Introduction
The legal landscape in Washington, D.C., is undergoing a seismic shift with the return of Claire Rajan to Steptoe & Johnson LLP as the leader of its political law group. As an accomplished attorney with over two decades of experience advising global corporations on political law compliance and government relations, Rajan’s move comes at a pivotal moment. The U.S. political climate is intensifying, with Republicans taking control of Congress and former President Donald Trump set to re-enter the White House.
Rajan’s addition to Steptoe signals the firm’s commitment to addressing the complex interplay between private industry and government enforcement in areas such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), campaign finance, and lobbying laws. This article dives deep into Rajan’s expertise, Steptoe’s positioning in political law, and the broader implications for businesses navigating this volatile landscape.
Who is Claire Rajan?
Claire Rajan brings a wealth of experience to Steptoe’s Washington, D.C., office. Her career began at the Federal Elections Commission (FEC), where she served for seven years, developing expertise in campaign finance laws and enforcement procedures. Afterward, she joined Allen & Overy, where she spent 12 years advising multinational clients, including technology giants like Alphabet’s Google, in navigating complex political law matters.
Rajan’s practice has spanned advising banks, asset managers, energy companies, and technology firms before government agencies. Her ability to blend legal strategy with an acute understanding of governmental machinations makes her uniquely equipped to handle the increasing scrutiny businesses face in politically charged climates.
Steptoe’s Strategic Advantage
Steptoe has long been recognized for its strong roots in Washington, D.C., and its ability to navigate the intricacies of federal government relations. With Rajan at the helm of its political law group, the firm is poised to enhance its offerings in:
- Campaign Finance Compliance: Helping corporations navigate the complexities of federal and state laws.
- Lobbying Law Advisory: Guiding clients through registration, reporting, and compliance obligations.
- Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Enforcement: Assisting businesses in mitigating risks related to bribery and corruption investigations.
This strategic hire underscores Steptoe’s commitment to staying ahead of emerging trends and challenges in political law.
Broader Implications of This Move
Rajan’s arrival comes as Republicans have regained control of both chambers of Congress and the Trump administration prepares for another term. This shift signals increased congressional investigations into private sector activities and proactive enforcement of laws tied to national security and geopolitics.
Industries such as technology, energy, and banking—already frequent targets of regulatory scrutiny—are likely to see heightened enforcement efforts. For instance, the FCPA’s reach into global markets makes compliance a top priority for multinational corporations.
