Top Lobbying Firms in D.C.

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. Ballard Partners LLC

Brian Ballard founded Ballard Partners LLC in 1998, initially with a focus on Florida politics, but the firm has since grown to lobby on behalf of clients worldwide and has established a dozen offices in the U.S. and around the world, including Saudi Arabia and Turkey. The firm counted Amazon, Comcast, and the National Football League among its clients in 2025 and has proven itself a formidable player for businesses looking to navigate the complicated tariff landscape this year.

Ballard Partners LLC vastly increased its revenue and spending in 2025, earning over $59 million in the first three quarters of 2025 and landing on our top spot. Much of this increased spending was on behalf of clients in the categories of trade, energy, taxation, and especially health issues, where the firm spent over three times more than it did in 2024.

> See Balllard Partners LLC in LegiStorm

2. 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 the second quarter of 2025, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck secured a record $18.5 million as a result of increased lobbying activity focused on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law by President Trump in July 2025.

> See Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP in LegiStorm

3. 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

4. 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. In 2025, Akin Gump secured a position in The American Lawyer's A-List, a compilation of the nation's foremost 20 law firms, marking its tenth inclusion in eleven years. Moreover, five Akin Gump advisors were named to The Hill's annual Top Lobbyist list in the "Hired Guns" category.

> See Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP in LegiStorm

5. 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

6. 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

7. Miller Strategies LLC

A new entry in the list this year, Miller Strategies LLC emerged as a powerhouse, leveraging relationships and experience within GOP politics. Led by Jeff Miller, a top GOP fundraiser and a finance chair for President Trump's second inauguration, the firm added high-profile clients this year, including OpenAI, Nasdaq and Softbank.

Miller Strategies earned over $14 million in the third quarter of 2025, eclipsing the $12 million total the firm earned from federal lobbying in 2024. The firm boasts a cadre of former GOP staffers for legislators, including Sen. Tom Cotton, Sen. Jim Jordan and former House Republican Minority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy, contributing to historic growth for lobbying firms connected to the GOP in 2025.

> See Miller Strategies LLC in LegiStorm

8. 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

9. 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

10. Cassidy & Associates Inc.

This year, Cassidy & Associates Inc. celebrated 50 years since its founding as a lobbying firm for a large group of bipartisan clients in spaces including artificial intelligence (AI), appropriations, budget, defense and more. Its clients range from educational institutions like Boston College and Northwestern University to consumer-based clients like Ocean Spray and Sherwin-Williams. Once one of the top earners in the lobbying world, the firm has seen more modest growth in recent years, but still remains a major player.

In 2023, Cassidy & Associates Inc. named James Sauls, former Chief of Staff to former Sen. Dianne Feinstein, as Senior Vice President, bringing over two decades of experience in Congress and the Department of Defense. The firm also employs former congressional staffers from both sides of the aisle, including Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD), former Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) and former Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska).

> See Cassidy & Associates 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 lobbying data from Q1–Q3 2025. For the most current information, refer to LegiStorm's platform.

Sources

Congress and State Legislatures: 2025 in Review