Government: Government Relations: Nationwide

THE FIRM This group continues to impress with the sheer breadth and depth of its practice. The team was engaged in major issues last year regarding environmental, healthcare and financial services legislation. The group's expertise in patents and IP, as well as tax and energy, underlines its status as a key player in government relations. In the last year the group acted for Dow Chemical regarding EPA compliance. The team also acted for KKR regarding financial regulatory reform matters.

Sources say: "The top of everyone's list for lobbying. Subject experts actually reside within their government relations group, so there's a large number of people engaged in that work."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Joel Jankowsky is "a titan in this area." He is one of the foremost specialists in energy-related matters, as well as IP, entertainment and communications. He played a leading role during the past year in representing the Coalition for 21st Century Patent Reform and other bodies before Congress, regarding reform of the country's patent system.

THE FIRM This group, already a major player on the market, received a boost in expertise, prestige and market reach with its merger last year. The group now fields one of the best-experienced and largest Congressional oversight investigation practices in the country, supported by terrific expertise in white-collar defense. In the past year the group continued to represent the Housing Finance Alliance (formerly FM Policy Focus) before Congress in relation to the restructuring of government-sponsored enterprises such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Other representative clients include Airbus Americas and TPG Capital.

Client Service "The quality of their work is unsurpassed. They're very sharp all the time, very tuned in, and they're very proactive both on the personal front and also reaching out about new legislation. They are tuned into what's happening in Washington but they also want to know what we're thinking."

Commercial Awareness "They've been excellent at advice, counsel, appropriations and strategy on research funding." "A full-range practice with international reach - without question, they're at the top."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Michael House is an acknowledged expert in higher education-related matters and coalition work. "He's strong and tireless: when you work with him you know you're getting the best," one source comments. Another interviewee draws attention to "his knowledge of the legislative processes, and the technical aspects of all the issues - he's an excellent strategist." John Porter makes his first appearance in the rankings this year. Sources point to his "enormous prestige in the whole biomedical research community," while one client notes his reputation as the father of National Institutes of Health doubling and "the champion of biomedical research funding." Candida Wolff also debuts in the rankings this year, and sources underline her dynamic and long-term thinking. One client explains: "There are a lot of people in DC who trade contacts around, but I look for strategy and strategic thinking - she's brought that to the table at a level that's very valuable and hard to replace."

THE FIRM Though this practice is known for its size, its superb working knowledge of legislation, compliance and the multitude of governing bodies lends it a competitive edge in the market. The group's base of knowledge covers gift and ethics rules, political action committees and investigative work, as well as tax lobbying and energy-related matters. In the past year the group represented the NFL, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and Silverlink Communications, among others. The team also advised Adaptive Marketing on federal and state legislation, as well as FTC-related issues.

Commercial Awareness "It's the top of the line in the DC area; you'd hire the firm if you had any problem and needed government relations help." "The team has done a good job on the policy front because of its size and experience."

KEY INDIVIDUALS The reputation of Thomas Hale Boggs is undisputedly the finest in the government relations community. Peers hail him as "the godfather of traditional advocacy," a "cigar-chomping old-line lobbyist with a sterling reputation," who "created the space and exemplifies the best of both the policy and business arenas." In the past year he provided counsel to the Korean International Trade Association regarding the Korea-US Free Trade Agreement. Sources single out ranking debutant John Breaux as "someone who really understands both business and politics, and he's one of the few people you know will stick to his position." He is noted particularly for his oil and gas and healthcare-related expertise.

THE FIRM This group has a strong position in the market thanks to a solid grasp of legislative and regulatory strategy, and deep knowledge of financial and tax-related matters. Its expertise also covers healthcare, communications and transportation, and one of the team's specialties is Congressional investigations. In the past year the group worked with Avantis Medical Systems in obtaining a Medicare passthrough code from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The group also acted for John Hancock in blocking legislation that would have imposed a heavy excise tax on the client.

