Akin Wins Government Relations/Lobbying Category at National Law Journal Legal Awards

Akin has been recognized as the winner of the Government Relations/Lobbying category of the National Law Journal Legal Awards for 2024, and as a finalist in the Crisis Management and Government Oversight category. The winners and finalists at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on October 24 (learn more here).

In the Government Relations/Lobbying winner profile, Akin lobbying & public policy co-head Hunter Bates elaborated on the firm’s most significant lobbying initiative in the past year, its work advocating on behalf of Nippon Steel to secure approval for its bid to acquire U.S. Steel. The team addressed skepticism from key politicians and the United Steelworkers union by highlighting the acquisition’s potential to revitalize U.S. Steel and protect union jobs. It was then reported that U.S. President Biden was planning to block the deal on national security grounds. “This news resulted in a robust backlash against terminating the deal, leading CFIUS to allow a refiling and extending the decision deadline post-election, thereby enhancing the prospect of approval.”

Hunter also shared two lobbying tips that have been the key to his success. First, the importance of storytelling while understanding opposing viewpoints; and second, the necessity of political due diligence in today’s polarized environment.

In the Crisis Management and Government Oversight finalist profile, Akin congressional investigations co-heads Rafi Prober and Karen Christian and partner Thomas Moyer discuss the congressional investigations across various industries have taken place amid significant political crises, including an attempted assassination. “This has required our deep bench of bipartisan practitioners to juggle multiple front-page congressional investigations and to guide clients through the related legal, regulatory, reputational, and business implications.”