Richard Verma

Partner

1330 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington DC 20036
TEL: 202.429.3907
FAX: 202.429.3902

Rich Verma is a partner in the Washington office of Steptoe & Johnson LLP, where he is a member of the Government Relations & Public Policy practice and the International Department. Mr. Verma rejoined Steptoe in 2007 after serving five years as a key senior policy advisor to the Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.

Government Relations & Public Policy
Drawing on years of experience working in both the Senate and the House, Mr. Verma counsels clients on a broad range of legislative and public policy matters. He represents clients before the major committees of Congress, as well as executive branch agencies. He regularly drafts legislation, advises on legislative and political strategy, and advocates before Members of Congress and their staff.

Most recently, Mr. Verma served as Senior National Security Advisor to the Senate Majority Leader, shaping US national security policy and strategy in that position. He has also served as Senior Counsel to the Senate Democratic Whip, and has worked for Congressman John P. Murtha in the House of Representatives.

International Regulation & Compliance
Mr. Verma’s work in the international regulation and compliance practice focuses on US trade sanctions, export controls, and trade policy matters. He also handles company internal investigations and assists with various export license issues.

As the senior Foreign Policy Advisor to Senator Reid, Mr. Verma developed extensive experience with the international legal, economic, and policy issues impacting US companies. He has on the ground experience in dozens of nations and has navigated complex regulatory environments on behalf of his clients.

Prior to joining Steptoe, Mr. Verma served for four years as an officer in the US Air Force Judge Advocate General Corps. His military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal and Air Force Commendation Medal.

Noteworthy & Success Stories

Appointed to the Congressional Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation and Terrorism in May 2008.
In June of 2007, Mr. Verma was selected by India Abroad as one of the 50 most influential Indian-Americans in the US.
Co-authored the 2003 National Academy of Sciences Report, "Critical Information Infrastructure Protection and the Law: An Overview of Key Issues".

News, Seminars & Events

Publications & Speaking Engagements

International Law Advisory - Congress Imposes New Export Control Requirements for Defense Contractors
February 14, 2008

Professional Affiliations

Member, Council on Foreign Relations
Advisory Board Member, University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown
Board Member, Marsh Institute for Government and Public Policy, Shenandoah University
International Affairs Fellow, Council on Foreign Relations (2002)
Trustee, Lehigh University (1999-2002)
President and Board Member, South Asian Bar Association (1999-2001)
Member, National Academy of Sciences Committee on Critical Infrastructure Protection and the Law