Chief of staff for former Ways and Means chairman joins Dykema

Jim Brandell has joined Dykema as a government policy advisor in the firm’s Washington, D.C., office. Brandell previously served for more than a decade as Chief of Staff for immediate past House Ways and Means Chairman and U.S. Congressman Dave Camp of Michigan’s 4th Congressional District.

With more than 20 years of government relations experience on state, federal and international levels, Brandell brings an extensive background in crafting and implementing legislative and political strategy to Dykema. While Chief of Staff for Congressman Camp, Brandell led Camp’s team on successful legislative issues including trade agreement implementation, the first comprehensive tax reform bill in a generation and healthcare reform proposals. Brandell also served as Representative Camp’s chief liaison with Congressional leadership and the White House, and regularly managed the congressman’s political and fundraising activities.

“Jim will bring tremendous strengths to Dykema, including an unwavering work ethic, knowledge of issues and excellent individual contacts,” said Congressman Camp. “He has been the go to guy for many on issues such as tax, trade and healthcare and was a key player during my time as Chairman of Ways and Means. I know that he will have continued success at Dykema.”

Brandell has also held leadership roles at the state level, serving as Deputy Chief of Staff to Michigan Governor John Engler, where he acted as the chief liaison to all state and national political organizations and managed several administrative divisions.

In addition to his stateside work, Brandell has worked for an international non-profit where he opened its Serbia office and managed large U.S. government grants, conducted country-wide focus groups, developed public opinion surveys and organized election monitoring missions.

“Jim’s perspective and experience with tough state, federal and international matters, coupled with his know-how on how diverse global and Hill legislators will respond to these issues is something Dykema and its clients will benefit from greatly,” said Peter Kellett, Chairman and CEO of Dykema. “I am thrilled to welcome him to the firm, and am anticipating the great work he will do for our clients.”

In addition to his government work, Brandell serves on the board of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in Washington, D.C., where he has been recognized as the organization’s top fund raiser for the past two years.

Brandell is currently a doctoral candidate in public policy at Virginia Tech, having earned an M.L.S. in American Culture from the University of Michigan, and a B.A. in International Relations from Michigan State University.