Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck welcomes William D. Duhnke III to the firm as a shareholder in the firm’s Washington, D.C., office. Duhnke will focus on financial services, appropriations and national security policy issues for clients.
“Bill is a respected and proven leader here in Washington. His congressional and military service, time as senior staff director and general counsel to major U.S. Senate committees, and financial services regulatory experience make him an invaluable asset to our clients interested in the allocation of government funding and the execution of the federal budget,” said Will Moschella, co-chair of Brownstein’s Government Relations Department.
Duhnke draws on decades of experience serving as the primary policy, legal and communications advisor to the members of four major U. S. Senate committees to plan and execute effective advocacy strategies that further the policy goals of his clients. During his long career in the legislature, he served as staff director and general counsel on the Senate committees on Appropriations; Rules and Administration; Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs; and Intelligence where he coordinated and negotiated directly with officials at the highest levels in government agencies, businesses and outside groups, leading passage efforts on multiple omnibus, financial services and defense bills.
Duhnke started his career in Congress with Sen. Richard Shelby (R-AL), after he completed assignments to the Commission on the Assignment of Women in the Armed Forces and the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission. Before serving concurrently as the minority staff director and general counsel of the appropriations committee and clerk of the Defense Subcommittee, Duhnke was unanimously selected by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to be chairman, CEO and president of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.
“Brownstein’s multifaceted approach, incorporating both legal and legislative solutions for clients, is a great fit for my background. I look forward to joining Brownstein’s well-respected government relations team,” Duhnke added.
Duhnke is a veteran of the U.S. Navy who was stationed across the country, including a period at the White House. He completed his service as a lieutenant. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin and his law degree from Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law.