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Practice

Government Relations

The Government Relations Practice Group draws on the skills and experience of our attorneys across practice areas to advocate for our clients at all levels of government. By stressing the substantive public policy merits of our clients' positions and approaching public policy matters with honesty and integrity, we have gained credibility with legislators, legislative staff members, and executive branch leadership and staff.

Our team consists of:

Philip S. Bousquet works extensively with New York's environmental cleanup programs, advocating for clients with New York's environmental and tax officials with respect to the Brownfield Cleanup Program and other redevelopment programs. He has worked closely with state officials and legislative staff in advocating for new legislation and crafting interpretations and applications of existing legislation. Phil has lectured to businesses and local officials throughout the state with regard to the Brownfield Cleanup Program.

Gary J. Lavine previously served in the U.S. Department of Energy as Deputy General Counsel for Environment & Nuclear Programs, as legislative counsel to the Minority Leader in the New York State Assembly, as counsel to the New York State Senate Committee on Insurance, and as Executive Director of the New York State Senate Committee on Corporations, Authorities & Commissions. Gary was Senior Vice President & Chief Legal Officer of Niagara Mohawk Holdings, Inc. (an energy utility now part of National Grid).

Timothy M. Lynn has extensive experience in federal and state taxation, including corporate, partnership and individual income taxation as well as special state tax matters. As part of his tax practice, he has worked with federal and state tax officials to advocate for specific rulings, general rule-making and for legislative action. Tim has worked effectively with the New York Senate Finance Committee, the Assembly's Ways & Means Committee, the Governor's Office and the Division of Budget to advocate for specific legislative action with regard to economic development and tax issues.



Attorneys

Kathleen Faulknham Centolella
Gary J. Lavine
Timothy M. Lynn
L. Micha Ordway, Jr.
Steven A. Paquette
Thomas E. Taylor