Jones, also a past chairman of the Railroad Commission of Texas, has joined the firm’s public policy and energy and natural resources practice groups.

While in her elected position as energy commissioner, Jones was twice chairman of the commission and has been nationally recognized for her keen understanding of domestic and global energy industries, as well as the regulatory policy that affects them.

Also, while chairman of the Railroad Commission, she oversaw a regulatory agency that was considered the model for the world's energy oversight agencies.

It had statewide jurisdiction over oil and natural gas drilling permitting and also intrastate pipeline permitting and safety, ratemaking for investor-owned natural gas utilities, permitting of surface mining of coal and the environmental protection of groundwater.

“I look forward to having the opportunity to assist the clients of Patton Boggs across the globe," Jones said.

“The firm's leadership in the public policy arena, particularly with respect to the intersection of private industry and government regulatory policy, is closely aligned with my expertise.

“I am excited to join a firm of such caliber.”

Managing partner Edward Newberry noted Jones’ “extraordinary perspective” on policy-related practices.

“Her depth of understanding of the issues that are faced by key sectors of American business and industry, combined with her strong grasp of the role that sound public policy plays in supporting our national economy, will benefit our all our clients tremendously. She is a great addition to the firm,” he said.

Patton Boggs has offices in Washington DC, New York, New Jersey, Dallas, Denver and Anchorage, as well as internationally in Doha, Riyadh and Abu Dhabi.