James Brandell, Ph.D.

Government Policy Advisor


With more than 20 years of government relations work at the state, federal, and international levels, Dr. James Brandell has extensive experience crafting and implementing legislative and political strategy. As the head of Dykema’s federal government relations team, James has a proven track record of advancing important issues through the legislative process and has strong professional relationships across both parties.

James has a well-developed network of global and Capitol Hill contacts with senior staff, members of Congress, foreign diplomats, heads of trade associations, members of the media, and state and local leaders across the country. 

As Chief of Staff to Ways and Means Chairman Dave Camp for more than a decade, James led Chairman Camp's team on successful legislative issues, including trade agreement implementation, the first comprehensive tax reform bill in a generation, and health care reform proposals. He served as chief liaison with congressional leadership and the White House.

James also served as deputy chief of staff to Michigan Governor John Engler, where he acted as chief liaison to all state and national political organizations and managed several administrative divisions within the executive office.

In addition, he worked overseas for an international nonprofit, where he opened its Serbia office, managing U.S. government grants in excess of $2 million. He conducted countrywide focus groups, helped develop public opinion surveys for use in national elections, and organized election monitoring missions.

Throughout his career, James has spent significant time working on congressional and presidential campaigns. He managed major political activities for Chairman Camp, including fundraising and leadership PAC committees.

He is also involved in numerous charitable efforts, including serving on the board of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in Washington, D.C.

Relationships aren’t just the most important thing. Often, they are the only thing that matters when a company’s future is on the line. I help my clients make an impact by delivering the right message to the right decisionmakers at the right time.
    • Virginia Tech University, Ph.D., Public Administration/Public Affairs, 2019
    • University of Michigan, M.A., Liberal Studies, 1996
    • Michigan State University, B.A., International Relations, 1990
    • Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Washington, D.C., Board Member
      • Chief of Staff, Ways and Means Chairman Dave Camp
      • Deputy Chief of Staff, Michigan Governor John Engler

Latest News and Insights

Publications2.14.24

2024 Automotive Trends

Dykema’s 2nd Annual Automotive Trends Report has taken the pulse of industry leaders—from original…

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Press Releases12.6.23

Jim Brandell Named A 2023 Top Lobbyist by The Hill

Dykema, a leading national law firm, is proud to announce that Jim Brandell was named a 2023 "Top…

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Legal Alerts10.26.23

New House Speaker Sets Ambitious Agenda for 2023

After 22 days and three others failed to garner the necessary votes, the House of Representatives…

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