Ex-Obama adviser Gen. Jim Jones teams up with lobby firm

President Obama’s former national security adviser has joined forces with Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, one of K Street’s biggest names. 

Gen. Jim Jones’s consulting firm, Jones Group International, will provide advice and counsel to Akin Gump’s clients on international and national security policy under what Akin Gump calls “a strategic alliance.” 

Jones was Obama’s first national security adviser and had a distinguished career in the Marine Corps, serving as supreme allied commander of Europe and commander of the U.S. European Command, as well as 32nd commandant of the Marine Corps.

R. Bruce McLean, Akin Gump’s chairman, said Jones and his firm would be a great resource for Akin Gump’s clients.

“We recognize that our clients face numerous complexities and challenges operating in a global environment,” McLean said in a statement. “Thus we are proud to introduce such a talented group of professionals as resources for our firm and our clients — particularly Gen. Jones, whose reputation as a leader on issues such as national security, energy and global competitiveness is unsurpassed.”  

“The world is rapidly changing, and navigating the nuances of the many political, business and economic issues that arise between the public and private sectors is increasingly challenging. I have made developing thoughtful and creative solutions to these issues a hallmark of my career, both in public service and the private sector, and look forward to putting that experience and skill to work on behalf of Akin Gump’s clients,” Jones said.

Akin Gump is one of the very top earners on K Street. It reported earning $38 million in lobbying fees in 2011, second only to Patton Boggs.

An spokesman for Akin Gump said there are no plans for Jones to register as a lobbyist.

— This story was updated at 12:01 p.m.

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