Ex-McConnell policy aide joining lobby firm

A former aide to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) who played a key role in the Republicans’ successful effort to pass tax-cut legislation is joining the lobbying firm Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP later this month.

Akin Gump on Monday announced that Brendan Dunn, McConnell’s former policy adviser and counsel, is expected to start May 24 as a partner in the firm’s public law and policy practice.

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“The firm’s stature in the public policy space, bipartisan team and strength in areas such as financial services, tax, trade and health care were significant factors in my decision to join Akin Gump,” Dunn said in a news release. “I look forward to working with my new colleagues to advance the interests of the firm’s clients who are focused on tax reform implementation and many other important issues before Congress and across the administration.”

Dunn joined McConnell’s office in 2012 and advised Senate GOP leadership on issues including taxes, trade and financial services. During the tax debate, he was a point person for Senate GOP leaders in negotiations with House GOP leaders and the White House.

Prior to working for McConnell, Dunn worked for the Senate Finance Committee. He has a law degree from Georgetown University and a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Notre Dame.

McConnell praised Dunn in a speech on the Senate floor last week.

“He’s made an outsized impact as a trusted counselor and friend,” he said.

Akin Gump Chairwoman Kim Koopersmith said that Dunn “is a very talented individual with skills in a wide range of areas — including tax, financial services, trade, and health care — that our clients will find invaluable. “

Dunn is the latest GOP aide who was influential in the GOP tax efforts to leave Capitol Hill for K Street.

Zach Rudisill, former tax counsel to Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio), joined Akin Gump earlier this month. And David Stewart, staff director for House Ways and Means Committee Republicans, joined Squire Patton Boggs in April.