International law firm Squire Patton Boggs is providing legal and strategic policy advice to Syrian opposition bloc the High Negotiations Committee of the Syrian Opposition.

High Negotiations Committee

The HNC is an umbrella organization established to represent political and military groups that oppose the Assad regime. Considered Syria’s broadest opposition bloc, it was also formed to lay out a democratic Syrian transition plan and establish a delegation that would serve as a reference for negotiations with Syrian regime representatives.

The organization, which is not owned or controlled by anyone, was formed in late 2015 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Members include Syrian groups ranging from Damascus-based oppositionists to moderate armed opposition groups. It is led by chief coordinator Riyad Farid Hijab, who is Syria’s former prime minister.

Squire Patton Boggs will advise HNC on U.S. policy issues and may also advocate on behalf of the opposition group within the United States, according to Foreign Agents Registration Act documents filed in February.

Squire Patton Boggs managing partner Edward J. Newberry, a former staffer to Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA) and the House Appropriations Committee, will lead day-to-day efforts for the account. He’ll be joined by former Senator and Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-MS); former Senator John Breaux, (D-LA); and Jack Deschauer, former director of Senate affairs for the Department of Defense, as well as other professionals as needed.

Squire Patton Boggs will bill HNC $50,000 per month for the work. The pact ends in September.