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Holly Fechner advises clients on complex public policy matters that combine legal and political opportunities and risks.
Ms. Fechner crafts campaigns featuring comprehensive strategy development, legal and policy expertise, and advocacy services. Named a top lobbyist by The Hill, Ms. Fechner manages teams that represent companies and organizations in significant policy and regulatory matters before Congress and the Administration, including high-profile bet-the-company challenges. Nationally ranked by Chambers, she also received the 2019 American Lawyer Magazine "Dealmaker of the Year" award.
Ms. Fechner is a member of the firm’s Political Action Committee board of directors, co-chair of the Technology Industry Group, and a visiting lecturer at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
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- Provide comprehensive government affairs services to a Fortune 50 technology company.
- Represent a Fortune 200 technology company on intellectual property policy and legislation.
- Provide comprehensive government affairs services to a global biotechnology company.
- Advise a multi-billion dollar pension trust fund on matters before Congress and the Administration.
- Advised a financial services company on ERISA matters before the Administration and Congress.
- Provide comprehensive government affairs services to a global medical device company.
- Represented a national health plan on Affordable Care Act implementation.
- Advocated on behalf of a Fortune 100 technology company on tax legislation before Congress.
- Represented a coalition of states on Medicare and Medicaid legislation.
- Represented a wind energy company on tax and energy legislation.
- Facilitated a coalition of companies and environmental groups and represented them before Congress on climate change legislation.
- Advised a large non-profit organization on criminal justice and workforce training issues.
- Represented a Fortune 100 financial services company in a congressional investigation.
Memberships and Affiliations
- American Constitution Society, Board of Directors
- Harvard Kennedy School of Government, Visiting Adjunct Lecturer
Previous Experience
- Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-Massachusetts), Policy Director
- Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Committee, Chief Labor & Pensions Counsel
The Hill's Top Lobbyists 2020
December 10, 2020, The Hill
The Hill has named Covington’s Holly Fechner, Muftiah McCartin, and Bill Wichterman to its annual “Top Lobbyists” list. The list recognizes Washington’s top policy experts and influencers voicing the concerns of the nation’s largest companies, labor unions, and associations in the nation’s capital. Named to the list for the eighth consecutive year, Ms. Fechner ...
November 10, 2020, Global Policy Watch
Technology policy is a growing issue for the Congress, especially since it is to the economy and to our national security what oil was 20 years. Congress has a love-hate relationship with tech: love them for their innovation, jobs, and international competitiveness, and hate them for their size, bias and perceived hubris. Enter antitrust: a...… Continue Reading
November 10, 2020, Global Policy Watch
The election results show how deeply divided the electorate is and that division is reflected in the make-up of the government with a Democratic President and House and a Republican Senate. Neither Republicans nor Democrats have hit upon the right recipe to realign their party and shift a substantial portion of the voters in their...… Continue Reading
September 17, 2020, Law360
Holly Fechner spoke with Law360 about a coalition of groups tackling the lack of diversity in patenting. Ms. Fechner told Law360 that a key initiative of the group is advocating for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to collect demographic data on inventors through support of the bipartisan Inventor Diversity for Economic Advancement Act, which was introduced ...
July 17, 2020, Inside Tech Media
In this update, we detail the key legislative updates in the second quarter of 2020 related to artificial intelligence (“AI”), the Internet of Things (“IoT”), cybersecurity as it relates to AI and IoT, and connected and automated vehicles (“CAVs”). The volume of legislation on these topics has slowed but not ceased, as lawmakers increasingly focus...… Continue ...
July 15, 2020, Covington Alert
In this update, we detail the key legislative updates in the second quarter of 2020 related to artificial intelligence (“AI”), the Internet of Things (“IoT”), cybersecurity as it relates to AI and IoT, and connected and autonomous vehicles (“CAVs”). The volume of legislation on these topics has slowed but not ceased, as lawmakers increasingly focus on the ...
July 14, 2020, Bloomberg Law
Holly Fechner spoke with Bloomberg Law about the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s goal of boosting the percentage of Black patent owners. Ms. Fechner says, “I think we have this vision of inventors as this person alone in a garage but really invention and patenting is a team sport.”
May 12, 2020, Inside Tech Media
Though it seems like the distant past now, in this update we detail the notable legislative events from the first quarter of 2020 on artificial intelligence (“AI”), the Internet of Things (“IoT”), cybersecurity as it relates to AI and IoT, and connected and autonomous vehicles (“CAVs”). Prior to the slowdown in non-COVID related legislation that...… Continue ...
