Bill Paxon to Join Akin Gump

(Washington, D.C.) - The international law firm of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, L.L.P. today announced that former U.S. Representative Bill Paxon(R-N.Y.) will join the firm’s Washington office in January.

Paxon brings a unique balance to the firm because of his legislative and political background in both the New York State legislature and the U.S. House of Representatives. He also served as chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee during the 103rd and 104th Congresses, where he spearheaded House Republican campaign efforts nationwide and was credited with helping to secure and maintain Republican control of the House for the first time in 68 years.

“Every generation produces political leaders from both parties who are universally respected,” said Robert S. Strauss, a founding partner of the firm. “Bill Paxon stands out as one of those leaders, and that is why we are so pleased to have him as part of Akin Gump.”

Paxon will be leaving the House this week after serving New York’s 27th congressional district for 10 years.

With the addition of Bill Paxon, Akin Gump solidifies its position as the capital’s bipartisan lobbying powerhouse. He will help the firm’s global clients better prepare and respond to the growing involvement of government in the private sector. Paxon served on the House Commerce Committee and was particularly active in the areas of energy and telecommunications and will help expand the firm’s reach in those areas.

“We’re delighted that Bill will be part of the Akin Gump team,” said Joel Jankowsky, head of the firm’s public law and policy practice. “As a very active member of the House, he’s gained insight into the issues that matter most to our clients. He will add tremendous value to our ability to represent our clients on any public policy issue.”

“Akin Gump is one of the leading firms not only in Washington, but around the world. I have been very impressed with the quality of the people I have met and the vision of the future. This firm is outstanding in every aspect of its client service,” said Paxon. “I’m looking forward to helping clients deal more effectively with problems at every level of government -- local, state, federal and international.”

Paxon said that he will continue to speak out on public affairs issues and informally advise members of Congress.

Paxon’s career in public service began in 1977, when at age 23, he began three terms in the Erie County legislature, where he chaired the Economic Development Committee. In 1983, he was elected to the New York State Assembly, where he was the ranking Republican on the Social Services and Corrections Committees.

Founded in 1945, Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, L.L.P., a leading international law firm, numbers 810 lawyers with offices in Austin, Brussels, Dallas, Houston, London, Los Angeles, Moscow, New York, Philadelphia, San Antonio and Washington. The firm has a diversified practice and represents regional, national and international clients in a wide range of areas, including antitrust; banking and financial institutions; bankruptcy, reorganization and creditors’ rights; capital markets; communications; corporate and securities; employee benefits; energy; entertainment; environmental; estate planning and probate; food and drug; government contracts; health; insurance; intellectual property; international; investment management; labor and employment; litigation; mergers and acquisitions; privatization; project finance; public law and policy; real estate and finance; taxation; and technology. For additional information, please visit our Web site at http://www.akingump.com.