James H. Barker

James H. Barker is a partner in Latham & Watkins’ Washington, D.C. office and Global Chair of the firm’s Communications Industry Group. He gives business-focused legal guidance to telecommunications market leaders and global clients. His work covers complex regulatory, transaction, finance, and M&A matters involving communications, technology, and national security issues.

James earned his JD from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1990, where he was Notes Editor of the Virginia Law Review. He earned his BA from Washington & Lee University in 1987, graduating Phi Beta Kappa, summa cum laude, and Omicron Delta Kappa. He is admitted in the District of Columbia and Florida.

James advises clients before the Federal Communications Commission, “Team Telecom,” CFIUS, and other executive branch agencies. He works with strategic companies, major venture capital and private equity firms, investment banks, and funding sources. His practice also covers regulatory issues tied to AI, emerging wireless technologies, connected vehicles, connected homes, and IoT.

James has deep experience with spectrum auctions and has advised telecommunications clients on auction matters since the FCC first received auction authority in 1993. He also handles cable, direct broadcast satellite, multichannel video programming, telephone company, and common carrier issues. His work includes disputes before courts, commissions, and appellate courts.

James is recognized by Chambers USA and Legal 500 US for communications, CFIUS, national security, telecoms, broadcast, and regulatory work. Legal 500 US 2025 named him a Leading Individual, Leading Partner, and Leading Lawyer. Chambers USA has praised his strong regulatory skills, practical advice, and work on tough problems.

James H. Barker has also held key leadership roles at the firm. He serves as Chair of the firm’s Retirement Committee and served as Deputy Office Managing Partner of the Washington, D.C. office. Earlier in his career, he served as a law clerk to Judge Peter T. Fay of the US Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Latham & Watkins LLP
• Member, Bar Association of the District of Columbia
• Member, The Florida Bar

Licensed State

• District of Columbia
• Florida

Education

• University of Virginia School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Washington & Lee University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges