FCC's McDowell adds McGrath as acting legal adviser

Republican Federal Communications Commissioner Robert McDowell announced Friday that Erin McGrath will join his staff as acting legal adviser for media issues.

McGrath has been at the commission since March 2000, most recently serving as assistant division chief in the Wireless Bureau's Mobility Division. She has also served as interim legal adviser to Commissioner Meredith Baker for wireless and public safety issues and was instrumental in several major wireless transactions.

“I am looking forward to Erin joining my office as acting legal advisor for media issues," McDowell said in a statement.

"Erin brings with her both a depth and breadth of experience from her 11 years here at the Commission including extensive work with a variety of wireless and media transaction reviews, rulemakings and auctions."

McGrath received a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania and a J.D. from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law.

Rosemary Harold, who has been McDowell's legal adviser for media issues since September 2008, has decided to consider opportunities outside the commission. McDowell thanked her for her service and called her legal skills "unsurpassed."