Partner
Joined: 2021
and access,
Prior to joining Searchlight in 2021, Mr. Pai was the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (“FCCâ€), which he led from 2017 until 2021. He first joined the FCC as a Commissioner in 2012. During Mr. Pai’s tenure as Chairman, he implemented major initiatives to help close the digital divide; advance U.S. leadership in 5G, Open Radio Access Networks, Wi-Fi 6, and other wireless technologies; promote innovation; protect consumers, public safety, and national security; and make the agency itself more open, transparent, and data-driven. Earlier in his career, he served in various positions of increasing responsibility at the FCC, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the U.S. Senate. Before becoming a Commissioner, he worked as a Partner at the law firm of Jenner & Block and served as in-house counsel at Verizon. Mr. Pai graduated with honors from Harvard University in 1994 and from the University of Chicago Law School in 1997.