Alison Watson

Alison F. Watson represents financial services clients in federal relations, public policy and regulatory strategy from Washington, D.C. She knows the ins and outs of the nation’s Capital, having worked on Capitol Hill, for a trade association and corporate in-house since 1994 — first in banking and then, beginning in 2008, in the insurance and investment advisory industry. Alison helps lead the firm’s federal insurance regulatory and public policy practice.

Alison has built trust and relationships with members of Congress, as well as staff and key administration and regulatory officials. A thought leader in the Washington financial services public policy arena, Alison is a past Chancellor of the Exchequer Club of Washington, comprised of senior economic and financial policy professionals. She is also a past chair of the leading life insurance trade’s Federal Financial Services Legislative Group.

Before joining Faegre Baker Daniels, Alison was director of federal relations in Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company’s Washington, D.C. office. Alison was responsible for the company’s legislative and implementation strategy for the Dodd-Frank Act. She also focused on retirement security and federal tax issues and oversaw the company’s grassroots advocacy.

Prior to her eight years at Northwestern Mutual, she managed the government and industry relations office in D.C. and served as legislative counsel for Washington Mutual Inc. Other experience includes serving as senior legislative counsel with the American Bankers Association, advocating on behalf of small, regional and large banks.

Alison worked on Capitol Hill for six years on the staff of the House Committee on Banking and Financial Services where she focused on comprehensive financial services modernization legislation. Her career began as a bank regulator for the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.

Although not a gifted athlete herself, Alison is a passionate sports spectator. She loves fall Saturdays filled with college football and friends as well as cheering for her Washington football, hockey and baseball teams. Alison dedicates much of her time to serving her unhoused neighbors and working on affordable housing solutions.

Education :

• Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law, J.D. (2003)
• University of Alabama, B.S. in Commerce and Business Administration (1991)

Bar Admissions : District of Columbia, Maryland

Professional Associations :

• District of Columbia Bar Association
• Maryland Bar Association
• Federal Bar Association
• Tax Coalition (tax policy professionals)

Civic Activities :

• Our Daily Bread (serving unhoused neighbors in Washington, D.C.)
• Capitol Hill United Methodist Church — Staff Pastor Parish Relations Committee , Appointed 2018 Class; Church Council, 2011-13.