Government Relations & Public Policy

Our approach

In the fast-moving legislative and regulatory arenas, clients need more than information; they need intelligence and strategic advice. Increasingly, businesses are asking how decisions on Capitol Hill will affect their livelihood:

Are there important issues under discussion or examination?
Will the underpinnings of our successful business be modified or undermined?
Who are our likely champions and who are the detractors?
Does legislative or regulatory action help or impede our business?

We have the technical and regulatory intelligence that comes from lifetimes spent in public service and the insight that comes from staffers in both houses of Congress and on both sides of the aisle.

The efforts of our policy professionals are enhanced by 600+ attorneys, advisors and policy analysts who have served in key positions in a broad spectrum of federal and state-level agencies.

Who we work with

The largest public and private Fortune 500 companies, teaming seamlessly with their in-house government relations staff and management teams.
A variety of public sector clients—state agencies, municipalities and other governmental entities.
Nonprofits such as health services companies, trade organizations and colleges and universities also rely on us.
We are passionate about helping small business and entrepreneurs including startups, from concept to launch.

Media Clips

Key takeaways from HUD’s FAQs on COVID-19

Affordable Housing Finance | March 16, 2020

New York City Affordable Housing and Real Estate Strategic Policy Advisor Deborah VanAmerongen analyzes new COVID-19 guidance from the Department of Housing and Urban Development for owners and managers of HUD-assisted housing.

IRS issues long-awaited guidance on donor-advised funds

Nonprofit & Government Times | June 29, 2018

Washington DC corporate partner Michael Cooney wrote this contributed article on donor-advised funds, a type of low-paperwork charitable trust, and how their use will change in light of new guidance and proposed regulations.

Sizing up the AG contenders

The Real Deal | May 31, 2018

New York City affordable housing and real estate partner Erica Buckley, who was formerly chief of the Real Estate Finance Bureau in the state attorney general’s office, is quoted in this story for her perspective on how a new leader will change the office’s approach to housing law.

In Case You Missed It: Hottest Firms and Stories On Law360

Law360 | April 07, 2018

The article “Tax Reform’s Impact on Private Equity,” written by NP attorneys Sean Clancy, Shahzad Malik, Praveen Ayyagari and Brian Mahoney, was one of Law360’s most-clicked items last week.

New Hampshire Hospitals Win Challenge to Medicaid Payment Rules

Reuters | April 04, 2018

Litigation department chair Scott O’Connell is quoted in this story involving Nixon Peabody’s representation of an association of New Hampshire hospitals in its successful appeal against the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The lawsuit relates to a policy change about how Medicaid payment are calculated.

Above & Beyond: Honoring 30 of New York’s Most Remarkable Women

City & State New York | March 26, 2018

New York City affordable housing strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen has been named one of the New York’s most remarkable women for her work on housing policy.

NYCHA on the brink

Affordable Housing Finance | March 26, 2018

New York City affordable housing strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen provides thought leadership on New York City and state funding for public housing.

Americans rush to pay property taxes before new year

Hearst Television | December 26, 2017

Washington DC M&A and corporate transactions partner Ken Silverberg provides commentary in this news segment about which Americans benefitted from pre-paying their property taxes before the new tax legislation took effect.

What the tax bill means for the middle market

Mergers & Acquisitions | December 21, 2017

In this Q&A, New York City public company transactions partner Dick Langan discusses the new U.S. tax reform and which industries will benefit the most from the changes.

How nation’s new tax law might affect charitable organizations

Rochester Business Journal | December 14, 2017

Rochester private equity and investment funds partner Jeremy Wolk, M&A and corporate transactions counsel Anita Pelletier and Washington DC M&A and corporate transactions partner Mike Cooney authored this column about the impact of U.S. tax reform on nonprofits.

Senate passes tax bill as housing advocates work to preserve bonds

Affordable Housing Finance | December 03, 2017

Washington DC tax credit finance and syndication partner Rick Goldstein is quoted in this article on the differences between the Senate and House tax bills in their impact on affordable housing in the U.S.

How tax reform could devastate the affordable housing market

National Mortgage News | November 30, 2017

Washington DC tax credit finance and syndication partner Rick Goldstein is quoted this article on how the tax reform plan would impact affordable housing in the U.S.

Republicans unveil their tax overhaul plan

WCVB-TV (Hearst Television Affiliate) | November 01, 2017

Washington DC M&A and corporate transactions partner Ken Silverberg is interviewed in this segment about Congressional Republicans’ proposed tax code overhaul.

Episode #799: Corporate! Income! Tax!

Planet Money by NPR | October 10, 2017

Washington DC M&A and corporate transactions partner Ken Silverberg is interviewed in this podcast about the proposed changes to the corporate income tax.

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Ideas