Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck continues to expand its Government Relations team with the addition of Neal Tomlinson, shareholder; Kristina Kleist, policy advisor and associate; and Denise Freeman, senior policy assistant. This team will work on both legal and government relations matters, primarily out of the firm’s Las Vegas and Carson City, Nevada, offices, as well as work on government relations matters in the firm’s new Cheyenne, Wyoming, office.
“Neal, Kristina and Denise are a great fit for our state and local government relations practice,” said Rich Benenson, Brownstein’s managing partner. “This team brings extensive experience in administrative law and government relations as well as strong relationships in Nevada and Wyoming, allowing us to expand the services offered to our clients. The opening of a Cheyenne office aligns with our long-term growth strategy and allows us to expand our state government relations practice as well as support other growing practices in the mountain state region like real estate and natural resources. We look forward to the energy, talent and unique expertise that this new group brings to the firm.”
Bringing more than 20 years of experience, Tomlinson’s practice concentrates on administrative law and government relations, including many types of business and privileged licensing, regulatory compliance and related business litigation. He regularly represents business clients in matters before local, state and federal government agencies. Prior to joining Brownstein, Tomlinson served as the managing partner of Hyperion Advisors and was a partner at Snell & Wilmer. He earned his law degree from the University of Wyoming College of Law and his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wyoming.
Kleist practices in the area of administrative law and government relations, including regulatory compliance and licensing. She draws on her in-depth knowledge of regulations to represent business clients in matters before local, state and federal government agencies. Prior to joining the firm, Kleist was an attorney with Hyperion Advisors. She earned her law degree from the University of Wyoming College of Law and her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wyoming.
With vast experience in administration management, Freeman provides multifaceted support to the firm’s Government Relations team. She conducts research and analysis in support of lobbying efforts in the areas of administrative law and regulatory compliance. She also has experience managing special projects including election integrity operations. Prior to joining Brownstein, Freeman served as the director of business operations at Hyperion Advisors and the director of human resources for the City of Cheyenne.
In Nevada, Tomlinson, Kleist and Freeman join Brownstein’s established Government Relations team which includes shareholders Greg Brower and Scott Scherer. Brower served as a member of the Nevada Legislature for five regular sessions, including as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and as a member of the state’s Gaming Policy Committee. Scherer served two terms in the Legislature, and was chief of staff to Gov. Kenny Guinn before being appointed to the Gaming Control Board.
“We are thrilled to join forces with Brownstein’s strong, bipartisan government relations team,” said Tomlinson. “Given our significant experience lobbying in Nevada and Wyoming, we are looking forward to helping the firm not only serve its existing clients, but reach new clients in both jurisdictions.”