Capitol Counsel bolsters bipartisan roster

Capitol Counsel is continuing to grow its roster, scooping up Ethan Pittleman from the Washington, D.C., office of Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber.

It’s the third highest profile hire for the bipartisan firm in as many months, which has been bolstering its team.

Kitzhaber served as the governor’s deputy director of federal affairs, essentially bridging the gap between Capitol Hill and the northwestern state. He will serve as a principal at the firm.

{mosads}”I have admired Ethan’s work on behalf of Governor Kitzhaber,” said John D. Raffaelli, the founder of Capitol Counsel, in a statement. “His diverse background brings a wealth of experiences in Washington, state government and energy policy that will help Capitol Counsel better serve our clients.”

In his most recent post, Pittleman worked closely with the National Governors Association, Western Governors’ Association and Democratic Governors Association — even partnering with other states on climate and transportation issues. 

Before that, he served as a policy aide and fundraiser for Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-Ore.) and worked on natural resources and tax policy, including managing Schrader’s portfolio on the Small Business Committee. Pittleman also has experience in the private sector, having spent a short stint at Rasky Baerlein Strategic Communications.

“Ethan is one of the most accomplished and credible young talents to emerge from Oregon politics in many years,” said Josh Kardon, a partner at Capitol Counsel and former chief of staff to Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), in a release. “He has an intimate understanding of the intersection of policy, press and politics, both in Congress and Oregon.”

While Capitol Counsel has been around for several years, it continues to be one of the highest performing shops on K Street.

Last month, the firm announced a boost to its House GOP cred, adding former senior House Financial Services Committee majority aide Warren Tryon to its financial services and legislative practice.

He joined the firm from Roberts, Raheb & Gradler, where he briefly served as a senior policy adviser. He spent many years on Capitol Hill and, prior to his six years with the financial services panel, worked as the chief of staff to former Rep. Spencer Bachus (R-Ala.).

In those roles, he has touched every major piece of financial legislation, including Dodd-Frank reform legislation, the JOBS Act, Export-Import Bank reauthorization and legislation tackling housing reform. 

“I have been impressed with the work Warren has done for Chairman Bachus and the House Financial Services Committee,” said former Rep. Jim McCrery (R-La.), a partner at Capitol Counsel. “He has done an outstanding job and is a hard worker. I look forward to his bringing that same commitment and service to our clients.”

In November, it was announced that Martin Gold would be joining the firm from Covington & Burling. He recently brought over a couple of his clients, including the National Football League.   

Capitol Counsel also lost two of its own — former Senate and House leadership aides John O’Neill and Kyle Nevins — who stepped out to found their own firm called Harbinger Strategies.