WASHINGTON, D.C., April 11—A week after the National Journal detailed an exodus of staff from lobbying giant Cassidy Companies following its acquisition late in 1999 by Shandwick International, the publication this week reported that Cassidy had held on to its number one spot in the Washington lobbying business, with fees for 2000 up 32 percent to around $27.6 million, thanks to “huge dividends” from the Shandwick—now Weber Shandwick Worldwide—merger.

According to the firm’s chairman, Gerald Cassidy, “Clients want a strong presence in Washington, but also one linked to a strong international network.” The firm, which owns public affairs firm Powell Tate and litigation communications specialist Bork & Associates, has already signed more than $4.8 million in new business in 2001.

The top 10 lobbying firms reported combined income of $146 million for 2000, according to a survey of their latest Lobbying Disclosure Act reports, up 18 percent over 1999.
Verner Liipfert Bernhard McPherson & Hand finished second in 2000, up 25 percent with $20.4 million in income. Patton Boggs (which owns a stake in up-and-coming technology public affairs shop Qorvis Communications) came in third, with income of $19.6 million, up 9 percent. In fourth place was Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld ($15.9 million, up 19 percent) and fifth was Washington Council Ernst & Young ($11.7 million).