Advises clients on legislative and regulatory matters at state, federal and international levels.
Over 20 years of experience in politics as a creative, solutions-oriented, and trusted advocate with a broad bipartisan network in the U.S. Congress, federal agencies and international organizations.
Direct experience operating at senior levels in the U.S. government and corporate boardrooms, executing comprehensive strategies that deliver results.

Zachary Paulsen advises individuals, multinational corporations, U.S. trade associations and sovereign governments on international business and procurement matters, public affairs, and complex foreign and domestic policy issues before the U.S. Administration, Executive Branch agencies, U.S. Congress, and multilateral organizations.

Zachary’s diverse practice operates at the intersection of international and foreign policy, and domestic law and policy. Domestically, Zachary represents clients in industries ranging from healthcare and life sciences, agriculture, transportation, technology, financial services and telecommunications. Zachary also advises clients on government investigations and reputational management issues and has extensive experience in the formation and management of issue-based coalitions.

Internationally, Zachary’s practice advises clients on international business matters and foreign policy, pursuing foreign military sales and government procurement opportunities, seeking preferential terms in international trade agreements and negotiations, including import and export matters, and customs and market access gains.

Prior to joining Akin, Zachary spent almost a decade serving in senior external affairs roles for a Fortune 100 multinational corporation. In that position, Zachary led the company’s Federal Government Affairs team, developing stakeholders and managing third-party organizations. Zachary also led the company’s U.S. based international team responsible for leading engagement with the United Nations and affiliates, foreign embassies, and collaborating with the company’s six geographic regions and 180 markets to execute inclusive campaigns. Zachary was also responsible for corporate governance matters related to the annual shareholder’s meeting, U.S. labor relations, and led U.S. sustainability programs and partnerships with non-governmental organizations.

Zachary began his career with the influential U.S. Senate Committee on Finance where he advised then chairman, Sen. Charles E. Grassley (R-IA), on international trade policy, and was integral in the passage of the Miscellaneous Trade and Technical Corrections Act of 2004, as well as legislation implementing U.S. free trade agreements with Australia, Morocco, Chile, Singapore, the Dominican Republic and Central American nations. Other legislative initiatives in which he was involved include the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, the Clean Diamond Trade Act, and the African Growth and Opportunity Acceleration Act.

Representative Work

Helped secure pre-market authorization (PMTA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the first novel tobacco product, a heated tobacco system, and subsequently, the first modified risk tobacco product authorization (MRTP). In 2025, worked to secure PMTA authorizations for the first nicotine pouch product.
Successively managed campaigns to generate and leverage congressional pressure on foreign governments to resolve international arbitration disputes; one case valued at over $30 billion.
Established coalition to advocate for the enactment of omnibus legislation to eliminate tariffs on products not made domestically, helping companies realize millions of dollars in tax savings; achieved unprecedented legislative success by securing passage of nearly 20% of all tariff provisions enacted into law during that congressional cycle.