May 7, 2020, Covington Alert
Though it seems like the distant past now, in this update we detail the notable legislative events from the first quarter of 2020 on artificial intelligence (“AI”), the Internet of Things (“IoT”), cybersecurity as it relates to AI and IoT, and connected and autonomous vehicles (“CAVs”). Prior to the slowdown in non-COVID related legislation that accompanied the ...
USPTO Uses CARES Act Authority to Extend Deadlines for Patent and Trademark Owners and Applicants
April 13, 2020, Global Policy Watch
The recently enacted Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act contains a little-known provision to protect inventors during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Section 12004 of the CARES Act grants the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) director the temporary authority to “toll, waive, adjust, or modify, any timing deadline” established ...
March 27, 2020, Global Policy Watch
As millions of American workers, students, and patients stay home to help combat the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act includes funding for the transition to remote life among its many relief provisions. With specific funding for broadband connections, distance learning, telehealth, and ...
January 24, 2020, Inside Tech Media
U.S. federal policymakers continued to focus on artificial intelligence (“AI”) and the Internet of Things (“IoT”) in the fourth quarter of 2019, including by introducing substantive bills that would regulate the use of such technology and by supporting bills aimed at further study of how such technology may impact different sectors. In our fourth AI...… Continue ...
January 24, 2020, Covington Alert
U.S. federal policymakers continued to focus on artificial intelligence (“AI”) and the Internet of Things (“IoT”) in the fourth quarter of 2019, including by introducing substantive bills that would regulate the use of such technology and by supporting bills aimed at further study of how such technology may impact different sectors. In our fourth AI & IoT ...
January 8, 2020, Global Policy Watch
The America Invents Act (“AIA”) may be back on Congress’s agenda this year. Enacted in 2011, the AIA established the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (“PTAB”) to adjudicate patentability disputes. The Board is composed of administrative patent judges (APJs) who are appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce and removable by either the Secretary or...… Continue ...
December 23, 2019, Global Policy Watch
5G wireless technology has captured the attention of Congress. At least 30 5G-related bills have been introduced in the House and Senate this Congress, signaling widespread interest by lawmakers in 5G. Several of these bills, addressing a range of issues including national security concerns, the promotion of U.S. leadership in international 5G standards-setting ...
The Hill Recognizes Covington's Public Policy Practice
December 12, 2019
WASHINGTON—The Hill has named Covington’s Holly Fechner, Muftiah McCartin, and Bill Wichterman to its annual “Top Lobbyists” list. The list recognizes Washington’s top policy experts and influencers voicing the concerns of the nation’s largest companies, labor unions, and associations in the nation’s capital. Named to the list for the seventh consecutive year, ...
October 22, 2019, Inside Tech Media
Federal policymakers continued to focus on artificial intelligence (“AI”) and the Internet of Things (“IoT”) in the third quarter of 2019, including by introducing substantive bills that would regulate the use of such technology and by supporting bills aimed at further study of how such technology may impact different sectors. In our third AI &...… Continue ...
October 21, 2019, Covington Alert
Federal policymakers continued to focus on artificial intelligence (“AI”) and the Internet of Things (“IoT”) in the second quarter of 2019, including by introducing substantive bills that would regulate the use of such technology and by supporting bills aimed at further study of how such technology may impact different sectors. In our third AI & IoT Quarterly ...
August 13, 2019, Global Policy Watch
A bipartisan, bicameral group of members of Congress introduced the Inventor Diversity for Economic Advancement (IDEA) Act to ensure that policy makers and researchers have the tools they need to study diversity among inventors holding U.S. patents. Representative Nydia Velázquez (D-NY), Representative Steve Stivers (R-OH), Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) and ...
July 29, 2019, Global Policy Watch
Last week, the Senate Commerce Committee held a markup where it unanimously passed two pieces of legislation aimed at improving U.S. fifth-generation wireless network (5G) security measures out of committee: the Secure 5G and Beyond Act (S. 893) and the United States 5G Leadership Act (S. 1625). These bills—passed as Congress, the Administration, and the...… ...
July 18, 2019, Inside Tech Media
Federal and state policymakers continued to focus on artificial intelligence (“AI”) and the Internet of Things (“IoT”) in the second quarter of 2019, including by introducing both substantive measures that would regulate the use of the technology and by supporting funding bills aimed at increasing investment. In our second AI & IoT Quarterly Legislative ...
July 17, 2019, Covington Alert
Federal and state policymakers continued to focus on artificial intelligence (“AI”) and the Internet of Things (“IoT”) in the second quarter of 2019, including by introducing both substantive measures that would regulate the use of the technology and by supporting funding bills aimed at increasing investment. In our second AI & IoT Quarterly Legislative Update, ...
