Fisher & Phillips, a labor and employment law firm, is opening a Washington, D.C., outpost. The firm, which has offices in 22 other cities, has brought on Dennis Cuneo, former senior vice president of Toyota Motor North America and most recently counsel with Arent Fox, to lead the office. Cuneo joined the firm as a partner.

“The experience and knowledge that the attorneys with Fisher & Phillips have in labor and employment law lend themselves to establishing a Washington presence,” Cuneo said in a statement. “This is a fantastic opportunity for me to bring my expertise and extensive connections into play with one of the premier law firms in the nation. Our clients will soon have a new voice in Washington.”

Fisher & Phillips has its sights on growing its government relations practice inside the Beltway. In addition to Cuneo, Edwin Foulke, former assistant labor secretary for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, will split his time between Washington, D.C., and Atlanta.

Roger Quillen, chairman and managing partner of the firm, said the decision to create a Washington office comes from clients.

“Our clients are top-of-mind when we make strategic moves such as this,” Quillen said in a statement. “We believe it’s important for us to bring a voice to Washington on behalf of our clients, especially at a time of rapidly changing workplace laws and regulations. Dennis is the right person at the right time to lead this new effort.”