Former FEC Chairman Lee Goodman Rejoins Wiley Rein’s Election Law & Government Ethics Practice

February 7, 2018

Washington, DC—Wiley Rein LLP announced today that Lee E. Goodman, who previously served as Chairman of the Federal Election Commission (FEC), and most recently as FEC Commissioner, will rejoin the firm as a partner on February 20. Nationally recognized for his experience in close elections, recounts, and election administration, Mr. Goodman will be a member of Wiley Rein’s premier Election Law & Government Ethics Practice and will advise clients on laws regarding political activities and free speech.

Mr. Goodman was presidentially appointed to the FEC on October 21, 2013, after the U.S. Senate confirmed his nomination by unanimous consent. He served as Chairman of the FEC in 2014 and Vice Chairman in 2013. During his years on the Commission, Mr. Goodman promoted free speech on the Internet; vigorous free press rights, including for new media; and practical deregulation of political parties.

“Lee brings a tremendous breadth of knowledge from advising clients in the public sector, whether they are candidates, public officials, political parties, or political action committees,” said Michael E. Toner, co-chair of the Election Law & Government Ethics Practice, who also previously served as FEC Chairman. “His accomplishments as a member of the FEC, combined with his other government experience and private-sector acumen, will be a tremendous asset for our clients who seek advice on high-profile and sensitive compliance issues.”

Prior to joining the FEC, Mr. Goodman was in private practice, including two stints at Wiley Rein. He advised several presidential campaigns, and served as general counsel of the Republican Party of Virginia from 2009 to 2013. His prior government service includes four years as legal counsel and policy advisor to the Governor of Virginia, and three years as counsel and special assistant to the Attorney General of Virginia. He also served as chief advisor to the Chairman of the Congressional Advisory Commission on Electronic Commerce.

“Wiley Rein has built the most respected election law practice, with the greatest breadth and depth of expertise, in the nation and I am pleased to return to the firm,” said Mr. Goodman. “All aspects of civic engagement and political activity are under federal, state, local and even international regulatory microscopes today, so it’s important that organizations include experienced political counsel in their compliance and public affairs programs. I look forward to collaborating with the Wiley Rein team to advise corporate and political clients.”

Mr. Goodman has authored several articles on election law, including a chapter on regulation of political speech on the Internet in the book Law and Election Politics – The Rules of the Game, and frequently lectures on election law topics.  He has served on the boards of several political, educational, and cultural nonprofit organizations. He received his B.A., with highest distinction, from the University of Virginia, and his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law, where he served as articles editor for the Journal of Law & Politics.

Several other members of Wiley Rein’s team have also formerly served at the Federal Election Commission. Among them are former FEC counsel Andrew G. Woodson, who rejoined the firm in October 2015, and Brandis L. Zehr, who also served as FEC counsel and rejoined Wiley Rein in January 2017.

Wiley Rein has the premier Election Law & Government Ethics Practice in the country, recognized by Chambers USA as “the gold standard in this business.” Led by nationally known specialist Jan Witold Baran and Mr. Toner, the Group regularly provides sophisticated counsel on all aspects of political law, including federal, state, and local regulation of campaign finance, lobbying, and government ethics and represents clients across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as internationally.