From Reed Smith Big Law to Big Influence
Reed Smith heavyweights have made a bold move that’s set to shake up the Virginia lobbying landscape as the firm’s Government Relations team in Richmond is “pumped” in breaking away to form Seven Hills Strategy Group LLC.
The new venture, spearheaded by legal heavyweights Edward Mullen, Nicole Brenner, and Christine Cogbill Noonan, (pictured) intends to bring a fresh perspective to government relations and lobbying in the Old Dominion and beyond.
Edward Mullen, the mastermind behind the spin-off, doesn’t mince words about the team’s departure from Reed Smith.
“It was a tough call,” he admits, “but we’re pumped to launch Seven Hills and offer our clients top-notch lobbying and legislative support in Virginia and further afield.”
With over 16 years under his belt at Reed Smith, including a stint as Richmond office managing partner, Mullen’s move is no small potatoes.
The newly minted Seven Hills Strategy Group isn’t just Mullen’s show. He’s bringing along partners Nicole Brenner and counsel Christine Cogbill Noonan, forming a trio with a combined 30 years of Reed Smith experience. Talk about a legal dream team!
The Game Plan
Seven Hills isn’t playing small. They’re setting their sights on the full spectrum of government relations strategy and advocacy in Virginia.
We’re talking all state agencies, the General Assembly, the Attorney General’s office, the Governor’s office, and even the Virginia congressional delegation. They’re also offering legislative drafting, multi-state government relations strategy, and counsel on state attorneys general and environmental regulatory matters. Looks like they’re leaving no stone unturned.
A Bittersweet Farewell
Julie Hardin, managing partner of Reed Smith’s Americas region, couldn’t help but get a little misty-eyed about the departure. “Working with Edward, Nicole, and Chrissy has been a blast,” she said. “They’re not just colleagues, they’re friends of the firm.”
But there’s no hard feelings here. Reed Smith is clearly rooting for the success of their government law alumni and looking forward to collaborations down the line.
It’s fascinating to see Reed Smith’s team branching out into Seven Hills Strategy Group LLC. Has there been any statement on how this shift will affect their current clientele’s approach to lobbying in Virginia?
Good question, VivianQ. My guess is they’ll be leveraging the same network but with a fresher brand. Innovation in this space could really shake things up.
Actually, the transition appears to be more about expanding their influence and services rather than a direct shift in client strategy. It’s all about broadening their horizons.
Seven Hills Strategy Group, huh? Sounds like a posh name for a very exclusive hill club. Do you need a membership to lobby there or just a good pair of hiking boots?
The formation of the Seven Hills Strategy Group by former Reed Smith members does signal a significant shift within Virginia’s lobbying scene. It will be interesting to observe how their approach impacts local legislation and public policy development over the next few years.
So Seven Hills is playing the long game, aiming for full-spectrum government relations. It’s a bold strategy, but it could pay off big if they manage to navigate the complex landscape of Virginia politics successfully.
The strategic move by Seven Hills could indeed rewrite the playbook on lobbying strategies within the state. It remains to be seen how effectively they can implement their vision.
I’m curious about the strategies Seven Hills will employ, particularly in areas concerning environmental policies. Will they prioritize sustainable practices within their lobbying efforts or follow a more traditional path? It’s a critical consideration for the future of public policy in Virginia.
It’s fascinating to see Reed Smith’s team branching out into Seven Hills Strategy Group LLC. Has there been any statement on how this shift will affect their current clientele’s approach to lobbying in Virginia?
Good question, VivianQ. My guess is they’ll be leveraging the same network but with a fresher brand. Innovation in this space could really shake things up.
Actually, the transition appears to be more about expanding their influence and services rather than a direct shift in client strategy. It’s all about broadening their horizons.
Seven Hills Strategy Group, huh? Sounds like a posh name for a very exclusive hill club. Do you need a membership to lobby there or just a good pair of hiking boots?
The formation of the Seven Hills Strategy Group by former Reed Smith members does signal a significant shift within Virginia’s lobbying scene. It will be interesting to observe how their approach impacts local legislation and public policy development over the next few years.
So Seven Hills is playing the long game, aiming for full-spectrum government relations. It’s a bold strategy, but it could pay off big if they manage to navigate the complex landscape of Virginia politics successfully.
The strategic move by Seven Hills could indeed rewrite the playbook on lobbying strategies within the state. It remains to be seen how effectively they can implement their vision.
I’m curious about the strategies Seven Hills will employ, particularly in areas concerning environmental policies. Will they prioritize sustainable practices within their lobbying efforts or follow a more traditional path? It’s a critical consideration for the future of public policy in Virginia.