Commercial Awareness "They know our business as well as anyone could, and they can marry that with internal knowledge of Congress and its personalities, staffers and numbers. So that gives us easy communication and a good sense of what's going on and what's likely to happen, based on their valuable relationships."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Roderick DeArment is acknowledged by peers as a expert on tax-related matters, "an old hand who's been around a long time." In the past year he engaged extensively in financial services-related legislation, as well as Congressional oversight hearings. Peers acknowledge Martin Gold as "a real gray-hair" with a tried and tested lobbying practice. One client praises his "remarkable knowledge of our business, and exceedingly strong relationships with members of Congress - he can think strategically about our business and how Congress would impact it." Recent mandates include advice to the Western Conference of Teamsters on the development of a new strategy regarding pension legislation.

THE FIRM This group continues to impress with its global strength, working in the past year with such bodies as the UAE government and the Rebaz Foundation. Sources agree that the team's integrated practice, combining legislative, litigation and corporate expertise, makes it a formidable presence in the market. In the past year the group advised Diageo on the formation of a PPP with the government of the US Virgin Islands in order to relocate Captain Morgan, as well as representing Grand Canyon University on a number of regulatory matters.

Commercial Awareness "A very well-recognized presence on the Hill, with a lot of credibility, so when it brings up issues, people listen. DLA knows the way the industries and coalitions operate, and the firm has a good breadth and scope of issues, but is also proactive in identifying legislation that could potentially impact coalitions."

KEY INDIVIDUALS John Merrigan is a veteran government relations practitioner lauded by peers for his rich experience. His expertise includes matters relating to foreign government clients, as well as strategy formulation and mutual funds issues. James Blanchard is known best among peers for his experience as Governor of Michigan and Ambassador to Canada, which furnishes him with keen strategic insight. In the past year he represented the Corradino Group and the Michigan Department of Transportation on an infrastructure project involving a bridge between Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Canada. Thomas Boyd "is incredibly tenacious," remarks one client: "He is undaunted in his approach and doesn't compromise on principles. If legislation is wrong then he hammers it again and again until it's right." Another commentator notes that "as a former Hill staffer, he knows the game very well, knows which buttons to push." His practice includes data privacy, insurance and financial services.

THE FIRM This Florida-headquartered firm has a strong federal practice in Washington, DC. Its broad base of expertise allows it to tackle many different issues, and over the last year legislative reform in the healthcare and financial sectors formed a large part of the team's practice. Recent work highlights include representing long-standing client the American Chemistry Council regarding energy, chemical security and climate change legislation. The team also successfully represented Praxair Health Services in changing the language of the Medicare legislation passed by Congress. Other clients include foreign, state and local government entities, trade associations and tribal bodies.

Client Service "They take their time on their own dime to learn about your business. They'll invest in you if you are willing to invest in them."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice head Richard Gold is acknowledged for his work in strengthening the practice, with one commentator praising him as a "terrific and dynamic builder of the firm's legislative department." His specialties include coalition formation, strategic planning, lobbying and advocacy. Peers laud David Whitestone's expertise in transportation-related issues, describing him as "an excellent lobbyist." In the past year he provided counseling services to United Airlines in relation to its merger with Continental Airlines.

THE FIRM This group, in addition to providing ongoing counseling services to its clients, was engaged in the past year's healthcare, finance and energy legislative reforms. Work highlights from the past year include advising Safeway on several legislative and regulatory matters, including some healthcare and climate change issues. The group also worked with Autoliv ASP in negotiating with a number of government bodies for the continued operation of a facility that faced enforced divestiture. Other notable clients include the National Geographic Education Foundation, Experian and the National Association for Home Care & Hospice, as well as a number of Fortune 500 companies. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Robert Jones is a preeminent expert in the federal budgeting process. Sources draw particular attention to his "outstanding soft and hard skills," and "solid strategic and tactical thinking."

THE FIRM This group is a long-standing player in this practice area, and its recent workload has included advice on energy, healthcare and climate change legislative issues. The group's expertise in financial services also makes it a great choice for domestic and inbound foreign entities in need of legislative counseling services. Clients in the past year included Accenture, Energy Future Holdings and AMOT.

