U.S.-China Policy Veteran Joe Fawkner Joins Akin Gump in Washington

(Washington, D.C.) – Akin Gump is pleased to announce that Joseph Fawkner has joined the firm’s public law and policy practice as a senior policy advisor in Washington D.C., bringing to the firm nearly 25 years of experience in the U.S.- China commercial diplomacy arena. Mr. Fawkner comes to Akin Gump from the office of U.S. Rep. Carol D. Miller (R-WV), where he advised the Congresswoman on international trade, investment and energy export policies pertaining to her membership on the House Ways and Means Committee and leadership of the House Energy Export Caucus.

Prior to his tenure on Capitol Hill, Mr. Fawkner spent nearly a decade at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, advising multinational companies and investors on international trade and government affairs strategies, including regularly counseling clients on U.S.-China trade issues. He also helped design, build and manage the Chamber’s International Leadership Program and served as the executive director of the Hong Kong-U.S. Business Council.

Mr. Fawkner’s arrival further enhances the capabilities of Akin Gump’s international trade policy team, which includes heavyweights Brian Pomper, Scott Parven, Justin McCarthy, Clete Willems and Casey Higgins. He will be part of a top-tier trade practice that includes more than 130 knowledgeable and experienced trade practitioners in the legal, regulatory and lobbying arenas.

“We have long been proud to offer clients one of Washington’s preeminent benches of trade policy talent, and Joe is the latest top-tier addition to that team,” said Mr. Pomper, co-head of Akin Gump’s public law and policy practice. “His extensive engagement with the U.S. and China business communities, coupled with his robust Capitol Hill experience and work in the private sector with multiple trade associations, will be invaluable as businesses try to navigate the changing complexities of the U.S.-China trade and economic relationship.”

Regarding his move to Akin Gump, Mr. Fawkner commented, “I am very pleased to be joining Akin Gump and its highly accomplished team of public policy officials and lawyers at a time when China-related trade and policy issues are significantly impacting global commerce and business. I am excited to leverage my experience and to advocate for Akin Gump clients on these matters.”

Mr. Fawkner received his B.A. in international studies from Boston College in 2000 and attended the University of Oxford for his graduate studies with a focus on modern Chinese studies from 2002-2003. He speaks Mandarin Chinese.

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

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