Patton Boggs lobbyist jumps to Akin Gump

Michael Drobac, a former senior policy advisor at Patton Boggs, has joined Akin Gump, the firm announced on Tuesday.

He will work within the public law and policy practice, continuing to specialize in technology and communications.

Before going to Patton Boggs in 2012, he worked as the first in-house Washington lobbyist for Netflix and led the government affairs team at the Online Publishers Association. He also spent a decade on Capitol Hill, working for three different senators.

“Michael’s combination of experience in the boardroom and on Capitol Hill provides him with a unique perspective that will greatly benefit our communications and technology clients,” said Don Pongrace, the head of Akin Gump’s public law and policy practice in a statement. 

At Patton – which is the largest K Street firm by revenue – Drobac worked for clients including Amazon, McGraw Hill Education and the Online Publishers Association, according to disclosure records. 

The firm, which has held steady at the top since 2003, took in more than $40 million in lobbying fees last year. Akin Gump has consistently ranked second in K Street earnings since 2007, and took in $33.8 million last year.