WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 3, 2010 – Arent Fox LLP is pleased to announce Thor Hearne, one of the nation’s leading federal litigators and election law attorneys, will be joining the firm’s Washington, DC office. Mr. Hearne, 48, will continue his federal litigation practice and advise clients on election, political and campaign finance law.

Mr. Hearne has developed a national reputation for his skill representing individuals and businesses with claims against the federal government. He has won a number of significant Fifth Amendment “takings” cases, some of which have established important national legal precedents. Much of this practice is before the US Court of Federal Claims and the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, both of which sit in Washington, DC.

Mr. Hearne is also a nationally recognized authority in election law and contested elections. He served as national election counsel to President George W. Bush’s 2004 reelection campaign. Additionally, Mr. Hearne has served as election counsel to numerous other federal, state and local political leaders and candidates, political parties, campaigns, and businesses involved in the political process.

“Thor’s reputation and command of election law is nothing short of extraordinary, and his practice is a perfect fit for Arent Fox’s Political Law Group,” said Craig Engle, founder and head of Arent Fox’s Political Law Practice. Thor represented the leadership of the US House and US Senate as well as Democratic and Republican election officials when they submitted amicus briefs before the US Supreme Court. “He is a remarkable addition to our team.”

Mr. Hearne was an advisor to the bipartisan Commission on Federal Election Reform, co-chaired by former US President Jimmy Carter and former US Secretary of State James A. Baker, III and has testified before the US Commission on Civil Rights, the bipartisan Federal Election Assistance Commission and the US House of Representatives and US Senate on federal election reform. He is a much sought-after media analyst and commentator on political law issues and has been quoted frequently in media outlets such as USA Today, CNN and NPR.

Mr. Hearne will also continue serving as general counsel to the individuals, families and closely held firms he has advised on matters of wealth preservation and investment. For some of these families, Mr. Hearne is now advising the third generation.

Arent Fox Chairman Marc Fleischaker said, “We are very pleased that Thor is joining us. He is one of the nation’s leading litigators and election lawyers. We could not be happier.”

Mr. Hearne’s arrival is the latest step in the rapid growth of Arent Fox's bipartisan Political Law Group. In October 2009, Brett G. Kappel joined Arent Fox as counsel in the firm’s Washington, DC office, where he advises Democratic and Republican candidates and others on compliance with federal, state and local campaign finance, lobbying, ethics laws and regulations.

“The growth and reputation of Arent Fox’s Political Law Group made joining the firm an easy decision for me,” said Mr. Hearne. “With its headquarters in our nation’s capital, Arent Fox is the ideal firm for me and my national practice.”

Prior to joining Arent Fox, Mr. Hearne has served as the Partner in Charge of the St. Louis office of a national law firm. He will be maintaining an office in St. Louis to continue his representation of clients there. Mr. Hearne is a graduate of Washington University School of Law where he earned his JD. He did his undergraduate work at Washington University in St. Louis.