Media Contact: 
Will Wiquist, (202) 418-0509
will.wiquist@fcc.gov
For Immediate Release
CHAIRMAN PAI ANNOUNCES FCC GENERAL COUNSEL
Top Agency Counsel Advises Chairman, Commissioners, and Staff on Legal Matters --
WASHINGTON, October 19, 2017—Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai 
today announced the appointment of Thomas M. Johnson, Jr. as FCC General Counsel.  When 
Mr. Johnson joins the Commission next week, Acting General Counsel Nick Degani will 
transition back to his role as senior counsel in the Office of Chairman Pai.
“Because we cannot stray beyond the authority granted to us by Congress, the General Counsel is 
one of the most important positions at the FCC,” said Chairman Pai.  “Having myself worked in 
the FCC’s Office of General Counsel, I know the hard work that goes on there.  I am grateful that 
someone with Tom’s skill and experience is going to fill this vital role.  Tom is an outstanding 
attorney and a strong leader.” 
Mr. Johnson will join the Commission from his position as deputy solicitor general for West 
Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey.  Mr. Johnson has also worked at the law firm 
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP and as a law clerk for Judge Jerry E. Smith of the U.S. Court of 
Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.  He earned his J.D. from Harvard Law School and a bachelor’s
degree from Georgetown University. 
Chairman Pai also thanked Mr. Degani for his work: “Nick once again stepped up when needed 
and did an outstanding job filling a temporary but fundamental need for the Commission.  I 
welcome him back to my office and thank him for his tireless work.” 
The Office of General Counsel serves as the chief legal advisor to the Commission and its various 
bureaus and offices. The Office of General Counsel also represents the Commission in litigation, 
recommends decisions in adjudicatory matters before the Commission, assists the Commission in 
its decision-making capacity, and performs a variety of legal functions regarding internal and 
other administrative matters.
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This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes 
official action.  See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).