Baker Donelson forms 'policy affiliate' to be led by former US senator
Baker Donelson is forming a “policy affiliate” with former U.S. Sen. Tom Daschle, who is leaving DLA Piper for the new venture.
The newly formed Daschle Group will be located in Baker Donelson’s Washington, D.C., office and will work with the law firm’s government relations and public policy group, according to a law firm press release. The Daschle Group will advise clients on economic, policy and political issues.
Daschle told the Washington Post that the Daschle Group will partner with Baker Donelson’s existing lobbying practice, but will also operate somewhat independently. He expects six to 10 DLA Piper lawyers to join him.
The Post labels the Daschle Group a “lobbying subsidiary,” though Daschle is not a registered lobbyist. He has advised businesses mostly on health issues.
Several law firms are embracing consulting subsidiaries because they offer more flexibility in billing and greater chances for advancement, according to the Post and the National Law Journal. Other firms with consulting subsidiaries include Bracewell & Guiliani; McDermott Will & Emery; and Drinker Biddle & Reath, the stories say.