June 13, 2019, Global Policy Watch
This week, Congress took an important step forward to protect the benefits of retirees in multiemployer pension plans facing insolvency. On Tuesday, June 11, 2019, the House Committee on Education and Labor marked-up the Rehabilitation for Multiemployer Pensions Act (H.R. 397), better known as the “Butch Lewis Act.” Among other things, the bill would ...
June 7, 2019, Global Policy Watch
This week, the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property held the first two of a three-part series of hearings on “The State of Patent Eligibility in America.” The hearings are part of an ongoing bipartisan congressional effort to reform section 101 of the Patent Act to address confusion over patent eligibility wrought by more than...… Continue ...
May 1, 2019, Inside Tech Media
Federal and state policymakers introduced a range of new measures on artificial intelligence (“AI”) and the Internet of Things (“IoT”) in the first quarter of 2019. In our initial AI & IoT Quarterly Legislative Update, we detail the notable legislative events from this quarter on AI, IoT, cybersecurity as it relates to AI and IoT,...… Continue Reading
April 30, 2019, Covington Alert
Federal and state policymakers introduced a range of new measures on artificial intelligence (“AI”) and the Internet of Things (“IoT”) in the first quarter of 2019. In our initial AI & IoT Quarterly Legislative Update, we detail the notable legislative events from this quarter on AI, IoT, cybersecurity as it relates to AI and IoT, and connected and autonomous ...
2019 Dealmakers of the Year
March 2019, The American Lawyer
The American Lawyer has recognized Covington in its 2019 Dealmakers of Year.
March 27, 2019
WASHINGTON—The American Lawyer has recognized Covington among its 2019 “Dealmakers of the Year.” The annual feature highlights “the lawyers behind the most significant work” in deal making, and this marks the second time the firm has received this distinction in the last three years. In March 2018, Covington helped Qualcomm, Inc. secure a U.S. Presidential ...
Connected and Automated Vehicles Webinar Series: What's Going on with U.S. Law and Regulations?
February 27, 2019
The webinar covered such topics as federal regulations affecting connected and automated vehicles (CAVs), with a focus on NHTSA, the FAA, the FCC, and CFIUS review; where Congress stands on CAV legislation, including the AV START Act, the SELF-DRIVE Act, and infrastructure legislation; state-level legislative, regulatory, and policy developments, with a closer ...
The Hill Recognizes Covington's Public Policy Practice
December 13, 2018
WASHINGTON—The Hill has named Covington’s Howard Berman, Holly Fechner, Muftiah McCartin, and Bill Wichterman to its annual “Top Lobbyists” list. The list recognizes the most distinguished and accomplished professionals from the influence world who are on the front lines of the nation’s most consequential political and policy battles. First elected to Congress ...
November 20, 2018
WASHINGTON—Covington has helped achieve a legislative victory to advance pro-innovation policies and to further study issues of underrepresentation in inventing by women, persons of color, and veterans when Congress enacted H.R. 6758, the Study of Underrepresented Classes Chasing Engineering and Science Success (SUCCESS) Act into law, which the President has now ...
March 15, 2018
WASHINGTON—Covington secured a U.S. Presidential order compelling Broadcom Limited to “immediately and permanently abandon” its proposed hostile takeover of its client Qualcomm, Inc. The order was based on findings by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) that Broadcom's takeover "threatens to impair the national security of the United ...
June 2018, Technology & Innovation
November 3, 2017
WASHINGTON—The Hill has named Covington’s Howard Berman, Holly Fechner, Jon Kyl, and Bill Wichterman to its annual “Top Lobbyists: Hired Guns” list. First elected to Congress in 1982, Congressman Berman became known as one of Capitol Hill’s preeminent deal-makers. He served as chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and was a long-time senior member on ...
A Lawyers Life: Private Sector to the Public Sector and Back
February 17, 2017, University of Michigan Law School
Use of the Congressional Review Act in the New Congress
February 16, 2017, D.C. Bar Presentation
October 26, 2016
WASHINGTON—The Hill has named Covington’s Howard Berman, Holly Fechner, Jon Kyl, and Bill Wichterman to its annual “Top Lobbyists” list, which recognizes individuals “who do battle within” Washington’s policymaking arena. First elected to Congress in 1982, Congressman Berman became known as one of Capitol Hill’s preeminent deal-makers. He served as chairman of ...
