WASHINGTON, DC—Law firm Wiley Rein has acquired McBee Strategic Consulting, a public affairs and strategic communications firm that will operate independently as a wholly owned subsidiary of Wiley Rein. 

The law firm will combine its litigation, public policy, and regulatory advisory practices with McBee's advocacy, communications, and digital media offerings to create a legal, advocacy, and communications business with more than 300 professionals, including more than 270 attorneys and 40 communications professionals.

McBee had expanded significantly with the acquisition of Gibraltar Associates at this time last year.

"This transaction is about creating more value for the clients of both firms through an expanded collaborative network of attorneys, public policy advisors, and strategic communications professionals whose experience and expertise are exponentially more powerful when working collaboratively," said Peter Shields, managing partner of Wiley Rein.

McBee Strategic will be governed by an executive committee including managing directors Eric Bovim, Rob Chamberlin, Jeff Markey, and Sam Whitehorn, as well as chief operating officer Jessica Rihani, along with Wiley Rein managing partner Peter Shields and insurance practice partner Kim Melvin.