The National Law Journal Names Joel Jankowsky a Government Relations Trailblazer

(Washington, D.C.) – Akin Gump public law and policy partner Joel Jankowsky has been named to The National Law Journal’s inaugural list of Government Relations Trailblazers, individuals the publication considers “true champions when it comes to areas such as lobbying and shaping legislation.”

The NLJ writes that Mr. Jankowsky began working in Washington as a legislative assistant to then-Speaker of the House Carl Albert. “I got infected by policy and other issues,” he said.

Upon Albert’s retirement, Mr. Jankowsky came to Akin Gump, where he founded the firm’s public law and policy practice in 1977. Now the largest such practice in the nation’s capital, Mr. Jankowsky described it as “interdisciplinary,” where everyone works together across practice areas.

“We have to show value to clients and colleagues in their respective disciplines. For example, if we have a client problem, we have to determine if it is best to solve by litigation or regulation or legislation,” Mr. Jankowsky said. “We have a lot of talent on which you can rely. I think that’s a critical factor in building the policy practice at Akin Gump.”

Speaking of where he thinks the focus in Washington will be in the future, Mr. Jankowsky said, “I think Congress and the Trump administration will continue to look at issues of importance to the economy. IP will continue to be on the front burner. There will certainly be continued activity around health care, as well as trade and international affairs. And issues relating to the tax code will always be of importance to our clients.”

Mr. Jankowsky has previously been named to the NLJ’s list of “The 100 Most Influential Lawyers in America as well as multiple times to The Hill’s “Top Lobbyists” list.

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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