Former FEC Chairman Michael Toner to Join Wiley Rein's Leading Election Law Practice

February 28, 2011

In early March, Michael E. Toner, a former Chairman of the Federal Election Commission and prominent election law expert will return to Wiley Rein, where he will serve as co-chair of the country's oldest and largest Election Law & Government Ethics Practice.  Mr. Toner -- a political veteran with a wealth of experience advising candidates, political committees, trade associations and corporate clients on federal and state election law compliance -- adds further depth to a nationally recognized team that is commended by Chambers USA as a top-tier group and a "formidable force in the U.S. political arena."  He rejoins Wiley Rein from the DC office of Bryan Cave, where he led their Election Law Practice and was President of Bryan Cave Strategies, the firm's public policy and government affairs branch.

Mr. Toner, who began his legal career as an associate at Wiley Rein, has established himself as one of the nation's leading lawyers in the political law arena.  Nominated to the Federal Election Commission in 2002, Mr. Toner served as FEC Chairman in 2006 and remained an FEC Commissioner until 2007.  He served as Chief Counsel of the Republican National Committee from 2001 to 2002 and RNC Deputy Counsel from 1997 to 1999.  He also served as General Counsel of the Bush-Cheney Transition Team and the Bush-Cheney 2000 presidential campaign, and was counsel to the Dole-Kemp presidential campaign in 1996.  A prolific author, Mr. Toner has contributed to several books and frequently is called upon by the media to provide expert commentary and analysis.

Jan W. Baran, head of Wiley Rein's Election Law & Government Ethics Practice commented, "We are delighted that Michael has decided to join our team.  His leadership, experience and expertise will wonderfully complement and enhance our capabilities.  As we continue to expand our practice, we remain committed to providing our clients with exceptional service and counsel."

Mr. Toner said, "It is a great privilege to have the opportunity to rejoin Wiley Rein where I started my legal career.  I am very excited to be part of such an exceptional group and to help it to reach great heights in the future." 

"Michael was a rising star during his associate tenure with us," said Managing Partner Richard E. Wiley. "It's great to welcome him back and we know that our clients will benefit from his broad government service and private practice experience." 

Mr. Toner received his J.D., cum laude, from Cornell Law School, an M.A. from Johns Hopkins University and a B.A., with distinction, from the University of Virginia.