William R. Nordwind

A former Venable partner for 11 years, Will rejoined the firm in 2020 after serving as associate general counsel and executive director of federal government affairs at a pharmaceutical company. In that capacity, he advocated on behalf of the company before Congress, and provided strategic counsel on legal and policy issues for interrelated government investigations, congressional investigations, state attorneys general suits, and other civil litigation.

During his initial tenure at Venable, Will was co-chair of the Legislative and Government Affairs Group. In this role, Will advocated before Congress in support of client interests, drafted legislation, and prepared client witness testimony for legislative and investigative congressional hearings.

Prior to joining the private sector, Will worked closely with Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI) in a variety of roles, including as counsel and policy coordinator to the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet. Will advised then-chairman Upton and Subcommittee members on all aspects of telecommunications and Internet policy and briefed them on relevant issues. He coordinated all of the Subcommittee's hearings, legislative activities, and oversight of federal agencies within its jurisdiction. In addition to negotiating legislation with House, Senate, and White House officials on the chairman’s behalf, Will also drafted the chairman's legislation and amendments, statements, witness questions for hearings, speeches, press releases, and op-eds. Furthermore, Will served as counsel to Rep. Upton, when Rep. Upton was chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. Will now draws upon his decade of government experience when shaping legal and policy solutions for his clients.