Baker McKenzie Hired Partner for Investigations Practice
The firm added a new co-head to its congressional investigations practice to support federal oversight efforts.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in People
Baker McKenzie has hired Allison Murphy to serve as co-head of its congressional investigations practice, effective Monday. She joins the firm from Kirkland & Ellis to work alongside existing co-lead Rod Rosenstein.
Why it matters
As businesses navigate increasing regulatory scrutiny on Capitol Hill, firms are fortifying their legal benches with experienced former government officials. The addition of Murphy signals a strategic focus on managing federal inquiries during shifting political cycles.
The firm added one new co-head to lead its congressional investigations practice, expanding the unit currently managed by former Justice Department official Rod Rosenstein.
The players
Allison Murphy
An experienced legal partner and Obama White House alum transitioning from Kirkland & Ellis to lead federal investigations practice.
Rod Rosenstein
A former Justice Department official and current co-lead of the Baker McKenzie congressional investigations practice who previously practiced at King & Spalding.
Baker McKenzie
A global law firm providing legal services to multinational corporations and organizations regarding cross-border transactions and regulatory compliance.
The details
Murphy, an Obama White House alum, joins Baker McKenzie from her previous partnership at Kirkland & Ellis. She will work directly with Rosenstein, who moved to Baker McKenzie from King & Spalding last year. The practice specializes in managing high-stakes investigations originating from Capitol Hill, a sector where balance of power shifts frequently alter enforcement priorities.
Timeline
Rod Rosenstein joined Baker McKenzie in 2025.
Allison Murphy officially begins the role on October 6, 2026.
Market Landscape
This move follows a long-standing industry pattern of law firms securing former government officials to anticipate heightened regulatory oversight on Capitol Hill. The appointment aligns with competitive trends where firms build specialized practices to navigate political cycles.
Operators facing federal oversight should monitor the leadership capabilities of their legal counsel, as firms continue to prioritize expertise in congressional inquiries. Ensure your compliance team is prepared to interface with specialized counsel when navigating investigations on Capitol Hill.
The takeaway
Firms are aggressively expanding their congressional investigations benches in anticipation of legislative shifts. Review your current legal service agreements to determine if your firm has the specialized capacity required to handle potential federal oversight inquiries.
Further reading
For broader trends in industry staffing moves, see our coverage of People.
