Elliott Portnoy

Harvard Law School, J.D., cum laude, 1992
Oxford University, Rhodes Scholar, Ph.D., 1986-1989
Syracuse University, B.A., summa cum laude, 1986

In 2009, Portnoy was named the top D.C. lawyer in the category of "Lobbying Law" by the Washington Business Journal.[10] He was also recognized as one of the nation's top lobbyists by Washingtonian magazine, which also credited him for the growth of Sonnenschein's lobbying practice.[11]

He has been selected for the past three years as a prominent government relations specialist by Super Lawyers,[12] and as one of Washington's “Legal Elite” by Washington CEO magazine. Lawdragon named him one of its “100 Managing Partners You Need to Know” in 2008[13] and in its 2010 edition, Chambers USA calls him “a tremendously respected attorney.”[14]

Portnoy was recognized by Best Lawyers in America 2022 edition and was named “Lawyer of the Year”, Government Relations Practice.

In 1988 while studying at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar, Portnoy founded the organization Kids Enjoy Exercise Now (KEEN) with his wife, Estee Portnoy, and expanded it to Washington, D.C., in 1992. KEEN is a nonprofit organization that provides sports opportunities to children with severe and profound disabilities. Starting in 2006, the organization expanded beyond Washington, D.C. to eight U.S. cities.[15] Portnoy also serves on the board of directors of several non-profit foundations including the MetaCancer Foundation.[16]

In 1999, Washingtonian magazine named him "Washingtonian of the Year" for his work with Kids Enjoy Exercise Now.[17]

In April 2019, Portnoy joined the Board of Directors of Catalyst,[18] a global nonprofit working with some of the world's most influential business leaders and companies committed to advancing and progressing women in the workplace.

Portnoy is married to Estee Portnoy, an attorney. The couple met as teenagers at a BBYO event in their hometown. Portnoy lives outside of Washington, DC. He has three children.[19]