The top lobbying firms in Washington, D.C., powerhouses that wield an immense and often concealed influence within the nation's capital, assume a crucial role. They mold public policy and advocate for corporations, labor unions, trade associations and other interest groups.
Explore this article to delve into the profound impact that some top lobbying firms in D.C. exert on political decision-making processes. It serves as a valuable resource for those seeking involvement in public policy. Furthermore, if your aspirations involve securing employment within the burgeoning world of public affairs - studying these significant players could be instrumental in achieving your goals in Washington, D.C.
1. Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP
Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP, founded by Norman Brownstein, Steve Farber and Jack Hyatt in 1968, has emerged as a top lobbying firm in Washington D.C., renowned for its extensive legal and lobbying proficiency across diverse sectors.
They are renowned for achieving outcomes, representing a range of organizations and excelling in adeptly maneuvering through the intricate political and regulatory terrain. Their proactive methodology, exceptional talent and unwavering dedication to clients distinguish them in the realm of lobbying as they persistently shape policies both in Washington, D.C. and beyond.
In 2022, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck garnered a staggering sum of over $60 million in federal lobbying revenue, thus securing its position as the foremost lobbying firm in the entire nation.
> See Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP in LegiStorm
2. Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, with its extensive proficiency in various domains like financial services and international trade, establishes itself as a formidable force in the lobbying industry, positioning it among the top lobbying firms in D.C.
Akin Gump's lobbyists demonstrate exceptional proficiency in cultivating connections with influential decision-makers and executing impactful advocacy strategies to accomplish their clients' goals. The firm prominently exhibits various distinguished current employees and alumni, including former New Hampshire Governor John Sununu and former Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas).
In 1945, Robert Strauss and Richard Gump established the firm in Dallas, Texas. Akin Gump, in 2022, secured a position in The American Lawyer's A-List, a compilation of the nation's foremost 20 law firms, marking its seventh inclusion in nine years. Moreover, Akin Gump received the Legal Services Innovation Award in 2023 for its OverRuled technology platform.
> See Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP in LegiStorm
3. Holland & Knight LLP
Holland & Knight LLP showcases a varied clientele and a history of prosperous collaboration with federal government entities. Their lobbying team provides extensive services spanning various industries, encompassing transportation, healthcare and defense.
Holland & Knight LLP, with an extensive understanding of the legislative process, employs its expertise to aid clients in shaping policies that correspond to their interests. Holland & Knight provides a range of services in addition to government relations, such as commercial litigation, regulatory matters, mergers and acquisitions.
> See Holland & Knight LLP in LegiStorm
4. Cornerstone Government Affairs Inc.
Specializing in government relations and strategic consulting, Cornerstone Government Affairs Inc. has established itself as a top lobbying firm in D.C. This firm combines policy expertise with extensive connections on Capitol Hill to help clients navigate the intricacies of the legislative process. Their tailored approach and commitment to understanding clients' needs set them apart in the world of lobbying.
Cornerstone proudly describes itself as a fully comprehensive, bipartisan consulting firm that has been employee-owned since its establishment in 2002.
The firm, which has offices in 15 states nationwide, also prioritizes state-level advocacy. Its personnel consists of policy experts who possess extensive experience in state legislatures and Congress, as well as veterans from the defense and health sectors.
> See Cornerstone Government Affairs Inc. in LegiStorm
5. Invariant LLC
Heather Podesta, a prominent lobbyist, established Heather + Partners in 2007, and in 2017, the firm underwent a rebranding as Invariant to broaden its client base to encompass bipartisan interests.
Invariant LLC's exceptional capability in anticipating regulatory shifts and offering strategic guidance, with an emphasis on emerging concerns like technology, financial services and healthcare, positions it as a coveted partner for clients aiming to shape policy outcomes due to its unique perspective on lobbying.
Invariant LLC's team of experts, who possess profound connections, ensure that clients remain well-informed and actively involved throughout the entirety of the advocacy process. Additionally, the company boasts a staff comprising numerous policy veterans and former executives from renowned media outlets like CNN and The Washington Post.
> See Invariant LLC in LegiStorm
6. BGR Government Affairs LLC
BGR Government Affairs LLC, one of the top lobbying firms in D.C., has an imposing presence, catering to a client base of Fortune 500 companies, trade associations and international organizations. Notably, its largest clients include the Indian, Ukrainian and Kazakh governments.
In 1991, the firm was established by former Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour and former White House aide Ed Rogers, initially prioritizing government relations for Republican candidates and causes. However, following a decline in revenue, the firm redirected its attention towards serving both parties in Congress during the Obama administration.
