Top 10 Federal Lobbying Firms
The influence of lobbying in U.S. policy-making cannot be overstated. With a staggering $4.5 billion spent on federal lobbying in 2024, the industry reached new heights, surpassing inflation and driving significant revenue growth for top firms.
Lobbyists play an essential role in shaping legislation, regulations, and policies, representing a bridge between organizations and government.
This article examines leading U.S. lobbying firms – their core areas of expertise, key clients, and notable achievements – while highlighting key 2024 trends, from tech regulation to health-care policy.
[Exclusive report: See which lobbying firms drove record industry growth. Download our: 10th Annual 2024 Top-Performing Lobbying Firms report for the full list.]
A record year for lobbying expenditures
Lobbying activity in 2024 was buoyed by a combination of evergreen issues and emerging challenges, such as AI and cryptocurrency regulation. According to Bloomberg Government data, federal lobbying spending grew by 3.9% last year, reaching $4.5 billion. This growth wasn’t just a reflection of inflation, which stood at 2.9%, but demonstrated an actual expansion of the influence industry.
The year saw increased government activity, with more than 300 federal regulations finalized under the Biden administration, along with a year-end omnibus effort addressing spending bills, tax law expirations, and Medicare drug price negotiations. These factors, among others, helped to drive steady demand for expert lobbying services.
Key developments that shaped lobbying in 2024
Lobbying rarely occurs in a vacuum. Here are some notable trends and events that shaped the landscape this past year:
- Technological regulation: AI and cryptocurrency were major focal points. Lobbyists supported legislation to regulate AI’s deployment and the oversight of crypto markets, a spotlight shared after the collapse of cryptocurrency exchange FTX.
- Health-care advocacy: Medicare’s newfound ability to negotiate drug prices stirred significant lobbying efforts, with many organizations pushing to maintain or undo these policies.
- Rulemaking surge: A record number of federal rules and regulations were finalized, including economically significant initiatives in energy, finance, and the environment.
- Economic legislation: The expected expiration of TCJA spurred activity as businesses sought clarity and influence over updates that would impact corporate taxation.
[Exclusive report: Gain insight into key policy areas that are driving influence in Washington by downloading our free Top-Performing Lobbying Firms report.]
Top federal lobbying firms
These firms emerged as the biggest players in the lobbying landscape in terms of revenue, influence, and results.
Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP
- Revenue: $67.9 million
- Expertise: Tax policy, health care, and environmental regulations
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP
- Revenue: $56.7 million
- Expertise: International trade, defense, and health care
Holland & Knight LLP
- Revenue: $49.9 million
- Expertise: Infrastructure, telecommunications, and transportation
Cornerstone Government Affairs Inc.
- Revenue: $48.6 million
- Expertise: Federal budget, agriculture, and higher education policy
BGR Government Affairs LLC
- Revenue: $45.1 million
- Expertise: Energy policy, trade, and defense
Invariant LLC
- Revenue: $42.3 million
- Expertise: Technology, AI, and biotech policies
Thorn Run Partners
- Revenue: $29.3 million
- Expertise: Pharmaceutical, copyright, and e-commerce
Forbes Tate Partners LLC
- Revenue: $26.4 million
- Expertise: Health care, tax reform, and trade policies
Mehlman Consulting Inc.
- Revenue: $26.2 million
- Expertise: Financial services, energy, and cybersecurity
Cassidy & Associates Inc.
- Revenue: $25.9 million
- Expertise: Defense, technology, and public transit
[Exclusive report: Explore which lobbying firms are leading influence and performance. Download our Top-Performing Lobbying Firms report .]
Key issues driving lobbying today
1. Health care and pharmaceuticals
Legislation on Medicare drug pricing and pharmacy benefit management transparency continues to drive advocacy spending. Firms are also working on FDA regulations affecting new pharmaceutical drugs and medical devices.
2. Technology and AI
AI remains a priority in Congress, with bipartisan working groups addressing ethical concerns, workforce displacement, and national security implications. Lobbyists are positioning themselves as critical advisors on how to integrate responsible AI frameworks.
3. Cryptocurrency and blockchain regulation
Growing scrutiny over cryptocurrency exchanges such as FTX has prompted Congress to explore comprehensive regulations in blockchain technology and digital assets. Lobbyists are focused on shaping a balance between innovation and accountability.
4. Environmental policies
Energy independence and climate change legislation remain hot topics. Lobbying in support of renewable energy tax credits and emerging carbon-capture technologies is crucial for securing sustainable growth in the sector.
Unlock government affairs success with Bloomberg Government
The top-performing lobbying firms thrive because they possess expertise, adaptability, and a keen understanding of their clients’ challenges. Whether it’s navigating complex federal regulations, advocating for social policies, or influencing issues at the forefront of innovation, having the right partner is key.
At Bloomberg Government, we help policy analysts, lobbyists, and business leaders gain the insights they need to stay ahead and gain market intelligence on partnering opportunities, benchmarking, and forecasting trends. Request a demo today to see how we can save you valuable time and help tackle even the most complex government affairs challenges with ease.
Bloomberg Government analyzed Lobbying Disclosure Act reports from all 2,435 registered lobbying firms that filed with the Senate and the House in 2024. This annual report focuses on 394 firms that reported at least $1 million in revenue as well as lobbying activity in each quarter of 2024.
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