Baker Donelson has significantly expanded its telecommunications practice with the addition of a group of 12 attorneys who focus on the representation of wireless carriers. The attorneys, as well as six paralegals and two other staff who will also join Baker Donelson, were previously with the Pennington Law Firm and are making the move as part of an agreement between the two firms to transfer a majority of Pennington's wireless communications business to Baker Donelson.

Pennington Law Firm will continue its wireless communications practice, as well as other commercial real estate related fields of practice.

Christopher Olds, Lisa Smith and Nicholas Steinhaus join Baker Donelson as shareholders, while Kelli Cantey and Roger Hall join as of counsel. Also joining as attorneys are Cara Cochran, Jacob Fling, Laura Goode, Alanna Herman, Rachel Hutchens, Tara Schmidt and Brandon White.

This team of professionals brings comprehensive experience in the many legal components associated with the organized deployment of wireless infrastructure and technology across the country, including zoning matters related to wireless communications; the leasing, acquisition and ongoing management of commercial real estate for retail and office use; and drafting and negotiating agreements for indoor and outdoor distributed antenna systems.

"We're pleased to welcome to our thriving telecommunications practice a group with experience working across the country," said Ben C. Adams, chairman and chief executive officer of Baker Donelson. "Their addition significantly enhances our depth of talent available to represent members of the wireless industry across a wide range of issues that are unique to this complex and constantly changing industry."

This group of attorneys and other professionals are based in Columbia, South Carolina, giving Baker Donelson its first location in the state. With Baker Donelson's entry into South Carolina, its geographic footprint now encompasses eight states across the Southeast and Texas, as well as Washington, D.C. The addition of this group brings the Firm's total number of attorneys and advisors to more than 700 across 21 offices.