The firm, with its distinguished bipartisan team and extensive network developed over numerous decades, has successfully wielded its sway over legislation encompassing diverse sectors like energy, healthcare and telecommunications.
> See BGR Government Affairs LLC in LegiStorm
7. Thorn Run Partners
Thorn Run Partners prides itself on its adept and agile lobbying approach. The firm's team of professionals, comprising former Capitol Hill staffers and seasoned political operatives, excels at cultivating relationships and exerting influence on policy outcomes. Their proactive and strategic counsel aids clients in maintaining a competitive edge amidst legislative developments, guaranteeing effective representation of their interests.
Former aides of legendary members of Congress Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.) and Fred Thompson (R-Tenn.) founded the firm in 2010. Thorn Run Partners, from its inception, has upheld its dedication to bipartisan values by representing a diverse array of ideological positions across the partisan spectrum.
> See Thorn Run Partners in LegiStorm
8. Capitol Counsel LLC
Capitol Counsel LLC has a demonstrated ability to deliver results for clients seeking to shape policy outcomes. With a team that includes former high-ranking public officials and experienced advocates, the firm leverages its deep understanding of government operations to effectively navigate the legislative process.
The firm’s expertise spans a wide range of policy areas, including taxation, financial services and healthcare. One of its largest recent efforts involved implementing the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, where Capitol Counsel created a new practice to carry out this enormous endeavor. This new practice employed former aides to current and former policymakers such as Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV).
> See Capitol Counsel LLC in LegiStorm
9. Forbes Tate Partners LLC
Forbes Tate Partners LLC is recognized as one of the top lobbying firms in D.C., known for its comprehensive approach to advocacy that includes lobbying, public affairs and communications. The firm's team consists of esteemed former senior government officials and political operatives with profound expertise in the political landscape.
Forbes Tate Partners LLC engages with Congress, state legislation and legislative tracking as part of its lobbying activities, with a focus on federal-level issues. The firm's outstanding public affairs work has garnered it a coveted position on the PRNews Top 100 Elite Agencies list in 2023, marking its debut appearance.
> See Forbes Tate Partners LLC in LegiStorm
10. Mehlman Consulting Inc.
Finally, Mehlman Consulting Inc., another prominent lobbying firm, deserves recognition. They excel in providing comprehensive government relations consulting and conducting advocacy campaigns. With a proven history of achievements in sectors like healthcare, energy and technology, Mehlman Consulting Inc. enables clients to actively collaborate with policymakers and effectively influence public policy to promote their own interests.
Bruce Mehlman, a former government and private sector attorney listed on The Washingtonian's 500 Most Influential People list in 2022, founded the firm in 2004. Mehlman's substantial influence is, in part, derived from the regular publication of a widely read monthly PowerPoint presentation. This presentation dissects current political trends, employing a combination of numerical data, graphics and insightful observations to offer a comprehensive analysis of the state of American politics. Mehlman often relies on LegiStorm data for his findings.
> See Mehlman Consulting Inc. in LegiStorm
Find the Best Lobbying Firm
The top lobbying firms in D.C. actively shape policy and influence decision-makers, playing a crucial role in the realm of politics. This article highlights their demonstrated ability to navigate the intricate and dynamic political landscape, showcasing their expertise, strategic counsel and expansive networks that establish them as significant participants in the domain of public affairs.
If you're looking to explore further, LegiStorm offers a comprehensive public affairs software platform where you can find the best lobbying firms that match your criteria. You can analyze their performance, understand the issue areas they cover, discover their clients and track their growth.
*Please be advised that this list relies on LegiStorm's data as of November 21, 2023; for the most current information, refer to LegiStorm's platform.
Sources
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- https://www.hklaw.com/en/
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- https://www.invariantgr.com/
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- https://bgrdc.com/
- https://thornrun.com/
- https://capitolcounsel.com/
- https://capitolcounsel.com/team/
- https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/11/06/fact-sheet-the-bipartisan-infrastructure-deal/
- https://www.politico.com/newsletters/politico-influence/2022/01/24/capitol-counsel-sets-up-a-practice-group-for-implementing-infrastructure-bill-pro-00001356
- https://forbes-tate.com/
- https://www.prnewsonline.com/go/agency-elite-top-100-2023/
- https://mehlmanconsulting.com/
- https://www.washingtonian.com/2022/05/03/washington-dcs-500-most-influential-people/#Antitrust
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