Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, a multidisciplinary, integrated professional services firm, today announced the arrival of Government and Regulatory Partner Cassie M. Prugh in Albany. With nearly two decades of experience serving as a trusted figure within the New York State legislative, regulatory and political landscape, Prugh is the latest addition to the Firm’s established and expanding bicoastal government relations teams, which provide an unmatched ability to affect issues and laws impacting our clients in the ever-evolving financial, regulatory and political markets across the nation.
“Manatt has deep roots in public policy and governmental affairs, and our continued work on behalf of clients across our core industries paired with our insight into the key political markets—including Albany, Boston, Sacramento and Washington, D.C.—help shape meaningful change for our clients and the communities in which we operate,” said Donna L. Wilson, CEO and Managing Partner of Manatt. “Cassie’s impressive background as a respected adviser and leader further strengthens our capabilities in this strategic area in New York, where we regularly counsel industry-leading clients as they work to achieve their goals.”
Prugh provides a broad range of legal, regulatory and legislative experience for clients in need of those services at both the state and local levels. Her New York-focused practice will provide comprehensive guidance on a variety of policy areas related to labor, health care, government procurement, higher education, K-12 education, nonprofit matters and much more. She also offers tailored government affairs strategies that will position clients for success.
“Cassie is well-known for her skill in navigating New York’s often challenging legislative, regulatory and political arenas, and she will provide unmatched strategic and political insights, advice and efforts for our clients in the complex environment that is Albany,” said James S. Walsh, partner in Manatt’s Government and Regulatory group and head of the Albany office. “Cassie’s background complements our rich experience across a wide spectrum of industries—from education to economic development and beyond—making her a tremendous asset as we continue to improve our representation of our clients and their interests.”
In addition to Prugh’s extensive experience in intergovernmental affairs, she has deep knowledge of the mechanics of the legislative process, having served both as a policymaker and as an advocate. She has a thorough understanding of the policies impacting regulated entities, businesses and other stakeholders, and regularly engages with senior local, legislative and state elected officials. She has also been integral to the management of local and statewide political races as well as issue advocacy campaigns, working closely with consultants and managing multimillion-dollar budgets. Prugh will be a valuable asset to both new and long-standing New York State clients as she helps continue to establish trusted partnerships with the state’s top leaders.
“Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work alongside Manatt’s professionals who have quickly and effectively responded to the state’s legislative and regulatory developments,” Prugh said. “I’m looking forward to working with this talented team to address the challenges facing its many clients in today’s complex marketplace.”
Prugh is the latest addition to Manatt’s growing roster of legal and business consulting professionals across the nation. Other recent arrivals have joined the Firm’s various practices, including Antitrust and Competition (David Reichenberg); Entertainment (Nathaniel L. Bach and Christopher Chatham); Health Care and Life Sciences (Zoe Barnard, Cynthia Bero, Dr. Troyen A. Brennan, Dr. Christina Jenkins, Alice B. Leiter, Tracy A. Massel, Claudia Page, Rachel L. Sher and Tara R. Straw); Impact Investing and Community Development (Corenia Riley Burlingame, John Dalton and Sameer Patel); Real Estate (Lynn Cadwalader); and Tax, Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation (John J. Heber).
Prugh earned her J.D. from Albany Law School and her B.A. from the College of Saint Rose, summa cum laude.