Capitol Counsel Hires Former Senate Finance Committee and Leadership Aide to Expand its Bipartisan Team

John O'Neill Brings Nearly a Decade of Hill Experience to the Firm

WASHINGTON, June 20, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Capitol Counsel announced today the addition of John O'Neill, a former Policy Director and Counsel in the Senate Republican Whip's Office under Senator Trent Lott (R-Miss.).  O'Neill has expertise on a wide array of legislative and public policy issues with a heavy focus on tax, financial services, health care, and labor issues such as pension, employee benefit and compensation matters. 

Before joining Capitol Counsel, O'Neill was a partner with Ogilvy Government Relations.  Prior to Ogilvy, O'Neill served on the Senate Republican Whip's Office under Senator Lott.  In the Whip's office, he helped develop and coordinate the Senate Leadership floor strategy on all legislation considered by the U.S. Senate.  He provided counsel to Senator Lott on top policy matters and worked closely with Senate Committee and Member offices, senior White House officials, and House Leadership offices. 

Previously, O'Neill served as Tax Counsel to the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance under Chairman Charles Grassley.  He played a pivotal role as lead negotiator in major legislative initiatives that are now law, including the Pension Protection Act of 2006 and the Pension Funding Equity Act of 2004.  O'Neill worked extensively on the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005, the Gulf Opportunity Zone Act of 2005, and the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004.  Prior to his Finance Committee work, O'Neill was in private practice with the Washington, D.C. law firm of Davis & Harman. 

"As one of the preeminent tax lobbying firms in Washington, Capitol Counsel has a reputation for delivering strong results for top corporations, trade associations and coalitions," said John O'Neill, Capitol Counsel Tax Counsel and Principal.  "I look forward to adding my expertise to this tremendously respected group of seasoned professionals and  to helping garner strong results for our clients."

"Capitol Counsel proudly welcomes John O'Neill to our bipartisan team of top Washington consultants," said Jim McCrery, Capitol Counsel Partner and former House Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member.

"John O'Neill is an excellent tax lawyer who's understanding of the Senate floor rules and Finance Committee legislative process will be an invaluable complement to our already strong Senate team headed by Shannon Finley," said John D. Raffaelli, Founding Partner of Capitol Counsel.

Capitol Counsel LLC is a full-service, bipartisan government relations firm providing political analysis, strategic advice and advocacy services.  The professionals of Capitol Counsel are among the most skilled consultants in Washington with extensive experience developing and executing effective legislative strategies for clients.  Capitol Counsel was founded in January 2007.  For more information on Capitol Counsel, please visit our website at www.capitolcounsel.com.

SOURCE Capitol Counsel LLC