Co-leader of the firm’s lobbying & public policy practice.
Former chief of staff and legal counsel to current Senate Minority Leader McConnell.
Brings more than 20 years of law, policy and advocacy work to provide strategic advice to, and advocacy on behalf of clients including Fortune 100 companies, trade associations and nonprofit organizations.
Repeatedly named among the country’s “Top Lobbyists” by The Hill.

Hunter is co-leader of Akin’s lobbying & public policy practice, bringing more than 20 years of law, policy and advocacy experience to his client work. Hunter combines his extensive knowledge of policy and process with his close connections to the key players to provide strategic advice and advocacy on behalf of a wide range of clients, including Fortune 100 companies, trade associations and coalitions and nonprofit organizations.

With an illustrious background serving on Capitol Hill as Chief of Staff and Legal Counsel to current Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Hunter brings to his client engagements a deep understanding of the intricacies of the legislative process and extensive experience working with members of the Senate and House on wide-ranging issues such as tax, trade, appropriations, health care, labor and sports law. During his time as Chief Counsel of the Senate Rules Committee, Hunter also advised Sen. McConnell on ethics and campaign finance issues.

Hunter possesses a remarkable talent for distilling intricate policy issues and matters into compelling and powerful messages that resonate with key decision-makers. His comprehensive knowledge of policy, coupled with his astute understanding of the regulatory landscape, empowers him to develop and execute highly effective strategies for his clients.

Hunter has successfully advised on crisis management and new policy development, and has represented clients in federal lobbying efforts for federal funding, favorable health care policies, tax reforms and regulatory compliance, among other critical issues.

Repeatedly named among the country’s “Top Lobbyists” by The Hill, Hunter’s ability to mobilize support and drive meaningful policy outcomes is a testament to his unwavering commitment to achieving tangible results for his clients. His dedication to excellence and commitment to his clients’ success are a testament to his sterling reputation as a sought-after advocate and resource.

Representative Work

Provides counsel to one of the world’s largest providers of package delivery and supply management services on pension reform, tax reform and reform of postal inspection rules for shipments from foreign countries to help combat trafficking in illegal opioids.
Advises a U.S. organization that promotes the automotive and automotive supply industries and helps bring automotive innovations to market safely and cleanly on issues such as federal fuel efficiency standards, consumer data security protections and national safety standards.
Counsels a premier American college athletic conference in developing federal legislation to address the issue of compensation for student athletes, including for name, image and likeness.
- Our efforts have raised visibility of the matter and its significant importance to college sports in the United States.
- House and Senate committees have conducted multiple hearings on this topic, with several bills being introduced by members on both sides of the aisle.

Advises the foremost trade association for U.S. broadband and pay television industries, in its advocacy efforts involving technology issues, including net neutrality, and in monitoring budget and appropriations, including funding for broadband.
Advocated on behalf of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, a nonprofit organization of thoroughbred breeders, owners, trainers and prestigious race tracks, for federal legislation to create uniform track safety and anti-doping rules.
- The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) was successfully passed and signed into law in December 2020. Lawsuits in 2021 and 2022 challenged the constitutionality of the federal legislation.
- After one federal court ruled against it, Congress responded and passed a swift and successful bipartisan congressional amendment to address the constitutional question?securing a Sixth Circuit affirmation of the HISA law in May 2023.
- The Sixth Circuit opinion, in recognition of the bipartisan effort in Congress, opened by saying simply, “Sometimes government works.”
Advises the nation’s leading business coalition advocating federal reform of the civil justice system to make it more fair, rational and predictable.
- Led a team that worked closely with the client in the early months of the 115th U.S. Congress to advance reform in the areas of class actions and asbestos litigation.
- Developed strategy and helped to coordinate information flow to key decision-makers in Congress as part of the successful passage of a reform bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Involved in representing a number of major Silicon Valley companies on a wide range of gig economy issues, including educating Congress about the downsides of placing undue restrictions on the ability of contractors to maintain their independence and flexibility in the gig economy.
Engaged by a nationally recognized metropolitan research institution to provide a wide range of government relations services, including:
- Increasing research funding from National Institutes of Health (NIH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and Department of Defense (DoD) research funding.
- Supporting cybersecurity research and training as well as funding for university research opportunities via federal appropriations bills.
- Represented its fully integrated regional academic health system with five hospitals, four medical centers, nearly 200 physician practice locations, more than 700 providers, a rehab institute and a cancer care center—on COVID relief and recovery efforts.
Counseled a 501 (c)4 organization in its efforts to get Senate passage of bipartisan animal welfare legislation, including, for example, the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act.
Worked on behalf of a wide range of companies and trade associations to lower the corporate rate via comprehensive tax reform.
Worked to promote and strengthen a national prescription drug monitoring program.
Advocated for strong free trade principles in NAFTA on behalf of a wide range of industries, including automobile manufacturers.