August 11, 2016, Daily Labor Report
Holly Fechner is quoted in a Daily Labor Report article regarding Labor Secretary Thomas Perez’s challenging position as both a government employee and Hillary Clinton supporter. According to Fechner, “I know that [Perez will] be very careful and follow the Hatch Act to the letter, but he will want to be very involved with both roles—both seeing through all of ...
December 17, 2015, Roll Call
Holly Fechner is quoted in a Roll Call article discussing a recent congressional staff survey measuring how safe people feel at the Capitol in light of the Paris and San Bernardino terrorist attacks. According to Fechner, better security and planning after the 9/11 and anthrax attacks have made the Capitol less open. “People today would find it incredible how ...
October 30, 2015
WASHINGTON, DC, October 30, 2015 - The Hill has named Covington’s Holly Fechner and Bill Wichterman to its annual “Top Lobbyists” list, which recognizes individuals who have “proven to be effective in advocating at the federal level.” Named to the list for the third consecutive year, Ms. Fechner previously served as Policy Director for Senator Edward Kennedy, ...
November 18, 2014, GlobalPolicyWatch Blog
October 24, 2014, Law360
Covington partner Holly Fechner authored this piece on U.S. House of Representatives Speaker John Boehner’s strategic use of the Hastert Rule: "U.S. House of Representatives Speaker John Boehner’s strategic use of an informal political and procedural tool — the Hastert Rule — allowed him successfully to navigate a treacherous political path of managing his ...
Top Lobbyists 2014: Hired Guns
October 22, 2014, The Hill
Covington's Holly Fechner was named a Top Lobbyist.
Women take power as lobbyists
April 29, 2014, The Hill
Covington partner Holly Fechner is quoted regarding women in the lobbying industry.
2014, Utah Law Review
Governing in 2020: The Legislative Branch
November 8, 2013, University of Utah S.J. Quinny College of Law
Becoming Strategic Partners with Regulator
October 4, 2013, Inside Counsel Conference
The Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations Reportedly Plans Campaign Finance Investigation
April 4, 2013, Covington Advisory
Congressional Leader Howard Berman Joins Covington
March 14, 2013
WASHINGTON, DC, March 14, 2013 — Congressman Howard Berman, a widely respected leader in the U.S. Congress, is joining Covington & Burling’s global public policy and government affairs practice. The addition of Rep. Berman, the former chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, comes a week after Sen. Jon Kyl joined Covington’s public policy and government ...
Senator Jon Kyl Joins Covington
March 6, 2013
WASHINGTON, DC, March 6, 2013 — Senator Jon Kyl, who recently left Congress as the second-highest ranking Republican in the U.S. Senate, is joining Covington & Burling’s global public policy and government affairs practice. “Senator Kyl’s deep knowledge and extraordinary legislative skills from his years as a senior leader in Congress make him ideally suited to ...
Election Over, K Street Ready to Cash In
November 8, 2012, Politico
Holly Fechner was quoted in this article.
Covington Promotes 15 Lawyers to Partnership
October 1, 2012
WASHINGTON, DC, October 1, 2012 — Covington & Burling is pleased to announce that it has elected 15 new lawyers to its partnership. This group is comprised of diverse and talented individuals from five offices who have made their mark at the firm through exceptional work and the highest standards of client service. “We’re delighted to welcome these 15 lawyers to ...
July 2, 2012, Covington Advisory
June 29, 2012, Covington E-Alert
The Lion's Aide on K Street
June 26, 2012, The Hill
Holly Fechner was profiled in this article.
June 11, 2012
WASHINGTON, DC, June 11, 2012 — Chambers USA recognized 106 individual Covington & Burling lawyers and 46 Covington practice areas in the 2012 Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business guidebook released on June 7, 2012. Many of the 106 Covington lawyers ranked by Chambers USA were recognized in multiple categories, resulting in a total of 131 ...
January 10, 2011, Covington E-Alert
4/10/2007
WASHINGTON, DC, April 10, 2007 — Covington & Burling LLP announced today that Holly Fechner has joined the firm as Of Counsel. Ms. Fechner will be resident in the firm’s Washington office.Ms. Fechner most recently served as Policy Director for Senator Edward M. Kennedy. She also served as Chief Labor & Pensions Counsel to the Senate Health, Education, Labor & ...
Health Care Overview
2007, National Coordinating Committee for Multiemployer Plans
Laws on Employment Law Overview
2007, National Conference on Equal Employment Opportunity Law, American Bar Association
- The American Lawyer, "Dealmakers of the Year" (2019)
- The Hill, "Top Lobbyist" (2013-2019)
- Chambers USA - America's Leading Business Lawyers, Government: Government Relations (2012-2020)
- Legal 500 US, Government - Government Relations (2015-2017)