Podesta Group snags Judiciary Committee’s chief of staff

The chief of staff for an influential House committee is headed to the Podesta Group, adding to the GOP firepower at the firm. 

Sean McLaughlin will start as a principal at the Podesta Group on March 5. McLaughlin leaves the House Judiciary Committee, where he has been a lead GOP staffer for five years in a variety of positions. 

“Sean’s talent, dedication and tireless work ethic have helped the committee advance complex and high-profile legislation,” said House Judiciary Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) in a statement. 

“His leadership will be missed, but I am confident that Sean will take the same level of productivity, insight and success to his work at the Podesta Group.”

Before joining Judiciary, McLaughlin served under former President George W. Bush in the Justice Department’s Office of Legislative Affairs as deputy assistant attorney general.

“As technology and competition issues continue to heat up in Washington, and as we continue to reinforce our bipartisan tradition, Sean’s razor-sharp expertise will be an immeasurable asset for all of the firm’s clients,” Podesta Group Chief Executive Officer Kimberley Fritts said in a statement.