Former Congressman, Nixon Peabody to Prep Clients for Regulatory Changes

As the nation’s political, regulatory and financial landscape continues to transform, global law firm Nixon Peabody has enlisted recently retired congressman Thomas M. Reynolds (R-N.Y.) to aid attorneys and advise clients.

Reynolds joins the firm as a senior strategic policy adviser, along with his former chief of staff Sally Vastola, and will lead lawyers as part of its newly formed Government Relations & Public Policy practice, according to a firm press release.

“The president of the United States effectively fired the CEO of General Motors,” Richard Goldstein, the partner who will lead the project, said to the ABA Journal in an interview. “If the government can fire the CEO of GM, what’s next? There’s a huge sea of change here.”

“Whether they like it or not, clients are subject to a lot more government regulation,” added Goldstein, a former staff member for congressman Barney Frank (D-Mass.).

The Obama administration has shown that it will play a pivotal role in the regulation of the financial markets, scrutiny of the insurance industry, and transformation of energy policies, Goldstein said, emphasizing the long-term need to assist clients with lobbying efforts as well as business guidance. More than 40 Nixon Peabody lawyers have asked to be part of the new practice group, which will help clients revise business plans, react to government activity, and give strategic advice to the increasing number of companies called to hearings on Capitol Hill.