Experience

Profile:

Highly accomplished attorney with more than 15 years experience in drafting and monitoring the flow of federal and state legislation.  Specialize in directing clients’ strategy and approach to federal, state, and local government’s respective legislative processes thus ensuring successful results on behalf of client’s concerns.

Qualifications/achievements include:

  • Proven track record of representing the legislative needs of profits/ non-profit on both the federal and state levels.
  • Elected and served 8 years (1995-2003) State Representative, 11th Norfolk District, Massachusetts General Court.
  • Legislator of the Year – 2000, awarded by Jobs for Youth.
  • Legislator of the Year – 2001, awarded by Massachusetts Bar Association.
  • Legislator of the Year – 2002, awarded by the Massachusetts Police Association and Childcare Association.
  • Congressional Legislative Director, National Association of Government Employees (NAGE).
  • Licensed to practice law in Massachusetts and in Federal District Court since 1989.

Professional Experience

2003-Present      Government Relations Communications Consultant, Boston, MA

Work with diverse client base in identifying and implementing strategies to deal with legislation and legislative and administrative activities, including funding opportunities, which may affect their interests.

  • Initiate and draft legislation that may favorably impact my clients as well as employ efforts to change, amend or discourage legislation that may adversely affect my client’s interests.
  • Communicate and meet regularly with Legislative and Executive branches.  Daily contact with individual legislators, legislative leadership, staff, key committee chairmen, and policy makers.

1995-2003         State Representative, 11th District, Massachusetts General Court, Boston, MA

During my tenure as a state representative, I was an active advocate for a myriad of issues affecting my constituents and the people of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  Highlights of my service include:

  • Floor Division Leader and Assistant Majority Whip.

-  Served as liaison between rank and file Representatives and House Leadership.
-  Helped advance the agenda of the Massachusetts House by working with House colleagues.
-  Earned widespread respect for my leadership and ability to build collaborative coalitions.

  • House Chair, Joint Committee on Federal Financial Assistant.

- Oversaw distribution of federal grants to state and local municipalities.

  • Chair, Caucus of Women Legislators

- Advanced priority legislation of the Caucus such as surrounding drive through deliveries,  early childhood education, childcare, equity in pay, and insurance coverage.

  • Ad hoc House Committee for Adoption Reform.

- Drafted legislation to speed permanent placements for children in state foster care.

  • Member of Joint Commission on Electrical Industry Restructuring

- Led intense review of electric power and supply in state. Developed report recommending deregulation of   generation industry that was unanimously accepted by legislature.

1992-Present          Private Law Practice, Dedham, MA

  • Engaged in the general private practice of law.

1989-1992 Assistant, District Attorney, Suffolk County District Attorney, Boston, MA

  • Prosecuted hundreds of criminal matters from initial complaints to final disposition. Worked with victims of crimes as well as professional law enforcement officials.

- Conviction in over 2/3 of the cases prosecuted

1986-1988         Legislative Assistant, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Washington D.C.

  • Congressional aide to Thomas (“Tip”) O’Neil, Speaker of the House for two years serving as a constituent liaison to the legislative and regulatory process of governments.
  • Implemented and designed a legislative matrix to track requests by state constituents.

Education

Catholic University School of Law, Washington D.C.

Juris Doctorate, 1988

Trinity College, Washington D.C.

Bachelor of Arts, History, 1985