During the depths of the Great Recession, I was Commissioner of Minnesota Management and Budget and responsible for managing the entire state's finances. I had to take a step from my former role behind the scenes, into someone who made decisions and dealt with crises in front of every camera in town. Throughout that whole time, I managed to creatively figure out a way to avoid raising taxes or otherwise impair our state, and we were able to bounce back from it. I got the tar beat out of me every day, fighting to keep the budget in order, but emerged on the other side knowing that whatever the problem, I'm able to think it through and find a solution.
My Approach
My goal is to help clients do business as efficiently as possible. When legislators or regulators add to the cost of doing business, or get in the way of my clients’ ability to bring their product or service to the market, I work to make sure their concerns are heard. The law is more than just words on a page; it’s about how those words are applied, and about the people who make those decisions. With a career of service in the government, I have developed relationships in all levels and branches, but more importantly, I have developed an understanding of how those people make decisions, which I use to protect the interests of my clients.
Especially in regulated industries such as health care, insurance, and energy, I represent clients who have joint regulatory and legislative issues, with the true belief that any law can be changed with creative problem solving and persuasion.
A Groundbreaking Moment in my Career
Practice Areas
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Advocacy & Lobbying
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Regulatory & Government Relations
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Health Law
Bold Perspectives
Client Alert
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: $616 Million Budget Surplus Projected
12.04.24
Client Alert
Legislative Top 5: Special Election Recap Edition
11.06.24
Client Alert
September 2024 #MNLeg Campaign Finance Roundup
09.26.24
Honors & Awards
The Best Lawyers in America©
Government Relations Practice, 2023-2025
MSBA North Star Lawyers
Pro Bono Service, 2019, 2022-2023
#8, "Top 10 Best Political Persons in Minnesota for 2009"
mnpACT!, 2009
Associations & Memberships
University of Saint Thomas
Mentor Externship Program, 2016
Minnesota Center for Fiscal Excellence
2010-present
Minnesota State Bar Association
LawPAC Board of Trustees, 2010-2013
Governor’s Health Care Cabinet
2007-2010
Governor's Drive to Excellence Technology Cabinet
2007-2010
Minnesota State Retirement System
Board Member, 2007-2010
Teachers Retirement Association
Board Member, 2007-2010
Public Finance Authority
Board Member, 2007-2010
Minnesota Science and Technology Authority
Board Member, 2010
National Association of State Budget Officers
2007-2010
Executive Board, 2007-2008
National Association of State Auditors, Controllers, and Treasurers
2007-2010
Presidential Advisory Council on Historic Preservation
Governor Pawlenty’s Representative, 2003-2006
National Governor’s Association
Staff Member, 2003-2006
National Conference of State Legislatures
Active in various committees, 1998-2003
