Counsel Women of Color Eleventh Annual Career Strategies Conference, Atlanta, GA
SEPTEMBER 23, 2015
“2015 Privacy Law Salon: Policymaker Roundtable,” Washington, D.C.
SEPTEMBER 11, 2015
“FCC Regulatory Update,” SNL Kagan’s Analyst Training in Media and Communications Program, New York, NY
AUGUST 11, 2015
Aspen Action Forum, Aspen Institute, Aspen, CO
JULY 26, 2015
“The New Economics of Retransmission Consent: Rising Rates and Rising Reverse Panel,” SNL Kagan Institute’s 32nd Annual TV and Radio Finance Summit, New York, NY
JUNE 25, 2015
“The Fundamentals of FCC Regulatory Law,” The American Conference Institute’s FCC Boot Camp, San Francisco, CA
JUNE 22, 2015
“Untwisting Regulatory Pretzels with the FCC,” NAB Show, Las Vegas, NV
APRIL 14, 2015
Media Advocacy Workshop, ABA Forum, Scottsdale, AZ
FEBRUARY 5, 2015
“Legal and Regulatory Risks in a Broadband World,” Pacific Telecommunications Council Annual Conference, Honolulu, HI
JANUARY 19, 2015
“Privacy Issues for Financial Institutions,” AXA Law Department, New York, NY
DECEMBER 12, 2014
“Electronic Media Regulation Panel,” Practicing Law Institute’s Communications Law in the Digital Age 2014, New York, NY
NOVEMBER 13, 2014
“Media Regulation and Impact on Earnings and Valuation,” SNL Kagan Media School Conference, New York, NY
OCTOBER 6, 2014
Media Law Resource Center/American Bar Association/National Association of Broadcasters, 2014 Media Law Conference, Reston, VA, Co-Chair
SEPTEMBER 17, 2014
“2014 Privacy Law Salon: Policymaker Roundtable,” Washington, D.C.
SEPTEMBER 8, 2014
“The Economics of Retransmission Consent—The Next Two Years,” SNL Kagan Summit, New York, NY
JUNE 3, 2014
“A Roundtable Discussion on the Pitfalls of Emerging Technology and Other Issues,” 34th Annual Ray Garrett Jr. Corporate & Securities Law Institute, Northwestern Law, Chicago, IL
MAY 1, 2014
“Social Media Misuse in the Workplace: Privacy, Mobility, and Best Practices,” National Employment Law Council’s Annual Conference, San Francisco, CA
APRIL 23, 2014
“Pillar Two CLE Program—Emerging Topics in Broadcast Regulation and Dealmaking,” Goldman Sachs, New York, NY
FEBRUARY 13, 2014
“Hot Issues in FCC Law,” ABA Forum on Communications Law 19th Annual Conference, Aventura, FL
FEBRUARY 6, 2014
“Legal, Technological and Business Issues in a Global Digital Environment,” Pacific Telecommunications Council Annual Conference, Honolulu, HI
JANUARY 20, 2014

Data Privacy & Cybersecurity

Data Privacy & Cybersecurity

Intellectual Property

Intellectual Property

Mergers & Acquisitions

Mergers & Acquisitions

National Security Regulation & Investigations

National Security Regulation & Investigations

Workforce Data & Technology

Workforce Data & Technology

Digital Infrastructure

Digital Infrastructure

Entertainment, Sports & Media

Entertainment, Sports & Media

ESM – Corporate

ESM – Corporate

Life Sciences & Healthcare

Life Sciences & Healthcare