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

Trump turmoil tempers law firm business forecasts

New York Law Journal | May 22, 2017

Albany energy and environmental partner Rich Cogen provides commentary in this article about how political developments under the Trump administration have affected the legal industry and certain practice areas.

A look at Trump's Labor Department

HR Executive Online | May 15, 2017

Providence labor and employment partner Andrew Prescott is quoted in this article about the new Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta and how he may impact the Labor Department rules and policies.

U.S. Supreme Court lets Cowlitz ruling stand, ‘good news’ for Taunton casino prospects

Taunton Gazette | April 03, 2017

This article focuses on a U.S. Supreme Court decision affirming that it is in the federal government’s authority to take land into trust for another tribe. The article references a case in Massachusetts about the Mashpee Tribe’s attempt to build a casino there. Rochester commercial litigation partner David Tennant, who represents residents who are challenging the casino, is quoted.

For marijuana law, now the grown up hour

Commonwealth Magazine | March 20, 2017

Boston real estate partner Larry DiCara contributed this article about the next steps in the legislative process regarding Massachusetts adult-use marijuana laws.

After Three Decades in the Spotlight, Clinton Stands on the Cusp of History

CQ Magazine | July 22, 2016

Washington, DC, Government Relations Senior Strategic Policy Advisor Thomas Reynolds is quoted in this article reflecting on Hillary Clinton’s rise to be the 2015 Democratic Party nominee for president.

Developers add affordable units, retail to supportive-housing projects to make them more desirable

Crain's New York Business | June 07, 2016

New York City affordable housing strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen is quoted in this article regarding recent zoning changes designed to make mixed-use developments more feasible in the state.

3 Political Fights That Threaten Key Tools for Property Deals

Law360 | April 27, 2015

New York City Affordable Housing strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen is quoted in this article discussing key political battles developers are closely watching.

Upstate Poised for Revitalization if Leaders Act Boldly

The Daily Gazette | March 22, 2015

Washington, DC, Government Relations senior strategic policy advisor Tom Reynolds, along with 46 other business and civic leaders, published this opinion piece urging the New York State Legislature and the governor's commitment of financial resources to Upstate NY to spur revitalization.

Real Estate Pros Brace for NYC Inclusionary Zoning Rules

Law360 | January 16, 2015

New York City Affordable Housing strategic policy advisor Deborah VanAmerongen is quoted in this feature article discussing New York City's long-awaited revamped inclusionary zoning rules.

In Twist, Tenant Who Was Forced out Will Displace One Who Moved In

New York Times | December 19, 2014

New York City Affordable Housing Strategic Policy Advisor Deborah VanAmerongen, a former commissioner of the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal, is quoted in this feature article detailing a potentially precedent-setting New York housing case.

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Ideas