When the month of June began, it marked a new era for the most powerful law firms in Washington, D.C. Patton Boggs had completed its merger with Squire Sanders to form Squire Patton Boggs
Squire Sanders was able to acquire a larger base in D.C. while Patton Boggs saved itself following a long-running case filed against Chevron.
Just days before this announcement was made, Akin Gump announced that it brought John Jonas on-board to join its health care policy team. The firm then announced it had added telecommunications partner Jennifer Richter. Akin Gump also added five more health care experts. All told, 16 new additions joined the firm from Patton Boggs.
An unidentified lobbyist from another firm in D.C. said that Akin Gump is taking work from Patton Boggs and positioning themselves to be number one in the city.
Since 2007, Akin Gump has come in second to Patton Boggs when it comes to lobbying revenue. Last year, Patton Boggs posted lobbying revenue of $39.8 million while Akin Gump took home $33.7 million. When you compare these numbers to 2012, it shows an increase of eight percent for Akin Gump and a drop of 13 percent for Patton Boggs.
Thomas Hale Boggs Jr. will work as chairman emeritus at the combined firm. Many in the industry criticized Patton Boggs for not having a succession plan in place.
Donald Pongrace said, “I haven’t done any of the math to figure it out. It doesn’t drive us because it doesn’t drive our clients.”
Get all the latest law firm jobs in Washington DC only at LawCrossing.com