Cooley LLP Hired Partner Jessica Donlon
The firm added the former House Energy and Commerce Committee general counsel to its legal team.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in People
Cooley LLP has announced the hiring of Jessica Donlon as a partner. She joins the firm to strengthen its congressional investigations practice following her tenure on Capitol Hill.
Why it matters
The firm is positioning itself for a heightened demand in legal services related to federal oversight. This addition aims to expand the capacity of the congressional investigations practice ahead of upcoming midterm elections.
This appointment marks a strategic growth milestone for the firm as it scales its investigative team. The exact headcount of the team following this hiring remains undisclosed.
The players
Jessica Donlon
She is an experienced attorney who previously served as general counsel for the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
Cooley LLP
This is a prominent international law firm that maintains a significant office presence in Washington.
Brett Guthrie
He is a U.S. Representative who serves as the Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
The details
Jessica Donlon previously served as general counsel for the House Energy and Commerce Committee under Chairman Brett Guthrie. She also held a position as an official within the Trump administration before transitioning to this private practice role in Washington.
Timeline
The hiring was formally announced by the firm on Wednesday.
Donlon officially joined the firm during the week of September 14, 2026.
Market Landscape
Law firms are increasingly bolstering their D.C. presence to navigate the evolving demands of the congressional investigations process. This trend reflects a broader push to secure top-tier talent with recent government experience to handle high-stakes regulatory scrutiny.
Clients requiring counsel on federal oversight matters may see increased expertise and resources available for their cases. This move suggests that entities facing committee scrutiny will have broader access to legal advisors with deep experience in Washington protocols.
The takeaway
The movement of high-level legal talent from Capitol Hill to private practice is a common indicator of shifting regulatory priorities. Companies should monitor these hiring patterns to anticipate which federal agencies or committees may become active areas of focus.
Further reading
For more on industry shifts, visit the People section.
