Crowell & Moring has appointed James Bair, formerly Google’s Regulatory Affairs Counsel for Global Legislative Oversight, as a partner and Head of Congressional Investigations within its White Collar and Regulatory Enforcement practice in Washington, D.C. ([prnewswire.com](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/former-google-counsel-for-global-legislative-oversight-james-bair-joins-crowell–moring-as-head-of-congressional-investigations-302826506.html?utm_source=openai))
Bair brings over a decade of experience in congressional oversight, having served in various capacities including in-house counsel at a major technology corporation, senior congressional investigator, federal executive branch attorney, and as outside counsel at an international law firm. His expertise spans areas such as artificial intelligence, national security, global elections integrity, and online content moderation. ([prnewswire.com](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/former-google-counsel-for-global-legislative-oversight-james-bair-joins-crowell–moring-as-head-of-congressional-investigations-302826506.html?utm_source=openai))
Daniel Zelenko, chair of Crowell & Moring’s White Collar and Regulatory Enforcement Group, highlighted Bair’s extensive experience with high-profile investigations, noting that his addition enhances the firm’s ability to support clients facing increasing investigative and compliance scrutiny. ([prnewswire.com](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/former-google-counsel-for-global-legislative-oversight-james-bair-joins-crowell–moring-as-head-of-congressional-investigations-302826506.html?utm_source=openai))
Prior to his tenure at Google, Bair served as senior oversight counsel for the House Committee on Foreign Affairs majority staff during the 116th Congress, overseeing investigations into U.S. foreign policy, military assistance, foreign aid, and public diplomacy. ([prnewswire.com](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/former-google-counsel-for-global-legislative-oversight-james-bair-joins-crowell–moring-as-head-of-congressional-investigations-302826506.html?utm_source=openai))
Bair emphasized the unique challenges posed by legislative investigations, stating that they require a distinct approach compared to other legal threats faced by companies, organizations, or individuals. ([prnewswire.com](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/former-google-counsel-for-global-legislative-oversight-james-bair-joins-crowell–moring-as-head-of-congressional-investigations-302826506.html?utm_source=openai))
This strategic hire aligns with Crowell & Moring’s ongoing expansion efforts. In May 2026, the firm established a Minneapolis office by bringing on eight attorneys, including five from Robins Kaplan. ([bizjournals.com](https://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/news/2026/05/21/crowell-moring-enters-twin-cities-legal-market.html?utm_source=openai))
Additionally, in August 2025, Crowell & Moring significantly bolstered its health care practice by integrating a team of 16 health care litigation partners led by Martin J. Bishop, formerly of Reed Smith. ([prnewswire.com](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/leading-health-care-practices-combine-to-provide-comprehensive-counsel-to-clients-at-a-time-of-tremendous-change-across-the-industry-302523201.html?utm_source=openai))
These developments reflect Crowell & Moring’s commitment to enhancing its capabilities across various practice areas to better serve its clients in an evolving legal landscape.