O’Melveny announced that Kevin Barstow, a seasoned strategic advisor with extensive US government experience, has joined the firm’s Washington, DC office as a partner in its Health Care Practice Group and on its Congressional Investigations Team. He will represent and advise multinational and domestic companies, boards of directors, officers, and investors in navigating the complexities of high-stakes government and congressional investigations—particularly in the intensely scrutinized health care sector.

With a public service tenure spanning more than 15 years, Barstow has served in numerous advisory, investigative, and oversight positions in the House of Representatives, the Senate, the US Department of Commerce, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and in the White House. His deep experience includes managing hundreds of congressional inquiries and oversight requests, preparing cabinet and other senior officials for congressional hearings and testimony, and leading teams through politically charged, high-stakes investigations.

As senior counsel and special assistant to the President, he led a team of attorneys responsible for advising the Executive Branch on an array of sensitive and significant issues and matters, including litigation involving the Freedom of Information Act and other confidentiality interests. At HHS, where he was appointed senior counsel to the Deputy Secretary, Barstow developed and coordinated HHS’s strategic responses to high-priority requests from Congress, the Office of Inspector General, and other parties. He also advised HHS leaders on critical issues, initiatives, and agency functions, and developed risk management strategies.

“It is a pleasure to welcome Kevin to O’Melveny,” said O’Melveny chair Bradley J. Butwin. “He is a profoundly knowledgeable strategic advisor with vast experience at the highest levels of government. With congressional and other federal investigations presenting unique considerations and risks for our health care clients, Kevin’s ability to anticipate challenges and devise effective solutions will be an immediate benefit. We are delighted to welcome him to our firm.”

“I am honored to join O’Melveny and contribute to the firm’s nationally recognized Health Care Practice and Congressional Investigations Team,” said Barstow. “With its deep bench of talent, collaborative culture, and strong Washington presence, O’Melveny was a natural fit. I look forward to drawing on my government experience to help our clients navigate their most high-stakes and high-pressure challenges with precision, clarity, and confidence.”  

Barstow’s addition accelerates O’Melveny’s continued strategic growth. He is the 36th lateral partner to join the firm since 2023, and he is the sixth litigation lateral to join the firm in 2025.

Barstow earned his J.D. from the University of Iowa College of Law and his B.A. from Michigan State University.

This news story was originally published on the firm’s website.