How a Dallas law firm became a global powerhouse of lobbying and political influence
In short: Founded in 1945, Akin Gump evolved from a small Texas partnership into one of the largest lobbying firms in the United States. Today, it navigates high-stakes international diplomacy and domestic policy, maintaining a unique culture that blends corporate legal practice with deep involvement in the machinery of American government.
The firm began in Dallas in 1945, established by Robert Strauss and Richard Gump. Over the following decades, it underwent several name changes as partners joined and left, eventually settling on Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld. This evolution included the 1966 departure of Irving Goldberg to become a federal judge and the rise of Alan Feld to named partner status. By 2012, the firm reached a milestone by electing Kim Koopersmith as its chairperson, making her one of the few women to lead an Am Law 50 firm.
Akin Gump operates at the intersection of law and politics, representing diverse clients ranging from the governments of Japan and South Korea to the Maldives. Its influence is reflected in its financial contributions to federal candidates, totaling $19.84 million since 1990. The firm’s reach is broad, with offices spanning from Washington, D.C. to Singapore and Abu Dhabi, though it has recently begun winding down its Beijing operations as of late 2023.
The firm’s history is marked by complex entanglements, including the 2017 testimony of partner Melissa Laurenza during the Special Counsel investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 elections. Despite such challenges, the firm maintains a reputation for professional recognition, frequently appearing on 'Appellate Hot Lists' and receiving accolades for diversity and family-friendly policies. Its roster of current and former employees includes a wide array of political figures, from former U.S. Senators and Representatives to cabinet secretaries, underscoring its deep integration into the American political landscape.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld
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