Government Turbulence Boosts Big Law Lobbying Revenues to New Highs

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The political upheaval in Washington is fueling unprecedented growth for BigLaw lobbying practices. Amid rapid policy shifts, legislative uncertainty, and an unpredictable regulatory environment, the nation’s top law firms are reporting record-breaking revenues from their government relations arms—cementing lobbying as one of the most profitable and strategically vital areas of legal practice in 2025.

According to federal disclosure filings and multiple industry reports, major players such as Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP, BGR Group, and Holland & Knight LLP all recorded substantial gains in the third quarter of 2025. As Congress and the administration push forward sweeping changes to tax, trade, and spending policy, corporate clients are increasingly turning to established law firms for insight, advocacy, and policy interpretation.

A Perfect Storm for Lobbying Growth

The past year’s volatility in Washington—marked by leadership changes, budget disputes, and fast-moving executive actions—has created a complex environment that few companies can navigate alone. Lobbying professionals are being called upon at record levels to provide clarity and representation as policymakers debate new tax codes, infrastructure spending, and tariff enforcement measures.

  

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Federal lobbying expenditures have already surpassed $2.5 billion in 2025, positioning the year to outpace even the record highs set in 2024. The largest law firm lobbying units are responsible for a sizable share of this surge. BGR Group, for example, reported $19.1 million in federal lobbying revenue in the most recent quarter—among its best performances ever.

Meanwhile, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck and Akin Gump—two perennial leaders in Washington’s influence economy—also posted double-digit percentage gains compared to the same period last year. Industry watchers attribute these results to clients’ urgent need for both advocacy and interpretation of newly enacted legislation.

Policy Whiplash Creates Opportunity

One of the biggest catalysts behind the lobbying boom is the uncertainty surrounding implementation of a sweeping tax-and-spending bill passed earlier this year. Businesses are seeking clarity on provisions that could reshape deductions, tariffs, and international trade compliance.

At the same time, sudden shifts in tariff enforcement and trade negotiations have left multinational corporations struggling to anticipate costs and regulatory exposure. Law firms that offer a blend of lobbying acumen and legal expertise are perfectly positioned to fill that gap.

As one senior lobbyist put it, “The policy environment is changing so quickly that clients need guidance almost daily. The number of moving parts—tariffs, tax breaks, appropriations, enforcement measures—is unlike anything we’ve seen in a decade. And every adjustment means more work for lobbying and government affairs practices.”

The BigLaw Advantage in Washington

While traditional lobbying firms have long dominated the field, full-service law firms are increasingly leveraging their multidisciplinary expertise to capture market share. The integration of legal, regulatory, and political services gives BigLaw a distinct advantage.

For example, Akin Gump and Holland & Knight both combine deep-rooted political connections with specialized legal teams focused on trade, tax, and environmental compliance. This combination allows them to advise clients not only on how to influence legislation but also on how to interpret and implement new rules once enacted.

“The firms that succeed in this space are those that can translate complex policy into actionable business strategy,” explained a former congressional staffer now working in private practice. “It’s not just about knowing who to talk to—it’s about understanding the law itself and how it will evolve.”

Government Gridlock Means BigLaw Opportunity

The irony of the current landscape is that the more chaotic Washington becomes, the more profitable it is for law firms’ lobbying groups. Legislative gridlock, frequent leadership changes, and contradictory executive directives create uncertainty—and uncertainty drives demand for expert navigation.

Indeed, the cyclical pattern of policy confusion and client anxiety has transformed lobbying into one of the most stable revenue streams for full-service firms. With 2025’s final quarter approaching and several key policy debates—ranging from energy reform to immigration—still unresolved, few expect the momentum to slow.

The Future of Lobbying in Legal Practice

The record-breaking numbers illustrate how lobbying is no longer a peripheral service for law firms—it’s a core pillar of their business strategy. Many firms are now expanding their government affairs teams, investing in data analytics to track policy developments, and deepening relationships across both major political parties to ensure access regardless of electoral outcomes.

Clients, for their part, are increasingly seeking firms that can offer end-to-end solutions: policy advocacy, compliance guidance, and legal defense. In this environment, lobbying practices are becoming profit centers, helping firms weather downturns in other practice areas.

As Washington prepares for another cycle of fiscal debates, election-year maneuvering, and executive policymaking, BigLaw’s lobbying arms are poised for continued expansion. Whether the next administration ushers in new reforms or deepens existing divides, one thing is clear—government turbulence has become BigLaw’s most reliable growth engine.

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