Former Rep. Matheson joins K Street firm

Squire Patton Boggs is moving to rebuild its roster of lobbying heavyweights, hiring former Rep. Jim Matheson (D-Utah) as a principal in the firm’s public policy practice based in Washington.

Matheson recently retired from Congress after seven terms and most recently served as a chief deputy whip for House Democrats.

“During his time on the Hill, Jim was known as a legislator who was able to work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get things done,” former Sen. John Breaux (D-La.), co-chair of Squire Patton Boggs’ lobby shop, said in a statement. “Jim is an extremely well-respected individual who has a reputation for working hard and getting results for those he represents. We’re very pleased he’ll be joining us.”

Matheson co-chaired the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of fiscally conservative Democrats in Congress — an affiliation seen as a political necessity for the Utah delegation’s only Democratic member. He comes armed with a wide policy experience portfolio, having sat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, as well as financial services and transportation panels.

“The high level of talent at Squire Patton Boggs gives the firm the capability to successfully address the most complex public policy issues,” said Matheson. “I am excited to join this remarkable team of professionals.”

As a Democrat who pressed for regulatory reform, Matheson will make an important addition to the firm’s advocacy work — although he faces a “cooling off” period before he can directly lobby his former colleagues.

Last year, law and lobby giant Patton Boggs merged with international law firm Squire Sanders and experienced a shakeup within its lobbying operation – losing several high-profile lobbyists to competitors. It even fell to No. 2 in K Street earnings rankings, earning about $24.7 million in the first three quarters of 2014.

Breaux and former Sen. Trent Lott (R-Miss.), who now lead Squire Patton Boggs’ advocacy arm, have promised to rebuild. The firm is still registered to represent big clients such as Airbus and Amazon.

Matheson is the second high-profile hire for the firm in recent weeks, after it brought on David Schnittger, former deputy chief of staff to Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio).