Washington, DC – LawFuel – Law Firm Announcements – Steptoe & Johnson LLP announced today that senior Democratic strategist and former Executive Director of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, James J. Bonham, has joined the firm’s Government Affairs & Public Policy practice as Managing Director. Mr. Bonham helps some of the world’s largest companies achieve their goals on Capitol Hill by advising them on political and legislative advocacy strategies, coalition building and management, and media relations.
“We could not be more thrilled with Jim’s decision to join us and bring his practice to Steptoe,” said Roger Warin, Steptoe’s Chairman. “There is steep competition these days for top Democratic talent, and Jim is recognized among the best. His rich political and legislative experience brings an invaluable new dimension to our clients as well as our overall government relations and public policy practice.”
“Jim is a seasoned political and legislative strategist with strong ties to Democrats at every level from rank-and-file Members to the leadership. It seems that half the Democratic staff on the hill worked for Jim at one point or another,” said Scott A. Sinder, Chair of the Government Affairs and Public Policy practice group. “His remarkable political insight and strategies are highly valued by clients and elected officials, alike. Indeed, we’ve admired Jim’s work for years and have been particularly impressed by his tenacity and the results he achieves.”
“I became convinced that Steptoe is well ahead of the curve and is building the top Government Affairs practice for these times. I’m delighted to be joining this team” said Mr. Bonham. “For me, it came down to this – Steptoe has depth, breadth, and unsurpassed expertise in all of the important policy arenas facing Washington in the next decade. There is no other firm better positioned.”
“They have not only strong relationships and strategic legislative thinkers,” Bonham said, “but the firm has great substantive depth that provides clients the full range of legislative, regulatory and legal tools to achieve their clients’ goals. Steptoe is prepared to be the market leader.”
Mr. Bonham has represented and advised several FORTUNE 100 companies and CEOs on political and legislative strategy over the last several years. He had deep involvement in major public policy matters in the current Congress, including major policy initiatives in the Automotive, Food, Health, Manufacturing/Product Liability, Energy, and Insurance industries.
In 2002, Mr. Bonham was appointed Executive Director of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) by Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House, and former DCCC Chairman Robert T. Matsui. As Executive Director, Mr. Bonham was instrumental in laying the groundwork for Democrats to win a majority in the U.S. House of Representatives and to bolster the Party’s presence nationwide. Among his other roles on Capitol Hill, Mr. Bonham served as Chief of Staff and top aide to Congressman Matsui during his tenure as the third ranking Democrat on the House Ways and Means Committee, and as Senator Jeff Bingaman’s Communications Director.
Mr. Bonham also founded The Blue Donkey Group, Inc., a public affairs and political consulting firm that enjoyed an 80 percent win rate during the last election cycle. Mr. Bonham also serves as Vice President of the Robert T. Matsui Foundation for Public Service. He earned his B.A. in Political Science and Economics from Creighton University.
About Steptoe & Johnson LLP
With more than 500 attorneys, Steptoe & Johnson LLP provides counsel and representation in a wide range of legal fields. In more than 60 years of practice, the firm has gained a national and international reputation for vigorous representation of clients before governmental agencies, successful advocacy in litigation and arbitration, and creative and practical advice in guiding business transactions. The firm has offices in Washington, New York, Chicago, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Century City, London and Brussels.
