Government Affairs & Advocacy

Across Nevada, At Every Level, We Make It Happen

As more individuals and businesses become entrenched in the political process, impacted by rulemaking at the federal, state and local levels, the need for a team that gets the job done is critical. McDonald Carano’s Government Affairs & Advocacy Group is that team. Our attorneys and professional lobbyists comprise the largest and arguably most influential team in Nevada. We are acutely aware of the challenges facing our clients, and we know that each response requires nuance and tact. We are known for developing consensus within conflict, for having deep-rooted connections across industries and geographies, for bridging gaps among divergent groups, and for being the hardest workers in the room. We have a keen instinct for business-friendly policies and a mastery of collaborative efforts.

When faced with a government affairs issue, our clients need lawyers and advisors with the wisdom, know-how and experience to leverage an integrated approach. In Nevada’s rapidly changing political environment, a nimble team that capitalizes on its disparate perspectives to create a successful solution is warranted. We are a politically bipartisan group, with coverage that spans the entire state, and our uniquely diverse makeup yields results for clients. With deep connections on both sides of the aisle and at every layer of government, we open doors quickly. And when our team advocates for an issue, it is heard with respect—we have a hard-earned reputation for integrity, of which we are proud. We combine the skills developed as attorneys and traditional lobbyists with the wisdom gleaned from extensive governmental experience in the private and public sectors. We are advocates who can develop a strategy that addresses all aspects of the matter—the legal issues, legislative and regulatory hurdles, media scrutiny, and any long-term political or business implications. But a strategy is only as successful as its execution. Our team is known for its extensive network of relationships in every corner of the state. No matter where our clients need us, we are there, leveraging our knowledge and contacts to craft impactful solutions for clients doing business in Nevada.

Collectively, our Government Affairs & Advocacy Group delivers decades of proven representation in advocacy, negotiation, lobbying, diplomacy and relationship management. Team members have broad-ranging professional experience that we put to work for our clients. That experience includes service as:

a chief of staff to a governor;
as general counsel to a governor (two members of the team);
members of the U.S. Attorney’s office and the federal judiciary;
an executive-level, in-house lobbyist for one of Nevada’s largest utilities;
an in-house lobbyist for a global technology company; and
an investigative journalist.

Our team assists businesses, individuals, trade associations and other organizations with defining their objectives and designing a comprehensive strategy and action plan that offers the greatest potential for success. Whether it’s drafting a nuanced amendment at a moment’s notice or strategizing to build a coalition for a critical hearing, our team embodies a nimble and can-do attitude. We are dedicated to supporting client priorities before, during and after the legislative session. We represent client policy interests at interim committee hearings, and we facilitate direct client relationships with legislators. We also work with clients and agency staff on the development of regulatory language, while keeping a close eye on issues that may affect our clients.

At the local government level, our team represents clients on a wide range of issues, including land use planning, development entitlements, master plan and zoning modifications, licensing and permitting, special assessments, tax issues, and contracting.

We have had the pleasure of offering service and solutions to marquee clients across almost every industry and sector important to the business and growth of Nevada and wherever challenges may find them.

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