—Washington, DC— James (Jim) Baller, Senior Counsel with Keller and Heckman’s Telecommunications practice, was awarded the Local Self-Reliance Lifetime Achievement Award by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) at ILSR’s 50th-anniversary gala on May 1, 2024, in Washington, DC.  

For 50 years, the Institute for Local Self-Reliance has worked directly with communities and advocated for government policies to promote and sustain vibrant local economies. 

Community broadband access has been a key initiative of ILSR for more than 15 years. Due to the robust expansion of community broadband networks championed by ILSR and fellow advocates, communities have achieved a better connection to career and educational opportunities, healthcare, and more. 

Jim Baller has for many years supported the right of communities to choose municipal broadband, public-private partnerships, or any other engagement option that works for them. Because of his commitment to the broadband community, ILSR is recognizing Jim with the Lifetime Achievement Award. 

“I am very grateful for this award, which highlights my dedication to informed local broadband choice,” said Jim. “Thank you to the Local Institute of Self-Reliance for this recognition and for emphasizing the positive impact of community-driven broadband initiatives.” 

Throughout his impressive and ongoing career, Jim has represented clients across the United States in a broad range of communications matters, including battling barriers to community broadband initiatives, providing legal services supporting high-capacity broadband networks, developing public-private broadband partnerships, siting wireless facilities, managing rights-of-way and easements, and negotiating attachments to poles, conduits, towers, and other broadband infrastructure. Jim was the founder and president of the U.S. Broadband Coalition, which helped foster a national consensus on the need for a national broadband strategy and recommended the framework for such a strategy reflected in the Federal Communication Commission’s National Broadband Plan. He was also the co-founder and president of the Coalition for Local Internet Choice. 

About Keller and Heckman 

Keller and Heckman LLP is an internationally renowned law firm with a broad practice in the areas of regulatory law, public policy, and litigation. From offices around the world, our attorneys represent global companies and trade associations servicing a range of industries, including telecommunications, advertising and promotions, food and food additives, tobacco and e-vapor, plastics, pesticides, industrial and specialty chemicals, consumer products, drugs and medical devices, and transportation. Keller and Heckman is a pioneer in the use of interdisciplinary approaches to problem-solving with an in-house scientific staff that works closely with the attorneys on matters of technical complexity. 

Keller and Heckman’s Privacy, Data Security, and Digital Media practice has been recognized in the 2024 edition of GDR 100, an annual guide published by Global Data Review (now a part of Lexology PRO) that identifies the world’s leading data law firms.

Keller and Heckman’s Privacy, Data Security, and Digital Media practice covers all areas of the digital ecosystem, focusing on cutting-edge matters related to privacy, data protection, cybersecurity, AI governance, digital advertising, and more. The team regularly counsels clients across the United States and the European Union.

Keller and Heckman’s GDR 100 profile refers to Brussels-based Partner Peter Craddock, emphasizing how his background as a software developer helps him analyze data protection laws and regulations with a fresh perspective. Peter was first featured in GDR 100’s inaugural edition in 2021. Washington, DC-based Partners Sheila Millar and Tracy Marshall are also mentioned for their vast experience in data and consumer protection.

GDR 100 is the only global ranking that captures the capabilities, track record, and market reputation of the top-tier firms in the field. To view the full ranking, please click here (subscription required).

About Keller and Heckman

Keller and Heckman LLP represents a wide spectrum of companies and trade associations servicing a range of industries, including advertising, privacy and data security, food and food additives, plastics, pesticides, industrial and specialty chemicals, consumer products, drugs and medical devices, transportation, and telecommunications. The firm's practice covers the diverse regulatory areas that affect these industries, as well as public policy and litigation matters. Our attorneys and scientists emphasize creative service to clients involved in the development of new products, services, and markets around the globe, from offices in Washington DC, Brussels, San Francisco, Shanghai, and Boulder.