Melissa Laurenza

Melissa Laurenza heads Akin’s Political Law practice, specializing in advising clients on navigating complex legal frameworks surrounding interactions with federal and state officials encompassing pay to play laws, lobbying, campaign finance, ethics and other regulatory areas. She assists clients spanning financial services, private equity, hedge funds, corporations, media and entertainment companies, law firms, lobbying firms, trade associations and high-net-worth individuals. Melissa helps establish and maintain compliance systems, covering laws such as the Lobbying Disclosure Act, Foreign Agents Registration Act and rules like Rule 206(4)-5 for investment advisors. She provides counsel on political activities, including testifying before legislative bodies, drafting op-eds and representing clients in federal and state investigations, including before the Department of Justice, Federal Election Commission and Government Accounting Office.

Melissa's practice assists politically active entities to ensure adherence to applicable regulations. Her recent work involves clients from commercial banks, energy companies, insurance firms, hedge funds, private equity firms, entertainment companies and individuals transitioning between government and private sectors.

Counsel, Policy Advisor to FEC Chairman Michael E. Toner

Deputy to the Finance Director, National Republican Senatorial Committee

Legislative Correspondent, Sen. Mitch McConnell’s (R-KY) office

D.C. and Virginia Bar Associations