Pantelis Michalopoulos is a partner in Steptoe's Washington office, where he is the head of the Telecom, Internet & Media Group. His practice covers the entire span of telecommunications, media and Internet law and regulation.

Mr. Michalopoulos has represented telecommunications, wireless and satellite companies in numerous licensing, rulemaking, and complaint proceedings before the FCC. He has also assisted clients in telecommunications matters handled by other agencies such as the Copyright Office. Representing the consumers and the American Libraries Association, he argued in the Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit against the FCC's "broadcast flag" requirement, which would have prevented the Internet redistribution of High Definition television content. The court struck this rule down in 2005. He has also successfully argued in the same court in favor of setting aside the FCC’s “plug-and-play” rules. He has represented the Internet industry in the net neutrality case, which resulted in a landmark DC Circuit decision upholding the agency’s jurisdiction to protect the Internet but setting aside the Agency’s specific rules. He has also represented wireless carriers, satellite carriers and private equity funds in a number of high profile acquisitions. He regularly represents telecommunications clients in matters of preemption of state regulation.

Mr. Michalopoulos is ranked among the leading telecommunications lawyers by Chambers USA 2012 and The Legal 500 US 2012. He has written a number of articles about regulated industries, and has authored the legal thriller "The War of Art" under the pseudonym Philip Blackpeat. He serves as Chairman of the Board of The American Friends, New Acropolis Museum, and previously served on the National Council of the Shakespeare Theatre Company.