Jeffrey Tignor

About Jeffrey Tignor

I am a senior telecommunications and administrative law attorney with over two decades of experience shaping national policy, advising corporate, university, and government leaders, and guiding teams through complex regulatory challenges. My career bridges private practice, entrepreneurship, senior leadership at the FCC, and academic contributions at Duke Law School. My deep-rooted background—stemming from ancestors who litigated for their freedom from Maryland State Courts through the Supreme Court—reinforces my commitment to helping organizations and individuals navigate the intersection of law, innovation, and opportunity. LEADERSHIP HIGHLIGHTSAs part of the FCC’s senior leadership team, I managed attorneys, directed rulemaking initiatives, and advised on national telecommunications strategy. Appointed by the Chair to lead the Office of Communications Business Opportunities, I revitalized operations, advanced policies supporting small and emerging tech enterprises, and strengthened agency-industry collaboration. My tenure included active participation on executive strategy teams, contributing to White House partnerships and projects subject to Congressional oversight, while evolving regulatory frameworks based on inputs from companies, non-profits, investors, and entrepreneurs. Beyond public service, I bring extensive governance experience as Board Chair for Washington Episcopal School. From 2014 to 2023, I also supported Harvard University as a Board member, Schools Committee Co-Chair and then President of the Harvard Club of Washington, DC—roles that deepened my expertise in strategy, budget management, and stakeholder engagement. ACADEMIC CONTRIBUTIONSAt Duke Law School, I teach seminars exploring the role of law in shaping technology, equity, and civic participation. My courses connect theory to practice, offering students firsthand insight into how regulatory decisions influence markets and society. Teaching has sharpened my ability to translate complex frameworks into actionable guidance—a skill that benefits organizations navigating today’s evolving technology landscape. MY PHILOSOPHY OF LEADERSHIPLeadership is about influence, collaboration, and execution. Whether leading federal teams, engaging business leaders, or mentoring emerging attorneys, I focus on building consensus and driving measurable outcomes. I take pride in mentoring professionals who now hold prominent positions in the private and public sectors and in fostering partnerships that unite policy with innovation. LET’S CONNECT!

Experience

1. Adjunct Professor

   Federal Communications Commission

   Sep 2024 — Present · Durham, NC, US

   Hired at my law school alma mater to teach seminars on legal history. Position requires developing all aspects of a course from scratch, reading extensively to choose materials for the course, preparing bi-weekly classes to maximize student participation and learning, and working closely with students on developing their final papers. Highlights & Impact: New Course Offering: Developed a seminar, taught bi-weekly with my co-professor, Jim Coleman, grounded in the award-winning legal history book, “A Question of Freedom” by William G. Thomas, about ways that my ancestors and four other families used the legal system to gain freedom from enslavement. Singular Set of Course Materials: Developed the mix of materials used for the course – books, state and Federal Court cases, law review articles, Op-Eds and news articles, including articles drafted separately by Prof. Coleman and myself. Class Day: Prepare extensively for each class re-reading materials, working with students who would lead the discussion, and in class shaping the conversation to ensure that students engaged with the materials successfully. Mentorship Excellence: Guided and developed students in class discussions, outside of class discussions, and via email to assist in their understanding of class material and to help them draft meaningful final papers for the class. Engaged in conversations on life after law school and a successful transition to a law firm and a legal career more broadly. Legacy of Leadership:Students will be better lawyers having taken our seminars. The classes provide valuable context for making arguments in legal filings and also prepare students to engage with the legal profession as policy makers, in pro bono work, and as leaders in their firms, thereby strengthening the law school’s reputation and impact.

Education

• Duke University School of Law

  Juris Doctor (J.D.)

  1996 — 1999

• Harvard University

  A.B., Government

  1992 — 1996