Ken
Khachigian

Brownstein alum Ken Khachigian is a political strategist who has served as an advisor on nine presidential campaigns. As a trusted advisor, speechwriter and political strategist to Presidents Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan, he had an insider’s view of history-making moments. The “Lion of California GOP Politics” joined Brownstein in 2008 and was a shareholder in the firm’s Government Relations and Natural Resources groups for 13 years. With decades of strategic expertise in governmental affairs, complex business litigation and public service, he represented companies in diverse industries including energy, telecommunications, transportation, water systems, private equity, real estate, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and waste management. Ken retired from Brownstein in 2021 and recently released “Behind Closed Doors: In the Room with Reagan and Nixon.” In this profile, he discusses his new book, his time at the firm and how his law degree helped him collaborate with U.S. presidents.

Tell us about your career path after Brownstein.

I’ve been in the book publishing and “promotion” industry ever since I left Brownstein. While at the firm, I started “Behind Closed Doors: In the Room with Reagan and Nixon.” I had limited time due to client work, so I primarily focused on outlining and preparing chapters when I could. I still had to find a publisher and navigate the book-selling process.

When I left Brownstein in 2021, I fully committed to writing and researching. I spent time in the Reagan Library Archives gathering research, and I also had to organize my own extensive files. I secured a publisher and submitted a detailed treatment. When I turned in my manuscript, I faced the challenge of cutting it down by 35% to meet the publisher’s requirements. The final manuscript went through a copyeditor in 2023, and I was fortunate to have Ellen Schulhofer review one of the chapters. She had some great suggestions for me! During this time, I proofed the pages myself, knowing it was my last chance to make any changes. I was working as hard on the book as I did at the firm.

Once we finally got the book, we organized the schedule for a book tour. We launched the tour at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in July. The following week, we held an event at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, where I was interviewed by the president and CEO. From then on, it’s been nonstop with 50 radio interviews, podcasts and television programs, including Chris Cuomo’s program on NewsNation.

I’ve also really enjoyed reconnecting with my former Brownstein colleagues through book-signing events at the firm. I had a wonderful event in the D.C. office that was moderated by Rich Benenson and another one last month in Denver, which was led by Norm Brownstein. I also hosted a signing in Las Vegas, where Peter Ajemian came to support me.

Before the book, I wasn’t too familiar with social media, so I hired someone to help promote my book and upcoming appearances. Now you can find me at @kenkhachigian on Instagram and X and by searching Ken Khachigian on LinkedIn and Facebook.

What skills did you develop at the firm that you didn’t have before coming?

I mainly expanded my knowledge of different areas of the law that I wasn’t familiar with before, such as the nuances of water law. I also learned more about lobbying regulations and became more accustomed to working in a bipartisan manner, having previously worked with Republicans before joining the firm.

What was the most meaningful matter/project you worked on while at the firm?

The most meaningful project I worked on was tackling the various issues related to Westlands Water District and working on the toll road projects in Orange County.

What did you like most about working at Brownstein?

I really appreciated the support mechanisms at the firm. After being a sole proprietor for most of my career, I enjoyed the support the firm provided and the chance to work alongside the Washington team. Working on Westlands water projects with the California and Washington teams was really rewarding, alongside so many people, including Ryan Smith, David Bernhardt, Chris Frahm and Scott Slater.

The retreats were a great way to build new friendships and get to know everyone and their practices, which helped me make referrals. Norm Brownstein is a larger-than-life personality!

Also, I’m still a client of Peter Ajemian in the Las Vegas office for intellectual property issues related to the book. It’s great to have the full resources of a firm that has such far-reaching capabilities.

How do you think you used your law degree working with Nixon and Reagan?

Attending law school helps you be more disciplined in taking notes, keeping records and being meticulous. The use of the Socratic method trains you to engage in thoughtful give-and-take conversations, which is helpful when you’re interacting with figures like President Nixon, who was also a lawyer. My legal writing background was helpful in my work with President Reagan. But mostly it’s the discipline. That’s why lawyers end up running big corporations that don’t have any connection to law.

What advice would you give to someone starting their career at the firm?

Take whatever task that is thrown at you and do it willingly and fully to the best of your ability. Don’t be afraid, without being offensive, to put in your own ideas. Don’t act like you know more than your seniors. Realize that if you’re going to get ahead, you’re going to have to show a willingness to succeed and that you’re in it for the long haul, not to just pick up a check. It’s a big time commitment, and success is never easy. I’m 80 years old and still working long hours. Sounds like a couple of other folks in the firm, doesn’t it?