Tom McDonald

A former U.S. Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Tom provides strategic business and government relations counsel to clients, effectively mixing his extensive legal and lobbying experience. He regularly advises corporate CEOs and chief legal officers on a variety of government relations issues in Washington, internationally, and in major U.S. state capitals.  Tom is a registered lobbyist before the U.S. Senate and House and has an active federal agency and Capitol Hill practice. He is also a registered lobbyist in several states including New York and California. Tom's lobbying experience includes financial services, insurance products, U.S. departments of labor and state, environmental, tax, health care, and foreign affairs.

In addition, Tom counsels clients on regulatory matters involving the U.S. Treasury and Justice Departments, including Foreign Corrupt Practices (FCPA) and Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) issues. He also assists clients in regulatory compliance before the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Tom's career experience has provided him with a strong understanding of legal, political, and economic issues of Africa, Asia (including South Asia), the Middle East, Latin America, Cuba, and Eastern Europe. He has significant experience in international law and arbitration and regularly negotiates the resolution of legal matters and disputes for U.S. multinationals and major South African companies in various countries. Tom received his J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School and has continued his involvement with the law school throughout his legal career.  Tom received his B.A. from George Washington University.

Notable Matters
Career Highlights
Served as U.S. Ambassador to Zimbabwe • from 1997 to 2001.