Whether looking to impact the legislative process, learn about procurement regulations or government funding mechanisms, Amy J. Kellogg, J.D., of Harter Secrest & Emery LLP (HSE), is a go-to, trusted resource for clients, partners, and colleagues facing multi-faceted legislative matters. As a partner at HSE, she serves as the head of the Government Affairs practice group, the partner-in-charge of the firm’s Albany office, and co-chairs the firm’s Women Employee Resource Group. In addition to her extensive legal practice, she lends her expertise to NASL on our board of directors, serves as chair of the Articles of Incorporation/Bylaws Committee, and is a member of the long-range planning and lobbying profession committee. Learn more about Amy in our Q&A below:
First, can you give us a broad overview of what your practice at HSE entails?
I represent a variety of professional associations, businesses, and not-for-profits before the New York State Government, including the legislature, governor’s office, and state agencies. My practice includes:
- Providing lobbying and government-related services.
- Monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on pending legislation.
- Communicating clients’ positions to the legislature, agencies, and the governor’s office.
- Drafting legislation on clients’ behalf.
- Assisting clients with strategies regarding availability and access to government funding mechanisms and other programs.
- Researching and ensuring compliance with state and federal lobby and election laws.
- Advising clients regarding myriad government relations compliance issues, from procurement regulations to campaign finance laws.
HSE is a nearly 130-year-old full-service law firm. What sets it and its team apart?
HSE is a full-service law firm with offices in Rochester, Buffalo, Albany, Corning, and New York City. Our attorneys have extensive experience in government affairs, corporate law, securities, intellectual property, finance, labor, employee benefits and executive compensation, litigation, environmental, real estate, immigration, and trusts and estates, among others. In addition, we have cross-disciplinary practice areas such as our municipal, higher education, nonprofit organizations, and health care that serve specific industries. We proudly represent a range of clients, from start-ups to Fortune 100 companies, municipalities to human services organizations, universities, retail merchants, nonprofit organizations, and more, from sole proprietorships to companies with over 50,000 employees.
As one of the largest law firms in Upstate New York, we provide a full range of legal expertise through collaboration among 43 practice areas and over 120 lawyers. This benefits our government affairs and lobbying clients as they can draw not only on our government affairs expertise but also on the subject matter experience of leading practitioners in other fields of law.
How does your experience as a former legislative aide in the New York State Assembly lend itself to your current government affairs work?
The New York legislative process can be overwhelming and challenging for those unfamiliar. I learned about New York State government by working for a member of the legislature and experiencing the process from the ground up. Starting as a staffer almost 25 years ago, I have developed significant relationships with elected and other government officials and legislative, gubernatorial, and agency staff. I have worked closely with the executive branch officials in multiple administrations and with legislators on both sides of the aisle. This expertise, coupled with my twenty-plus years of lobbying experience, allows me to advise clients on the nuances and intricacies of the New York State legislative process. I have successfully advocated for the passage of hundreds of bills in education, energy, telecommunications, healthcare, transportation, insurance, technology, and other areas. In many cases, I have assisted with the entire life cycle of the legislation: working with the client to conceptualize a bill that meets their specific needs, securing majority support in both houses of the legislature, securing majority sponsorship, advocating it through the committee process, and working with the governor’s office, particularly the counsel’s office, to ensure final approval. I understand what is needed to
accomplish client goals because I have the experience and understanding from both sides.
You tirelessly advocate for state organizations, devoting your time and resources to support professional and civic groups. Why is this a priority for you?
Significant time and attention is paid to legislative issues and policy changes that have a broad societal impact, and these changes are important. However, at any given time, the legislature and the governor review policy proposals that will impact a very small subsection of the state, be that in an industry, profession, or population. Often, these constituencies don’t have the expertise to navigate the legislative process independently, meaning they must rely on professionals to help them. I take great pride in being able to help these groups and ensure that their legislative experience will be as positive as possible. Some of the most critical issues I’ve worked on in my career will impact a very small number of people, but that impact will be life-changing for that population. It’s essential to ensure that everyone has a voice in the process, no matter how big or small the issue or constituency.
You’re a proud member of the NASL leadership team. How does your involvement with NASL benefit your practice and clients?
While the legislative process is unique for each state, the issues we work on for our clients often are not. Many times, we will be looking at an issue in New York that another state has already acted on. Having a network of colleagues who are experts in their states means I can pick up the phone and learn from their experiences. Further, many clients often ask if I know anyone in another state who could assist them in their legislative efforts there. Being a member of NASL means I can confidently say that I do. I can refer my client to a fellow NASL member, knowing they will be well cared for and represented.
Want to learn more? For additional information about Amy and HSE, visit hselaw.com.