Peter Roskam: Leader of the Federal Policy Team
Attraction to BakerHostetler: Access and culture, opportunity to leverage strategic growth
You're a six-term U.S. Representative from Illinois who was comfortable and thriving at your previous firm, advising clients on federal policy related to their most critical business issues, when you joined BakerHostetler in 2023. What inspired you to make the leap?
I was minding my own business when, one day, I received a call from Mike Ferguson: a former U.S. Congressman with whom I served, and BakerHostetler's former Federal Policy team leader. He said, 'I think this role at BakerHostetler would be a perfect fit for you,' and he shared a lot of praise about the firm's culture and how Federal Policy is viewed as a distinctive practice within the firm. The fact that he cared so much about filling a role he already vacated to join a client, that he felt so deeply connected to BakerHostetler and wanted to ensure his successor was a good fit – that made a strong impression on me. Then, I met with Chairman Paul Schmidt (who is very persuasive) and Tax Group Leader Jeff Paravano. Both expressed a strategic vision for the Federal Policy Team and a desire to elevate it and make it an even greater priority. I was sold.
You've made plenty of high-profile moves to further the team's reputation, including launching the BakerHosts podcast series “The Cloakroom with Peter Roskam" – a popular listen for policy insights and interviews with leading lawmakers – and strengthening BakerHostetler's Annual Legislative Seminar and Dinner.
That event is a hot ticket! We attract key members of Congress from both sides of the aisle; clients eager to hear candid and impactful conversations on hot-button issues; dozens of partners from every practice group who want to connect with potential new business – we always have a flood of RSVPs and a long waiting list. I'm proud to say the Legislative Seminar has become a real differentiator and showcase for the firm.
It sounds like it was a good thing you answered that phone call from Mike Ferguson three years ago.
Definitely. It's been rewarding to see BakerHostetler benefit as the Federal Policy team continues to flourish. The firm has a sustained internal campaign to regularly incorporate and introduce me and my team to practice and industry teams across the firm. Plus, I've experienced an increase in clients inviting me to speak to their leadership to provide a foreshadowing of what's to come from Congress and the White House, and to help determine strategic thought processes that will impact their growth. Answering that phone call made a big difference.