Buffalo, New York-based Lippes Mathias Wexler Friedman is planting its flag in the nation’s capital with a pair of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld attorneys with strengths in Indian Law and environmental work.

Michael Rossetti is now the co-leader of Lippes Mathias’ Indian law practice, while Ian Shavitz will head the firm’s environment and energy practice. They are joined by senior policy adviser Bobby Cornett, a nonlawyer who most recently served as deputy chief of staff and legislative director for former U.S. Rep. Trent Franks, R-Arizona.