Charles Kolo Rathburn leverages his deep experience in the federal government and scientific background to help solve tough problems for clients. He focuses his practice on complex civil litigation and internal investigations but also counsels clients trying to navigate federal policies and the annual budget process to achieve successful outcomes for their bottom line.

Prior to joining Hogan Lovells, Kolo spent nearly a decade in government service. He served as top policy advisor to U.S. Senator Roger Wicker for issues covered by the Senate Commerce Committee. He then joined the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies as a professional staff member under Chairman Richard Shelby. With six annual appropriations bills under his belt – each amounting to roughly US$65 billion in funding – Kolo understands the nuances of the federal appropriations process. He also served as a senior political appointee in the U.S. Department of Commerce before joining Hogan Lovells.

Kolo attended law school as an evening student while working full-time as a congressional staffer. He was a member of the American University Law Review and graduated number one in his class, among both full-time and evening students. He has a strong science background, including an undergraduate degree in biology and a Master of Science degree in marine biology. He has published four peer-reviewed papers in the field of marine biology.