Edlira Kuka

Edlira Kuka

Associate
About

Edlira Kuka advises a wide range of telecommunications and emerging technology clients that offer broadband, cloud infrastructure service, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), and artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). She specializes in regulatory compliance and licensing obligations at the federal, state, and international levels, covering US, EU, and other international markets. 

Edlira has also helped secure state regulatory consents for nationwide broadband companies in buy-side and sell-side merger and acquisition (M&A) transactions ranging up to several billion dollars. She has negotiated agreements and advised internet service providers on securing regulatory approvals, expanding their networks, deploying fiber, forming public-private partnerships, complying with franchise rights and obligations, and resolving right-of-way and permitting issues. Edlira has also advised companies on compliance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) licensing and reporting requirements (including robocall mitigation, STIR/SHAKEN, CALEA, international Section 214 licensing, subsea cable landing stations, data privacy, and network security issues).

Bar admissionsDistrict of ColumbiaWashington
Languages
  • Albanian
  • English

AWARDS

  • Ones to Watch, Communications Law, Best Lawyers in America, (2025 – 2026)
  • Named to Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll, DC Court of Appeals and the DC Superior Court, High Honors, (2024)
Education
  • J.D., Seattle University School of Law
    magna cum laude
    Faculty Trust Scholar Award 
    CALI Awards for the highest grade in: Administrative Law, Antitrust Law, Criminal Law 
    Tony Yerry Memorial Law Review Scholarship Award 
    Research & Tech Editor, Seattle University Law Review 
    Co-founder and President, Tech, Media & Telecom Law Association 
    President, Business & Entrepreneurial Law Association  
    Tech, Media & Telecom Law Certificate, Federal Communications Bar Association (FCBA) TMT Law & Policy Pipeline Program

  • B.A., University of Washington

Seminars

  • Panelist, 1L Student Orientation, Seattle University School of Law, August 16, 2023
  • Moderator, Tech, Media & Telecom Career Session, FCBA, June 21, 2022

Prior Experience

Prior to joining DLA Piper, Edlira was an associate at another national law firm. Before becoming an attorney, Edlira spent over five years working in government and regulatory affairs for a major media company. Her prior career spans over two decades of experience in the nonprofit, private, and public sectors, covering lobbying, governmental affairs, and policy positions, including working as legislative staff in the Washington State Senate and House of Representatives. She has appeared to testify before state and local legislative and regulatory bodies, managed issue campaigns, overseen statewide compliance plans, and resolved regulatory hurdles for businesses. Edlira has also dedicated a significant amount of time to pro bono service, primarily working on human rights issues. 

  • Manager, Government & Regulatory Affairs, Comcast NBCUniversal, Seattle, (2017 – 2022)
  • Associate, Government & Community Relations, Vale Group (fka Vulcan LLC), Seattle, (2015 – 2017)
  • Legislative Assistant, Washington State House of Representatives, (2014 – 2015)
  • Session Aide, Washington State Senate, (2013 – 2014)

Memberships and Affiliations

  • Federal Communications Bar Association 
    • Co-Chair, TMT Law & Policy Pipeline Program Committee
    • Co-Chair, State and Local Practice Committee