WASHINGTON, Dec. 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Wiley Rein LLP announced today that it has acquired McBee Strategic Consulting, LLC. McBee will operate independently as a wholly owned subsidiary of Wiley Rein. In pairing its considerable litigation, public policy, and regulatory advisory practices with McBee’s advocacy, strategic communications, and digital media practices, Wiley Rein becomes the only firm in Washington, DC to bring to market these strategic services in a robust, integrated offering.

The transaction creates a Washington, DC legal, advocacy, and communications powerhouse providing sophisticated client solutions. The firms will operate separately with more than 310 legal, advocacy, and communications practitioners. Wiley Rein has more than 270 attorneys and McBee Strategic has 40 advocacy and communications professionals.

“This transaction is about creating more value for the clients of both firms through an expanded collaborative network of attorneys, public policy advisors, and strategic communications professionals whose experience and expertise are exponentially more powerful when working collaboratively,” said Peter D. Shields, Managing Partner of Wiley Rein.

“This is an opportunity to dramatically expand our client base in the areas of corporate repositioning, digital media relations, and crisis and litigation communications,” said Eric Bovim, a Managing Director in the Strategic Communications Practice at McBee Strategic. “Client needs evolve over time, and this deal allows us to remain nimble, bringing Wiley’s significant roster of counselors to bear across client issues.”

“The ability to remain independent while expanding our capabilities in the regulatory space with Wiley Rein creates a stronger and more comprehensive solution for our clients’ biggest challenges,” said Robert Chamberlin, a Managing Director in the Advocacy Practice at McBee Strategic. “Our deep public policy expertise paired with public relations and regulatory expertise gives our clients the comprehensive coverage required to be successful in today’s complex policy environment,” added Sam Whitehorn, a Managing Director in the Advocacy Practice at McBee Strategic.

Steve McBee, founder and former CEO of McBee Strategic, expressed strong confidence in the company that still bears his name: “I believe deeply in McBee Strategic’s people, capabilities, and mission and I’m excited about its next chapter. Wiley Rein will be an exceptional partner and this deal makes two great firms greater.” McBee is now President & CEO of NRG Home, one of the country’s largest consumer energy companies.

McBee Strategic will be governed by an Executive Committee comprised of the following members: Managing Directors Eric Bovim, Rob Chamberlin, Jeff Markey, and Sam Whitehorn, as well as Jessica Rihani, Chief Operating Officer. Wiley Rein Managing Partner Peter Shields and Insurance Practice Partner Kim Melvin—both members of Wiley Rein’s Management Committee—will also serve on McBee Strategic’s Executive Committee. Wiley Rein and McBee Strategic will work together, but will continue to operate separately and independently, maintaining their own brand identities.

The combined firms have an extraordinary depth and breadth of talent, along with a significant focus on community service. Through pro bono legal services, community service efforts, and fundraising projects, the combined firms support more than 100 charitable organizations in Washington, DC each year.

About Wiley Rein LLP: Founded in 1983, Wiley Rein LLP counsels leaders in numerous industries nationwide and around the world. Recognized for excellence, integrity, and efficiency, the firm has more than 270 attorneys practicing in more than two dozen specialties of law and public policy. Its clients—from across the nation and around the world—include Fortune 500 corporations, trade associations, and individuals with significant business interests. To find out more about the firm’s capabilities, please visit the firm’s website at www.wileyrein.com.

About McBee Strategic Consulting: McBee Strategic advises corporations, institutions, and trade associations across a range of services including traditional advocacy, strategic communications, digital media, and investor research. Founded in 2002, the firm represents some of the world’s most innovative companies and associations in the aviation and aerospace, defense and security, energy, financial services, health care, technology, and transportation sectors. Since its inception, the firm has been consistently recognized as one of Washington’s premier advocacy and strategic communications firms. For more information, please visit www.mcbeestrategic.com.

CONTACT:
McBee Strategic Consulting LLC, John Procter, (703) 587-9967, jprocter@mcbeestrategic.com
Wiley Rein LLP, Patricia O’Connell, (202) 719-4532, poconnell@wileyrein.com

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SOURCE Wiley Rein LLP