Top Lobbying And Government Relations Firms In Washington DC In 2027

Last updated: November 14, 2026

The leading lobbying and government relations firms in Washington DC in 2027 include Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, Akin, Holland & Knight, BGR Group, Ballard Partners, Cornerstone Government Affairs, Squire Patton Boggs, Mercury Public Affairs, Van Scoyoc Associates and Arnold & Porter. They range from law-firm policy practices to independent bipartisan shops.

Companies hire government relations firms to track legislation and regulation, secure appropriations, engage agencies and build coalitions. The right firm depends on your issue, the committees and agencies involved, and whether you need bipartisan relationships or specific expertise. Lobbying activity is publicly disclosed under the Lobbying Disclosure Act, so you can review a firm’s clients and issues before you engage.

This list is about professional capability, not political positions. Firms are listed with a balance of law firm and independent options.

DC Government Relations Firms At A Glance

Firm	Type	Best For
Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck	Law and policy firm	Broad bipartisan federal advocacy
Akin	International law firm	Policy, regulation and trade
Holland & Knight	Law firm with public policy group	Appropriations and regulatory matters
BGR Group	Independent government relations firm	Federal and international advocacy
Ballard Partners	Government relations firm	Executive branch and state-federal issues
Cornerstone Government Affairs	Bipartisan government affairs firm	Appropriations and federal programs
Squire Patton Boggs	Global law firm	Public policy and international issues
Mercury Public Affairs	Public affairs firm	Campaign-style issue advocacy
Van Scoyoc Associates	Independent lobbying firm	Appropriations and federal funding
Arnold & Porter	Law firm	Regulatory and legislative strategy

The Top Lobbying And Government Relations Firms In Washington DC In 2027

1. Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck — Bipartisan Policy Practice With Deep Bench Strength

Brownstein combines lawyers and policy professionals for federal advocacy across sectors, with a large bipartisan team in Washington.

It suits organizations needing broad coverage on multiple issues.

2. Akin — Policy, Regulation And Trade Expertise

Akin’s public law and policy practice handles legislative and regulatory advocacy alongside trade and national security matters.

It fits complex issues that blend law and policy.

3. Holland & Knight — Public Policy Group Within A Large Law Firm

Holland & Knight’s public policy and regulation group advises on appropriations, regulation and legislation.

It suits clients seeking funding or regulatory outcomes with legal support.

4. BGR Group — Independent Bipartisan Firm Founded In 1991

BGR Group, founded in 1991, provides government relations, public relations and international advisory services.

It suits companies and foreign clients needing federal engagement.

5. Ballard Partners — Government Relations With State And Federal Reach

Ballard Partners operates in Washington and several states, offering federal and state government relations.

It fits issues spanning state capitals and federal agencies.

6. Cornerstone Government Affairs — Bipartisan Team Focused On Federal Programs

Cornerstone provides bipartisan government affairs focused on appropriations, defense, health and other federal programs.

It suits organizations relying on federal funding.

7. Squire Patton Boggs — Global Law Firm With A Long Policy Tradition

Squire Patton Boggs has a long-established public policy practice in Washington with international reach.

It suits multinational clients with cross-border policy issues.

8. Mercury Public Affairs — Campaign-Style Public Affairs And Advocacy

Mercury combines government relations with communications and campaign-style advocacy.

It suits issues that need public pressure as well as direct lobbying.

9. Van Scoyoc Associates — Independent Firm Known For Appropriations Work

Van Scoyoc Associates is an independent DC firm known for helping clients navigate appropriations and federal programs.

It suits universities, local governments and contractors seeking federal funding.

10. Arnold & Porter — Regulatory And Legislative Strategy

Arnold & Porter’s legislative and public policy practice works alongside its regulatory lawyers.

It suits heavily regulated industries such as life sciences and financial services.

How We Evaluated These Firms

• Depth of federal advocacy experience and bipartisan relationships
• Breadth of issues and industries served
• Ability to combine policy, legal and communications work
• Public disclosure history showing active client representation

How To Choose A Government Relations Firm

Who needs to be influenced?

Committees, agencies and the White House require different relationships. Match the firm to the decision-makers.

Do you need bipartisan coverage?

Many issues need support from both sides. Ask about the team’s relationships.

How will success be measured?

Agree on specific outcomes such as report language, funding or regulatory changes.

Do you also need communications?

Some issues need public advocacy. See our PR firms in Washington DC.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do DC lobbying firms charge?

Most work on monthly retainers that vary with scope and seniority, from a few thousand dollars to much higher for large firms.

Is lobbying information public?

Yes. Registrations and quarterly reports under the Lobbying Disclosure Act are publicly searchable.

What is the difference between lobbying and government relations?

Lobbying is direct communication with officials about legislation or policy. Government relations is broader and includes monitoring, strategy and relationship building.

Do government contractors need lobbyists?

Not usually for winning contracts, which follow procurement rules, but they may engage on budgets, policy and programs.

Conclusion

DC offers law-firm policy practices such as Akin, Holland & Knight, Squire Patton Boggs and Arnold & Porter, and independent firms such as BGR Group, Cornerstone, Ballard Partners, Van Scoyoc and Mercury. Choose based on your issue, the decision-makers involved and the mix of policy and communications you need.

For more rankings, comparisons and guides on this topic, visit the Washington DC & Northern Virginia hub.