Sources say: "One of the oldest law firms in Washington, DC, with a solid public policy practice and strong experience."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Martha Cochran is lauded by clients as a skilled lobbyist with "outstanding knowledge, writing skills and regulatory expertise." Cochran has particular expertise in banking and financial services, and recently represented the Coalition of Private Investment Companies on various public policy issues.

THE FIRM This small but richly experienced bipartisan group is making waves on the scene, particularly in the financial services sector. In the past year its clients included GE and Altria Client Services.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Gary Slaiman is the team's key contact. 

THE FIRM Sources agree that, although this firm is traditionally strong in Pennsylvania, it is making good headway in Washington, DC. Its government relations component draws strength from its various areas of specialty, making it a premier group for transportation, maritime and IP-related issues. In the past year the team, in representing Silicon Power, secured more than $5 million in Research Development Test & Evaluation federal funding. The group also acted for NAFA, Prudential Financial and Comcast.

Client Service "Extremely proactive - they call me more than I call them with new ideas and suggestions."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Kristi Remington is a key contact at the firm.

THE FIRM In the past year this group continued to excel in its traditional strengths of public policy advocacy and information capital work. In addition, the merger between Sonnenschein and Denton Wilde Sapte opened up a significant international dimension, and the group is now a favorite for inbound foreign entities. In the past year the group worked with a range of clients, including Access to Integrated Cancer Care and the official committee of unsecured creditors of Federal-Mogul.

Client Service "A real machine when it comes to reporting to clients on new developments."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Elliott Portnoy is a "dynamic and ambitious go-getter," according to one peer. He specializes in political intelligence and counseling services, as well as campaigning on behalf of industry groups, often involving coalition establishment and multiple entities. In March 2011 he was appointed the firm's sole chief executive, having formerly co-managed the firm with Howard Morris.

THE FIRM This practice is recommended by peers for its state attorney general component, though the firm's range of expertise is remarkably broad, covering areas such as energy, higher education and tobacco. Lorillard Tobacco is a key client, and in the past year the firm represented the company before Congress and several regulatory bodies regarding various compliance issues. The group also represented Covanta Energy regarding a number of issues, including climate change legislation.

Client Service "I have never had to call them to ask where things are, unlike with some other firms' lawyers, and 99.9% of the time they are ahead of things - in fact they're the ones calling me."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Bernard Nash wins warm praise from peers as "an outstanding lawyer with an outstanding reputation." One commentator draws particular attention to his analytical approach and dependable negotiation skills. Peers acknowledge his prolific work with state attorney generals, and one client remarks on his "brilliant foresight." His broad-based expertise encompasses antitrust and data breach-related matters, as well as M&A advisory work. Sources describe Divonne Smoyer as "smart, thoughtful and easy to work with." Peers describe her as Nash's "right-hand woman," and note her potent and promising mix of political and legal skill.

THE FIRM Though this bipartisan practice is one of the oldest and largest on the market, it maintains a diverse range of specialties, which includes areas such as defense, maritime issues, environmental matters and transport. In the past year the team successfully represented Water Advocates, securing $315 million in federal government funding to implement the Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act. The group also worked with the Commercial Spaceflight Federation to secure $4 million in federal funding.

Client Service "They work very hard to understand our entire operation and the issues that are important to us. In fact, I think it's fair to say that some of the attorneys there understand our operation and daily issues better than some of our own people in our leadership positions."

Commercial Awareness "They have a very deep relationship with Congress and the regulatory agencies - their magic is that they understand why things are as they are, and if they're not as they should be, they understand how to tweak and change them." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Emanuel Rouvelas is highlighted for the quality of his political analysis. One commentator describes him as "intelligent and informed, but also very politically savvy. He knows the political scenery and the legislative figures, and he is an incredible strategist."

THE FIRM Congressional investigations and lobbying are two of the strongest components of this practice. Pharmaceutical, energy and climate change matters also fall within the group's expertise. In the past year the group worked with such names as Embraer and RAI Services.

