Venable LLP is pleased to announce that Michael D. Bloomquist has joined the firm as partner in the Legislative and Government Affairs Practice in the Washington, DC office. Mr. Bloomquist leverages his considerable private sector and government experience to advance client interests before the U.S. Congress and the executive branch. He most recently served as staff director to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce under ranking member Greg Walden (R-OR).
Mr. Bloomquist provides strategic counseling on legislative and regulatory matters affecting the environmental, healthcare, communications, and technology industries. He developed an extensive knowledge of the legislative process and a network of key contacts within the federal government while serving in senior positions in both the House and Senate. As staff director of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, he developed and implemented the committee's legislative and oversight agenda, oversaw and provided counsel to all staff, and maintained ongoing communication with congressional leadership and other important stakeholders. He previously served as the committee’s deputy staff director and general counsel. Mr. Bloomquist’s other government experience includes serving as the general counsel of the bicameral, bipartisan Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, general counsel of the House Science Committee, and a member of the Solicitor’s Office at the Department of the Interior. He previously brought this experience to bear as a principal at a prominent lobbying firm and partner at an esteemed DC-based law firm.
William R. Nordwind, co-chair of Venable’s Legislative and Government Affairs Practice, said, “Mike combines years in both private legal practice and substantive public policy work on Capitol Hill, including at the most senior levels of the House Energy & Commerce Committee, whose sprawling jurisdiction covers virtually every corner of the economy. This marries up well with many of Venable’s practice area strengths and our approach to providing substantive, strategic counsel and federal government relations representation to our clients.”
Joshua H. Raymond, co-chair of Venable’s Legislative and Government Affairs Practice, said, “Mike’s vast experience in senior positions makes him a great addition to the firm. We pride ourselves on our substance and our political acumen, and Mike is outstanding on both fronts.”
Commenting on Mr. Bloomquist’s departure from the Committee on Energy and Commerce, Congressman Greg Walden said, “Mike has been invaluable to the committee. He is a trusted counselor, a sought-after mentor, and a go-to resource for members – both on and off the committee. He has led a talented team and helped shepherd major legislation through the House of Representatives that has undoubtedly improved the lives of Americans through his time as a public servant. I wish him the best in his new endeavor.”
Commenting on his move to Venable, Mr. Bloomquist said, “I hadn’t envisioned myself returning to a law firm, but the caliber of Venable’s professionals and the distinct relationship between the firm’s Government Affairs and Regulatory practices made it the perfect fit for my experience and professional interests. I am eager to join the outstanding team at Venable and begin exercising these skills to the benefit of our clients.”
Mr. Bloomquist received his LL.M. from George Washington University School of Law, his J.D. from Washington University School of Law (St. Louis), and his B.A. in History from Hamilton College.
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Venable LLP is an American Lawyer Global 100 law firm headquartered in Washington, DC that serves as primary counsel to a worldwide clientele of large and mid-sized organizations, nonprofits, high-net-worth entrepreneurs, and other individuals. With more than 850 professionals across the country, including in California, Delaware, Maryland, New York, Virginia, and Washington, DC, the firm strategically advances its clients' objectives in the U.S. and around the globe. Venable, which is celebrating its 120th anniversary, advises clients on a broad range of business and regulatory law, legislative affairs, complex litigation, and the full range of intellectual property disciplines.