Suzanne K. Toller

Partner

Suzanne Toller's work includes representing communications, broadband and cable clients before the FCC and state public utility commissions. She advises clients on a broad range of regulatory and legal matters and assists clients in developing public policy positions and legislative strategy on telecommunications issues. Suzanne also represents clients in local permitting actions and in civil litigation, in matters ranging from wireless cell site construction to breach of contract.

Suzanne has represented Comcast, Crown Castle, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, XO Communications, and Sunesys.

Richmond Residents For Responsible Antenna Placement v. City of Richmond

Defended wireless carrier against due process and CEQA challenge to permits granted for installation of wireless facilities. Superior Court found in favor of client on all claims. Court of Appeal affirmed in full. (2009)

North County Communications v. California Catalog & Technology

Represented wireless telecommunications carriers in suit brought by CLEC seeking compensation for traffic terminated on its network. The case was dismissed. The judgment was affirmed on appeal. 594 F.3d 1149 (9th Cir. 2007)

MetroPCS, Inc. v. City and County of San Francisco

Trial of a case brought under Section 332 of the Communications Act. One of the few cases in the history of this important statute ever to go to trial. The appellate opinion is the most important decision in the 9th Circuit construing this statute. 400 F.3d 715 (9th Cir. 2005); 2006 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 43985 (N.D. Cal. 2006)

NextG Networks of Calif., Inc. v. City & County of San Francisco

Order granting judgment and permanent injunction for NextG, preempting pursuant to Section 253 of federal Communications Act the defendant city's requirements for deployment of wireless facilities in public rights-of-way. 2006 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 36101 (N.D. Cal. 2006; 9th Cir. 2006)

Telecommunications regulatory approvals for Sprint Corporation

Obtained state regulatory approvals nationwide for spinoff of Embarq Corporation from Sprint. (2006)

Admitted to Practice

California, 1987
U.S. Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit, 1987
U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, 1987
U.S. District Court, Southern District of California, 2006

Education

J.D., Harvard Law School, 1987, cum laude
B.A., English Literature, University of California, San Diego, 1984, magna cum laude
- Phi Beta Kappa

Memberships & Affiliations

- President, 2014; Board Member, 2009-present – Conference of California Public Utility Counsel
- Executive Committee, 2002-2003; Member, 1996-present – Federal Communications Bar Association
- President, 2001-2003; Member, 1990-present – Women in Telecommunications

Professional Recognition

- Named one of the "Best Lawyers in America" by Best Lawyers in Communications Law, 2006-present; in Utilities Law, 2023-present
- Selected as San Francisco's "Lawyer of The Year" in Communications Law by Best Lawyers, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2023
- Selected to "Northern California Super Lawyers," Thomson Reuters, 2005-2010, 2013-2015

Background

- Vice President, 1999-2001; Senior Counsel, Legal and External Affairs Department, 1998-1999 – AT&T Wireless Services
- Legal Advisor to Commissioner Rachelle B. Chong, Federal Communications Commission, Washington, D.C., 1995-1997
- Counsel, CMT Partners d.b.a. Cellular One, 1994-1995
- Associate, Morrison & Foerster, 1987-1994