Advises the foremost trade association for U.S. broadband and pay television industries, in its advocacy efforts involving technology issues, including net neutrality, and in monitoring budget and appropriations, including funding for broadband.
Advocated on behalf of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, a nonprofit organization of thoroughbred breeders, owners, trainers and prestigious race tracks, for federal legislation to create uniform track safety and anti-doping rules.
- The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) was successfully passed and signed into law in December 2020. Lawsuits in 2021 and 2022 challenged the constitutionality of the federal legislation.
- After one federal court ruled against it, Congress responded and passed a swift and successful bipartisan congressional amendment to address the constitutional question?securing a Sixth Circuit affirmation of the HISA law in May 2023.
- The Sixth Circuit opinion, in recognition of the bipartisan effort in Congress, opened by saying simply, “Sometimes government works.”
Advises the nation’s leading business coalition advocating federal reform of the civil justice system to make it more fair, rational and predictable.
- Led a team that worked closely with the client in the early months of the 115th U.S. Congress to advance reform in the areas of class actions and asbestos litigation.
- Developed strategy and helped to coordinate information flow to key decision-makers in Congress as part of the successful passage of a reform bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Involved in representing a number of major Silicon Valley companies on a wide range of gig economy issues, including educating Congress about the downsides of placing undue restrictions on the ability of contractors to maintain their independence and flexibility in the gig economy.
Engaged by a nationally recognized metropolitan research institution to provide a wide range of government relations services, including:
- Increasing research funding from National Institutes of Health (NIH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and Department of Defense (DoD) research funding.
- Supporting cybersecurity research and training as well as funding for university research opportunities via federal appropriations bills.
- Represented its fully integrated regional academic health system with five hospitals, four medical centers, nearly 200 physician practice locations, more than 700 providers, a rehab institute and a cancer care center—on COVID relief and recovery efforts.
Counseled a 501 (c)4 organization in its efforts to get Senate passage of bipartisan animal welfare legislation, including, for example, the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act.
Worked on behalf of a wide range of companies and trade associations to lower the corporate rate via comprehensive tax reform.
Worked to promote and strengthen a national prescription drug monitoring program.
Advocated for strong free trade principles in NAFTA on behalf of a wide range of industries, including automobile manufacturers.

"He offers exceptional skills and insights that provide significant value. His strengths include detailed insights into Congressional processes and key leaders."

Chambers USA, 2021

Education
J.D., Harvard Law School, 1994
B.A., Eastern Kentucky University, magna cum laude, 1989

Clerkships
U.S.C.A., 6th Circuit

Bar Admissions
District of Columbia
Kentucky

Recognitions

Chambers USA , Government Relations, 2021-2024.
The Legal 500 US, Government Relations, 2017 -2024, and Leading Lawyer, 2019 -2024.
The Hill, Top Lobbyists, Hired Guns, 2017-2024.

Affiliations and Public Service