Commercial Awareness "The team has a good combination of old and new: there are former senators and also new, young and confident people - they're sharp, good achievers."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Theodore Hester is "someone you can trust with just about anything - he's one of the most forthright, honest people I've met," according to one satisfied client. "He leaves no stone unturned when it comes to devoting time to our organization," remarks another. He is one of the foremost Congressional investigations experts in the market. Thomas Spulak is a well-respected lobbying practitioner with particular expertise in international trade, as well as gift and ethics matters. "When he walks into a room, Democrats and Republicans greet him warmly - they respect him because of all his work over the years," according to commentators. Lloyd Hand is regarded among peers as iconic, one of the best government relations lawyers on the scene. One client describes him as "a capable and polished lawyer who can walk into any Congressional office on the Hill." Another enthuses that "he makes sure that what he takes in is factual, and digs in and understands so that when he opens the door and lets us in, it's a good introduction." He is best known for his expertise in antitrust, patent and tax matters. With nearly 20 years of experience in government relations law, Caleb Boggs, a new recruit from Blank Rome, is one of the most proficient attorneys on the scene. Peers know him best for his long-standing expertise in financial services matters, and in the past year he worked on several matters relating to the Dodd-Frank Act.

THE FIRM This public policy group is known best among peers for its prolific lobbying practice, where the expertise of its attorneys in such areas as healthcare, energy and education distinguishes the firm from competitors. Recent representative clients include American Family Insurance and Puget Sound Energy. It also successfully represented Swiss-based ReVolt Technology in federal advocacy efforts, securing $5 million in funding for the client from the Department of Energy.

Commercial Awareness "They've got good strategic thinkers, they help us go through how certain issues will play out and what we should do. They're not just our eyes and ears, they help us think things through." 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Elizabeth Moeller is an expert on Congressional oversight matters, including tax and appropriations, though as one commentator remarked, "she is capable of handling almost any issue." One client particularly noted her strategic outlook and excellent working knowledge of federal government policy and procedure.

THE FIRM Among peers this group is known best for its highly active trade practice, followed by its well-tested transport and energy expertise. The team regularly provides counseling and legislative advocacy services for its clients, which in the past year included the Merchant Payments Coalition and the CRE Finance Council. The group also engaged heavily in the past year in Dodd-Frank legislation, as well as healthcare reform matters. 

Commercial Awareness "They're lawyers and businessmen at the same time, and that's a real strength."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Sources agree Scott Sinder is "an incredible practitioner who not only understands the legal side but also the political side. He always finds a way to figure out our problems." One client also remarks: "As an insurance expert he is a rare commodity in DC - he knows the jurisdictional traps, and how the hearing and committee processes work."

THE FIRM This bipartisan group is a heavyweight when it comes to environmental, natural resource and transportation issues. One of the team's key focuses is the representation of large coalitions in policy debates, and in the past year it advised Consumers United for Rail Equity regarding regulatory and antitrust matters. The group also worked with the US Green Building Council to produce a major report.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Bob Szabo is the main contact.

THE FIRM This 22-strong group specializes in legislative representation, and is respected by peers as a midsized but highly experienced player in the DC area. Its clientele tends to include lobbying entities, and the team's broad-based expertise embraces areas as diverse as tax, telecommunications and healthcare. In addition, the group covers Federal Election Commission-related regulatory matters and gift and ethics laws.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Practice head Steven Hart is best known for his prolific legislative lobbying practice. He also offers expertise in finance and energy law, combined with long-term experience on the Hill.

THE FIRM Sources agree that, although this practice is among the more compact in the sector, its top-quality team and formidable experience in policy law make it a very competitive player. It is best known for its strong track record in litigation, and its accumulated expertise in international trade policy, as well as international investment matters. The firm has also seen significant activity in regulatory and Congressional investigation matters during the past year.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Jamie Gorelick is "a very well-recognized and high-profile lawyer," according to sources, who highlight her insightful strategic planning: "She has a quick mind, superb judgment and the ability to see five moves ahead." She is known best for her expertise in advisory and complex litigation matters, and in the past year acted for BP in relation to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.