Cooley LLP Hired Congressional Investigations Partner
The law firm added a former House counsel to bolster its capacity for handling high-stakes federal inquiries.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in People
Cooley LLP appointed Jessica Donlon as a partner to strengthen its congressional investigations practice. Donlon brings experience as the former general counsel for the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
Why it matters
Law firms are bolstering their regulatory and investigative talent as companies prepare for potential oversight shifts. Cooley expects the move to expand its capabilities ahead of the midterm elections.
The firm added one senior partner to its D.C. office, building on its established congressional investigations practice. The exact scale of planned headcount growth within the department remains unstated.
The players
Jessica Donlon
An experienced attorney and former general counsel for the House Energy and Commerce Committee who served as an official in the Trump administration.
Cooley LLP
A global law firm providing legal services to high-growth, technology, and life sciences companies with a focus on litigation and regulatory defense.
Brett Guthrie
The current Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee who oversaw Donlon's work during her tenure as committee counsel.
The details
Donlon previously served as general counsel for the House Energy and Commerce Committee under Chairman Brett Guthrie and held roles within the Trump administration. Her addition signifies a push by Cooley to service corporate clients navigating oversight from Capitol Hill. The practice will focus on managing complex government inquiries as firms brace for increased scrutiny around midterm election cycles.
Timeline
Jessica Donlon joined Cooley LLP during the week of September 14, 2026.
The firm announced the partnership on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
Market Landscape
This hire follows the established industry pattern of recruiting senior Capitol Hill staff into private practice ahead of significant election cycles. It mirrors a broader trend of law firms scaling their regulatory defense groups to meet expected spikes in congressional oversight.
Operators in regulated industries should monitor this hire as an indicator that legal counsel is preparing for heightened federal scrutiny. Evaluate your organization's own readiness for congressional inquiries as these practices expand.
The takeaway
Firms are proactively sourcing regulatory talent to navigate the oversight environment surrounding the midterm elections. Business leaders should review their current government relations strategy and confirm they have access to counsel experienced in high-stakes committee investigations.
Further reading
For more on industry leadership changes and organizational shifts, visit the People section.
