Mark Epley brings 20 years of experience in public policy and crisis management from senior positions in Congress and at the Departments of Justice and Defense. He has spent more than a decade overseeing and leading congressional investigations and responding to congressional oversight. Mark has prepared CEOs and cabinet secretaries to testify under the bright lights in Congress, but also helped clients navigate congressional scrutiny with no media coverage at all. He co-leads the congressional investigations team within the firm’s Legislative & Public Policy practice.
While serving on Capitol Hill, Mark led scores of investigations for the House Committees on Ways & Means and Financial Services. He also provided oversight for all House-led investigations while serving as Senior Advisor and General Counsel for Speaker of the House Paul Ryan. Mark has counseled clients in private capital, banking and digital assets, fintech payments, government contractors, exempt organizations, life sciences, consumer product manufacturers and has directed the response to a number of high-profile congressional investigations and inquiries since joining Arnold & Porter
Mark also advises and advocates for clients on tax policy and financial services drawing on his experience serving on the key committees of jurisdiction. His work in regulatory advocacy before the Federal Reserve, U.S. Department of Treasury, IRS, SEC, and U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission further informs his strategic counsel in this dynamic environment. Mark is actively engaged with the tax writing committees in anticipation of the expiration of key provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.
Experience
- Clearing bank in connection with a congressional investigation arising from the GameStop meltdown.
- Exempt organization in connection with congressional and agency investigations.
- The Kroger Co. in connection with a Senate Judiciary Committee examination of a proposed $25 billion merger, including preparing its CEO to testify.
- Sensitive food product manufacturer undergoing congressional scrutiny following a recall.
- Perrigo in developing legislative briefings to promote the successful launch of Opill, the first over-the-counter birth control pill.
- Privately held-company in successfully advocating against proposed tax increases in the Build Back Better Act.
- Industry association in a matter involving policy affecting private capital. Acting as regulatory counsel and appearing before the SEC.
- Industry association in a matter regarding policy affecting private capital, including regulatory advice on issues involving the SEC.
- Digital asset financial services provider in developing a congressional engagement campaign on digital asset regulation.
Perspectives
Credentials
Education
- J.D., College of William and Mary Law School, 1999
- B.A., Gordon College, 1989
Admissions
- District of Columbia
Government & Military Service
- General Counsel, Office of the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives (2015-2018)
- General Counsel & Oversight Staff Director, House Ways and Means Committee (2012-2015)
- Chief Oversight Counsel, House Financial Services Committee (2011-2012)
- Associate Deputy General Counsel, U.S. Department of Defense (2009-2011)
- Senior Counsel to the Deputy Attorney General, U.S. Department of Justice (2006-2009)
- General Counsel, House Armed Services Committee (2005-2006)
- Chief of Staff to the Assistant Attorney General for Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice (2004-2005)