Former House Energy and Commerce Committee General Counsel Karen Christian Joins Akin Gump

(Washington, D.C.) – Akin Gump is pleased to announce that Karen E. Christian, former General Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce, has joined Akin Gump as a partner in its congressional investigations practice in Washington, D.C. As the top lawyer for the Committee, Ms. Christian ran and oversaw some of the highest-profile, most-complex congressional investigations of the last decade. She also previously served as chief counsel to its Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. 

At Akin Gump, Ms. Christian will bring her background and experience to bear to counsel clients who may find themselves the subject of a congressional probe or who are contending with potential regulatory, legislative or litigation challenges that often run in parallel to such congressional investigations.

“Karen represents a stellar addition to our congressional investigations practice, which is already among the premier such practices in Washington,” said Akin Gump chairperson Kim Koopersmith. “In this environment of increased risk for businesses resulting from investigations, Karen brings significant firsthand experience and a keen understanding of the process to help guide our clients. I am delighted to welcome her to the firm.”

As General Counsel of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Ms. Christian oversaw and managed all facets of the Committee’s legislative process. She also advised the Committee Chairman and Staff Director on all legal matters, including ethics, procedure and legislative proposals, as well as on matters relating to Committee investigations.

“Karen’s reputation from her years on Capitol Hill is unmatched,” said Raphael Prober, co-head of Akin Gump’s congressional investigations practice. “As we prepare for what is already proving to be a period of increased scrutiny by Congress of the private sector, we are excited by what she brings to the firm and to our clients. Karen worked on some of the most consequential investigations of the last decade during her time on the Hill, and I know she will be an invaluable resource to our clients. I could not be happier to have her with us.”

Added Ms. Christian, “Having known Rafi Prober and Steve Ross, the leaders of Akin Gump’s congressional investigations practice, for many years, coming here was an easy choice for me. I look forward to collaborating with them and my many other new colleagues as we work to help our clients navigate the complex and challenging realities of congressional oversight and investigations.”

About Karen E. Christian

As Chief Counsel to the Energy and Commerce Committee’s Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, Karen oversaw a series of consequential committee investigations, including, among others, the oversight of General Motors’ ignition switch safety failures in 2014, the HealthCare.gov launch in 2013, the fungal meningitis outbreak due in 2012, and the loan guarantee awarded to Solyndra by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Ms. Christian previously worked as counsel to the House Committee on House Administration, advising on campaign finance and election reform matters. Before that, she worked in private practice, as a federal law clerk, and as a legislative and staff assistant to then-Rep. Robert Ney (R-OH).

Ms. Christian received her J.D., with honors, from the Ohio State University College of Law and her B.A., magna cum laude, from Ohio University.

About Akin Gump’s Congressional Investigations Practice

Akin Gump has developed a formidable team and a singular approach to help its clients respond to the challenges they face when confronted with a congressional, executive commission or other special governmental investigation. The firm’s congressional investigations team—networked with Akin Gump lawyers from a powerful combination of practices, including public law and policy, litigation, white collar defense and others—provides clients with the qualifications and experience to navigate the congressional investigations process and avoid the legal, business and political pitfalls with which such proceedings are replete. Akin Gump has deep and broad experience representing clients from virtually every sector of the economy before a broad range of House and Senate committees with a team that comprises both Democrats and Republicans with extensive legislative and executive branch experience.

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP is a leading international law firm with more than 900 lawyers in offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

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