Sonnenschein Adds Capitol Hill Staffer John Russell and Senior Advisor Gilberto Ocañas to Public Policy Group

January 17, 2007

(WASHINGTON, January 17, 2007)— Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP today announced that John R. Russell IV and Gilberto S. Ocañas have joined the firm as managing director and senior advisor, respectively, of its national Public Law & Policy Strategies Group.

Russell is a 10-year veteran of Capitol Hill.  He comes to Sonnenschein from the office of the Speaker of the House, where he served as deputy to the chief of staff for former House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert.  He previously worked as chief of staff to Rep. J. Randy Forbes, Republican of Virginia, responsible for both legislative and political operations.

Ocañas has spent three decades cultivating both political and business relationships, most notably with the Hispanic community.  A successful entrepreneur and business leader, his bonds are particularly strong with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.  In 2000, Ocañas led the National Latino Presidential Campaign for the Democratic National Committee (DNC).  During the 1984 and 1988 presidential campaigns, he served as a Democratic presidential campaign’s regional field director.  From 1989 to 1993, Ocañas also worked as director of the DNC’s Office of Voter Participation.

"John and Gilberto both will be tremendous assets to Sonnenschein’s public policy practice.  John's experience on Capitol Hill and his knowledge of how the legislative process works will be invaluable to the services that we provide our clients," said Mike McNamara, chair of Sonnenschein's Public Law & Policy Strategies Group.  "Gilberto brings a unique perspective on the political landscape in Washington and around the nation.  He is a coalition builder with skills that are hard to match."

Russell's political career began in the office of the House Majority Whip.  He later held the position of special assistant to the chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee.  Russell earned a B.A. degree in political science from Kenyon College.

Ocañas has been widely recognized for his professional accomplishments.  Hispanic Magazine honored him nationally as a "Rising Entrepreneur."  The Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce named him "Hispanic Businessman of the Year," as well as "Volunteer of the Year." 

"After a decade of building relationships on both sides of the aisle, I am eager to put my skills to use at Sonnenschein," said Russell.  "I have had a diverse career, both legislatively and politically, and I am very excited about this new challenge."

Added Ocañas, "I am thrilled by the opportunity to work with the attorneys and professionals at Sonnenschein.  I am proud to be a trusted advisor to individuals in key leadership posts across the country.  I intend to continue doing that as I help Sonnenschein continue its accelerated growth in the Public Law & Policy Strategies Group."

Ocañas received a B.A. degree from the University of Houston.  He has served on several National Advisory Boards, including those of the Resolution Trust Corporation, the Small Business Administration, the Secretary of Energy and the Smithsonian Task Force on Latino Affairs.

With more than 700 attorneys and other professionals in 10 U.S. cities and Brussels, Belgium, and a global reach throughout all of the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Middle East, Sonnenschein serves the legal needs of many of the world’s best known and most admired businesses, nonprofits and notable individuals.  For more information, visit www.sonnenschein.com.

Media Contact: 

Jeff Mutterperl
Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP
(212) 398-8470
jmutterperl@sonnenschein.com