Opportunity Overview

Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP seeks an experienced and entrepreneurial-minded Principal or Attorney for its Government Affairs practice, based in our Washington, D.C., office. This is a high-impact, senior-level opportunity for a government and political professional who brings deep relationships and first-hand experience with the Trump administration and Congressional majority.

The ideal candidate thrives in a hands-on environment - is willing to roll up their sleeves to draft memos, strategy documents, and client reports - while possessing the vision and drive to attract new business and expand the firm's footprint across key policy areas. Porter Wright is a collegial, bipartisan shop, and we are looking for someone who genuinely enjoys collaborating with attorneys, policy professionals, and staff across our nine regional offices to deliver integrated, full-service solutions for a diverse and growing client base.

Must-Have Qualifications

The following attributes are required for this role:
• Administration Relationships: Demonstrated familiarity with and direct working relationships with the Trump administration and relevant executive branch agencies.
• Congressional Majority Access: Established, active relationships within the current Congressional majority - including Members, leadership staff, and key committee staff.
• 5+ Years of Experience: A minimum of five years of substantive experience working in and around government, politics, and public policy - including Capitol Hill, executive branch, political campaigns, or relevant advocacy roles.
• Business Development Record: Proven track record developing new business, including the ability to convert relationships into clients and to expand existing client engagements.

Key Responsibilities
• Serve as a senior government affairs strategist and advocate for Porter Wright clients across legislative and executive branches.
• Produce high-quality written work products, including policy memos, legislative analyses, regulatory comment letters, strategy documents, and client briefing reports.
• Develop and execute client-specific government affairs strategies that integrate legal, regulatory, and political considerations.
• Collaborate closely with attorneys and government affairs professionals across the firm's offices (Columbus, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dayton, Naples, Pittsburgh, Tampa, and Washington, D.C.) to identify cross-practice opportunities and deliver coordinated client service.
• Actively cultivate new client relationships and business opportunities, including participating in proposal meetings, industry events, and thought leadership.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments across priority sectors, and provide timely, actionable intelligence to clients and firm colleagues.
• Represent the firm and/or clients at congressional hearings, agency proceedings, coalition meetings, and political events as appropriate.
• Mentor and support junior government affairs professionals within the practice.

Additional Preferred Qualifications
• J.D. or license to practice law is a plus and may expand the scope of client service available to this Principal.
• Experience within Republican and Democratic environments; this is a bipartisan practice, and the ability to work across the aisle and with diverse clientele is highly valued.
• Familiarity with sectors including energy, defense, infrastructure, technology, trade, healthcare, financial services, or manufacturing.
• Experience working in or closely with a law firm, lobbying shop, or integrated government affairs practice.
• Strong existing network with trade associations, industry coalitions, and political organizations relevant to firm clients.

Culture & Work Environment

Porter Wright's Government Affairs team is collegial, collaborative, and bipartisan by design. Our government affairs professionals partner regularly with attorneys and staff across all nine of our regional offices, serving clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to emerging growth businesses, trade associations, nonprofits, and public entities.

We are looking for someone who values long-term relationships with clients, with colleagues, and with government officials who shape the regulatory and legislative landscape. If you are energized by complex policy challenges, committed to client service, and ready to build something meaningful within a well-resourced and growing platform, we want to hear from you.