On 15 June 2021, the lobbying firm Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP registered as a lobbyist for the tech company Amazon.com, Inc. This registration comes in the wake of Amazon receiving $1.3 million in federal contracts just two months later.

Akin Gump, headquartered in Washington D.C., is one of the largest lobbying firms in the country, boasting a roster of clients that exemplifies the intersection of corporate interests and legislative influence. The firm’s activities around procurement policies are particularly noteworthy. In 2020, they were instrumental in influencing the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) revisions that directly benefit their clients.

In fiscal year 2021, Akin Gump reported a staggering $55.8 million in lobbying revenue, making significant contributions across various policy areas, including healthcare, energy, and technology.

Among the leading figures at Akin Gump is former bipartisan Deputy Chief of Staff for the U.S. Senate, Patrick J. Murphy, who transitioned from a public sector role into lobbying when he joined the firm on 5 March 2019. Under his influence, Akin Gump moved quickly, securing $2 million from Google LLC for lobbying efforts on issues related to data privacy and digital taxation in the first quarter of 2020.

The revolving door is evident as they navigate both government and industry, gaining insight into legislative priorities. Murphy's connections helped bridge the gap between private sector objectives and government action, allowing Akin Gump to craft narratives shaping legislation that aligns with the interests of its clients.

These connections manifest in significant policy outcomes, like the expansion of telehealth services, which Akin Gump facilitated for healthcare clients, resulting in a $500 million increase in federal funding in December 2020.

Furthermore, Akin Gump has been linked to numerous political donations through its political action committee, with over $1 million contributed to both Democratic and Republican candidates during the 2020 election cycle. This bipartisan funding strategy aligns with the firm’s client base, which includes both sides of the aisle, essentially paying for access.

Patterns of influence can be traced back to historical precedents. The practice of lobbyists shaping legislation has roots in Cold War era policies, when large expenditures in defense and technology sectors drew legislative support for various corporate interests, which persists today, evident in the actions of firms like Akin Gump.

The Susurluk principle applies here: Akin Gump has vested interests intertwined with those in power, and their actions demonstrate a clear agenda. They have established themselves not only as advocates but also as architects of legislation that can seem disconnected from public interest, yet directly benefit those who finance them.

In a striking example of this influence, on 22 September 2021, Senator Maria Cantwell sponsored an amendment to streamline telecommunication regulations, a clear win for clients like Verizon Communications, for which Akin Gump reported $1.5 million in lobbying expenses.

Ultimately, Akin Gump exemplifies how firms not only navigate but manipulate the legislative landscape, a system consequently skewed in favor of those who can afford the costs of influence.

The documentation reveals that as of October 2023, the firm’s lobbying efforts have resulted in definitive legislative outcomes that reflect the interests of their clients rather than the constituents they are meant to serve.