Sonnenschein Launches National Strategic Communications and Public Affairs Practice
June 18, 2007
Law firm adds eight in major expansion of public policy team
(WASHINGTON, June 18, 2007)—National law firm Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP today announced several key additions to its Public Law & Policy Strategies Group and the formation of a new strategic communications and public affairs practice. Veteran health care attorney Mark W. Weller and communications and public affairs strategist Audrey B. Young have joined the firm as partner and senior managing director, respectively. Public affairs strategist Mark Meissner and national public affairs professionals Stewart Gordon and Robin Adams also have joined the firm. Sonnenschein separately announced the addition of international affairs senior advisor Juan Carlos Iturregui and public policy managing director Erin Book, adding to significant growth in the group.
“This strategic communications and public affairs team deepens our ability to deliver communications and advocacy services in all 50 states, particularly for our clients in heavily regulated industries,” said Mike McNamara, national chair of Sonnenschein’s Public Law & Policy Strategies Group. “Public affairs is in greater demand than ever before, and the expansion of our national team will enhance the services that we offer as a preeminent destination for comprehensive public policy needs.”
Weller has more than two decades of legislative experience, much of it focusing on health and life sciences issues. He represents medical device and pharmaceutical manufacturers and voluntary health organizations in legislative and regulatory matters before Congress and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Weller’s practice also includes advocacy and advisory services for transportation and financial services clients. He served as legislative director to Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind., and as an attorney at the National Republican Senatorial Committee. Weller ran the Washington office of a Fortune 500 company as well.
Young has an extensive background in corporate communications and public affairs. As the founder of the national communications and public affairs practice at her former firm, she designed and implemented communications and advocacy strategies to protect and enhance corporate reputation and credibility. She was a staff member for former Rep. Terry Bruce, D-Ill., and the Democratic National Committee.
“We chose Sonnenschein for its national platform, particularly with respect to the health, life sciences and public policy practices,” noted Weller.
“The opportunity to launch a strategic communications and public affairs practice at the firm will permit us to keep up with the growing needs of our clients,” Young said. “The firm’s nationally recognized practices, combined with its reputation as one of the best places to work in Washington, made Sonnenschein stand out from others in the field.”
Managing director Mark Meissner and associate managing directors Robin Adams and Stewart Gordon advise clients in the areas of public affairs and litigation communications.
Meissner has worked on Capitol Hill for members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. Meissner is a former congressional candidate and has 15 years of corporate public affairs and campaign experience. His Hill service includes work for Sen. Evan Bayh, D-Ind., and former Rep. Tim Roemer, D-Ind.
Adams has more than 15 years of national grassroots advocacy experience and has a background in science, international affairs, defense and security. Gordon has managed national grassroots organizing and public affairs campaigns over the past seven years and previously spent 10 years working for the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Washington.
Senior advisor Juan Carlos Iturregui specializes in business, regulatory and public policy issues affecting the Americas. He works closely with business executives and decision makers on Capitol Hill and in the executive branch, as well as in various Latin American and Caribbean countries, to promote investment, strategic alliances and public-private sector partnerships. An attorney with two decades of Washington and international experience, Iturregui also is a member of the President's Export Council, the government’s principal advisory committee on international trade. He recently co-chaired the first Inter-American Biofuels Congress and last year was recognized by the Hispanic Bar Association of the District of Columbia as a "Rising Star.”
“Sonnenschein’s focus on the global marketplace at the intersection of business, law, politics, and policy attracted me to the firm,” Iturregui said. “Sonnenschein truly understands how to connect with and serve clients in our interconnected world economy.”
Managing director Erin Book comes to Sonnenschein from the lobbying firm of Williams & Jensen. Her work focus includes appropriations, education, energy, financial services, health care, homeland security and tax issues. She specializes in the areas of federal legislative, regulatory, and public policy advocacy; organizing and managing coalitions; and coordinating communications with policy makers and grassroots contacts.
Sonnenschein serves the legal needs of many of the world’s most admired businesses, nonprofits and notable individuals. With offices across the United States and a global reach throughout the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Middle East, we are well positioned to help our clients prosper and grow. For more information, visit www.sonnenschein.com.
Media Contact:
Jeff Mutterperl
Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP
(212) 398-8470
jmutterperl@sonnenschein.com
