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Justin M. Rusk

Associate
Rusk Justin
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jmrusk@Venable.com
Washington, DC
T +1 202.344.4149

Justin Rusk draws from his experience as a former congressional chief of staff while advising clients at the intersection of law, politics, and public perception. Justin counsels corporations, nonprofits, high-net-worth individuals, government contractors, political consultants, and elected officials on legal and reputational challenges. His fast, strategic, and actionable advice supports decision-making in politically charged environments. He regularly advises on laws governing political activity, including the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), the Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA), and federal and state campaign finance laws. Justin also counsels clients on lobbying compliance, pay-to-play rules, ethics restrictions, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) lobbying regulations.

Prior to joining Venable, Justin served as general counsel and chief operating officer of a political compliance firm, advising candidates and committees across the country on compliance strategy and campaign operations. Justin also has experience as a military intelligence officer, including a deployment in support of special operations in Afghanistan, where he earned a Bronze Star Medal.

Related Practices

Experience

Government Experience

  • Justin served as a captain in the U.S. Army Reserve, as a judge advocate and trial defense counsel. He was formerly an intelligence officer and served as the deputy director of intelligence for a Special Operations Task Force with the U.S. Army in Afghanistan
  • Chief of staff, Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01)
  • Served in a variety of roles, most recently deputy chief of staff/legislative director, for Representative Michael Fitzpatrick (PA-08)

Insights

Thought Leadership

January 30, 2025

Inflation Drives Federal Campaign Contribution Limits Higher
Inflation Drives Federal Campaign Contribution Limits Higher

March 27, 2024

FEC Allows Nonfederal Committee to Coordinate Paid Canvassing Efforts with Federal Candidates
FEC Allows Nonfederal Committee to Coordinate Paid Canvassing Efforts with Federal Candidates

Events

August 28, 2025

FARA in Focus: What Shifting Scrutiny of Foreign Relationships Means for Tax-Exempt Organizations
FARA in Focus: What Shifting Scrutiny of Foreign Relationships Means for Tax-Exempt Organizations

February 15, 2023

Representing Foreign Clients: What You Need to Know to Stay Compliant with the Foreign Agents Registration Act
Representing Foreign Clients: What You Need to Know to Stay Compliant with the Foreign Agents Registration Act

Credentials
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Education

  • J.D. cum laude Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law 2016
  • B.A. Government and Politics University of Maryland 2010

Bar Admissions

  • District of Columbia
  • Maryland