Venable LLP is pleased to announce that Yardly M. Pollas-Kimble has joined the firm as a partner in the Legislative and Government Affairs Practice in the Washington, DC office. Ms. Pollas provides strategic counsel on legislative and regulatory matters affecting the telecommunications, media, intellectual property, finance, and healthcare industries.

Ms. Pollas utilizes her extensive experience on Capitol Hill to represent client interests before Congress, the executive branch, and various regulatory bodies. Prior to joining Venable, she served as the chief of staff to U.S. Congressman Bobby L. Rush. In addition to acting as a senior advisor and overseeing the development and implementation of Congressman Rush’s political and policy initiatives, she was the liaison to Region IV of the House Democratic Leadership’s Policy and Steering Committee and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. She also has substantial experience operating within the private sector. She previously served as the head of congressional affairs for a major multinational telecommunications company, during which she oversaw the company’s legislative staff and political action committee and developed and implemented its legislative agenda before the U.S. Congress, the executive branch, and state legislatures. She also developed key relationships with trade associations, grassroots and grasstops organizations, and consultants to ensure the company remained a leader on pivotal issues and initiatives impacting the industry. In addition to her domestic policy expertise, Ms. Pollas has a wealth of international experience, having monitored elections in West and Central Africa and represented artists and business leaders in Africa and the Caribbean.

William R. Nordwind, co-chair of Venable’s Legislative and Government Affairs Practice, said, “Those who have spent time on Capitol Hill have come to know Yardly and her remarkable skill set, which she has used to navigate the complex legislative process. We are confident that her knowledge and experience will be invaluable assets to our practice.”

Joshua H. Raymond, co-chair of Venable’s Legislative and Government Affairs Practice, said, “Yardly has served as a trusted advisor to government leaders and major corporations alike on key legislative and regulatory issues. Her versatility across industries and reputation for providing well-informed guidance make her the perfect fit for our dynamic team.”

Commenting on her move to Venable, Ms. Pollas said, “Venable presents not only an opportunity to work alongside some of the most innovative minds in the field, but also a workplace culture that makes collaborating with these individuals a rewarding and productive experience. I look forward to adding my own knowledge to the mix.”

Ms. Pollas received her in J.D. from American University’s Washington College of Law and her B.A. in Political Science from the University of Houston.

Venable LLP is an American Lawyer Global 100 law firm headquartered in Washington, DC that serves as primary counsel to a worldwide clientele of large and mid-sized organizations, nonprofits, high-net-worth entrepreneurs, and other individuals. With more than 850 professionals across the country, including in California, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, New York, Virginia, and Washington, DC, the firm strategically advances its clients' objectives in the U.S. and around the globe. Venable advises clients on a broad range of business and regulatory law, legislative affairs, complex litigation, and the full range of intellectual property disciplines. For more information, please visit Venable.com.