Clark Hill today announced that Leslie Katz has joined the firm as a Member in its Government & Public Affairs Practice in the firm’s San Francisco office. Katz was a member of the Board of Supervisors for the City and County of San Francisco and served as both the Commissioner of the Port of San Francisco and President of the San Francisco Port Commission. Before joining Clark Hill, Katz was a partner at CKR Law in San Francisco, and prior to that was a shareholder in the Government Law & Policy practices at Greenberg Traurig.
“Leslie brings an impressive depth and range of experience to the Government and Public Affairs group,” said, Kevin Kelly, Leader of Clark Hill’s Government and Public Affairs Practice. “She is well known in California government and public policy arenas as a source on key issues, including those related to the intersection of emerging technology and policy, which will be invaluable to clients in navigating these issues.”
“As we continue to build a global, comprehensive Government and Public Affairs practice, Leslie’s diverse experience in both the public and private sectors will help our clients solve the challenges of increasingly complex technology and policy issues,” said John Hern, Clark Hill’s Chief Executive Officer.
Katz’s practice is focused on government law and policy, with particular emphasis on emerging technologies such as blockchain, clean technology, and energy and water policy technology, as well as, telecommunications, healthcare, land use, construction, information technology, infrastructure, development, and public-private partnerships both in California and nationally.
Katz will also be a member of Clark Hill’s Corporate Law practice representing startups, cryptofunds, investors, and advisors in blockchain technology and digital currency related matters, including the legal, structural, and operational issues surrounding applications on the blockchain as well as regarding token offerings.
“The opportunity to join Clark Hill’s Government and Public Affairs practice became an obvious choice for me when I met the team,” said Katz. “The firm has an enormous base of talent across markets and industry sectors which will serve my clients well. Kevin Kelly and his colleagues are in the top tier in the government affairs arena, and I’m thrilled to join them to merge my focus on emerging technologies and policy integration.”
As a member of the Board of Supervisors for the City and County of San Francisco, Katz served as chair and/or vice-chair of numerous committees, and drafted and helped pass significant legislation related to technology, the environment, economic development, and labor and human rights, including the Equal Benefits Ordinance.
In addition, Katz has served as the regional vice president of regulatory affairs for a Fortune 250 energy-services company, has held executive roles with technology companies, and was involved in the Pacific Carbon Exchange’s inception. Katz was elected to the San Francisco Community College Board of Trustees and served in that capacity for two years. She is also a board member of EQCA (Equality California) and Victory Campaign.
Katz was recognized by the San Francisco Business Times as one of the “Most Influential Women in Bay Area Business” and was named among the San Francisco Business Times’ “Forever Influential Honor Roll.” She received the Digital Leaders Award from the Community Technology Network for her work as a champion of digital inclusion.
Katz earned her J.D. at the University of California, Hastings College of the Law and her B.A. at the University of California, Berkeley.
Source: www.clarkhill.com
