Manatt will host the panel discussion and luncheon, “Conservations@Manatt, The State of the State: An Insider’s View,” on March 12, 2014 in San Francisco.

The program will cover Governor Brown’s budget plan and priorities, top legislated issues and a preview of the 2014 elections. Attendees will get an insider’s view on these topics from current Manatt professionals Kathleen Brown (former Treasurer of the State of California), Richard Costigan (current Board Member CalPERS and California State Personnel Board and former Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Schwarzenegger) and Kristina Lawson (Mayor of Walnut Creek). This event is designed for business owners, high-level executives and entrepreneurs and will provide valuable insights and a depth of knowledge vital to thriving in California.

Speakers

Kathleen Brown
Partner, Government & Regulatory Division
Kathleen Brown brings to her practice a background that includes 18 years as a senior executive in the banking and financial services industry and 16 years of public-sector experience, including a term as California’s state treasurer. Ms. Brown joined Manatt after more than 12 years at Goldman Sachs, Inc., a global investment banking and securities firm, where she served as chairman of Midwest Investment Banking and, prior to that, as managing director and head of the firm’s Western Region Public-Sector and Infrastructure Group. Her current practice focuses on business counseling, government and regulatory affairs, particularly as they relate to the healthcare, energy and financial services industries.

Richard Costigan
Senior Director of State and Government Affairs
Richard Costigan was appointed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to the California State Personnel Board (SPB), which is responsible for the state’s Civil Service System. The SPB ensures that the Civil Service System is free from political patronage and that employment decisions are based on merit. Mr. Costigan was elected by his fellow Board members in December 2010 to represent the SPB on the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) Board. CalPERS manages retirement benefits for more than 1.6 million California public employees, retirees, and their families. Mr. Costigan has substantial experience in state government, legislative affairs and public policy, concentrating on issues such as energy and natural resources, healthcare, business, transportation, infrastructure, housing and tax matters. He has been extensively involved in the creation, implementation and dissemination of numerous legislative public policy and budget proposals.

Kristina Lawson
Partner, Land, Environment & Natural Resources
Kristina Lawson, who is currently serving as the Mayor of Walnut Creek, regularly appears before state and local agencies throughout the Bay Area and California, and works with legislators, decision makers, thought leaders and organizations to help clients achieve their objectives. Her broad advisory and advocacy practice focuses on all aspects of California land use and environmental law. From the interpretation and application of local General Plans, specific plans, zoning ordinances, and the Subdivision Map Act, to local land use initiatives and referenda, to state and federal natural resources, air, and water law, her wide-ranging expertise adds significant value to land use projects throughout the state. Ms. Lawson is a recognized expert in matters involving the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

By Invitation Only.

For more information and to register for the event, please contact Carmela Ochoa at cochoa@manatt.com.