After over 40 years in the FARA Unit at the U.S. Department of Justice, in March 2026, Heather Hunt joined Caplin & Drysdale as a Senior Counsel in the Political Law practice group in the Washington, D.C. office. Ms. Hunt assists clients of the Political Law and Exempt Organizations groups with all FARA-related matters.
Highlights
Ms. Hunt most recently served as the Senior Counsel for FARA Administration. During her time at the Department of Justice, she held every position in the FARA Unit, including 17 years as Chief of the FARA Unit. Ms. Hunt consulted with and advised federal prosecutors on legal issues of national security significance with respect to the statutes enforced by the FARA Unit involving foreign agents representing foreign governments and other foreign principals. In her roles with the Department of Justice, Ms. Hunt prepared, reviewed, and supervised the drafting of advisory opinions to potential registrants and counsel regarding the applicability of FARA, supervised the examination and review of FARA registration statements and informational materials filed to determine and ensure proper compliance with FARA, and analyzed legislation affecting domestic and foreign lobbyists, including the preparation of legal positions, comments and proposed legislative amendments. In addition, Ms. Hunt directed and conducted audits of the books and records of hundreds of FARA-registered agents to determine the accuracy of data disclosed in registration statements.
Ms. Hunt’s specialties include assessing FARA registration obligations, advising on the applicability of FARA and its disclosure and reporting requirements, providing counsel for FARA audits, maneuvering through FARA eFile, and analyzing legislative and regulatory proposals relevant to FARA.
Admissions & Education
Bar & Court Admissions
- Virginia
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit
- Not a member of the DC Bar. Practicing under the direct supervision of a DC Bar member.
Education
J.D., George Mason University School of Law, 1989
B.S.W., James Madison University, 1983
Recognitions & Noteworthy
Honors & Recognitions
National Security Division AAG Award for Outstanding New Initiative
National Security Division AAG Award for Excellence in Management and Leadership
Government Service
Research Assistant, U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Security & Terrorism, 1983-1984
FARA Unit, U.S. Department of Justice National Security Division/Criminal Division, 1984 - 2025
