BUFFALO, NY – Lippes Mathias Wexler Friedman LLP today announced the opening of its Washington, D.C. office at 1900 K Street, NW, Suite 730, with the addition of Michael G. Rossetti and Ian A. Shavitz as partners. Both attorneys join the firm from Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP.

Also as part of Lippes Mathias’ continued growth, Bobby Cornett has joined as senior policy advisor. These new hires will add bench strength to the firm’s growing Indian Law, government investigations and environmental practices, while providing deep engagement and expertise on legislative and regulatory policy issues before the Congress and the Administration.  

“Over the past three years, we have been focused on strategically growing practice areas that complement our existing business focus as well as expanding our geographic reach where it makes sense to better serve our clients,” said Kevin J. Cross, managing partner, Lippes Mathias. “Opening a Washington, D.C. office was the next logical step. Michael and Bobby both have strong ties to the Buffalo area and together with Ian, provide an opportunity for Lippes Mathias to expand our services into a dynamic market while advising on legal and policy decisions being made at the federal level.”

Mr. Rossetti, the firm’s Indian Law practice team co-leader, focuses on advising tribal clients on economic development and Indian gaming, tribal governance matters, litigation matters, and the settlement of Indian water rights. A former counselor to the Secretary of the Department of the Interior, he also lobbies on a broad range of tribal concerns, and advises clients on land use and other issues before Interior, including the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Park Service.

Mr. Shavitz is the team leader of the firm’s Environment and Energy practice, and has more than 20 years of experience counseling and advocating for clients on environmental and land use issues associated with developing and securing approvals for large-scale infrastructure, energy, and commercial projects; advising sellers, purchasers, lenders, and investors on environmental issues associated with corporate, real estate and energy transactions; and advocating before Congress. Mr. Shavitz’s public and private sector clients have included corporations, commercial developers, energy companies, financial institutions, private equity funds, state and local governments, and Indian tribes.

Mr. Cornett has more than 11 years of Congressional experience, most recently serving as deputy chief of staff and legislative director for U.S. Congressman Trent Franks (R-Arizona), where he managed the office’s legislative operation and oversaw the successful passage of various legislative initiatives. Mr. Cornett’s ability to successfully advocate for his clients is based upon the strong relationships that he has developed with Congressional leadership, committees, as well as members of Congress and staff. Mr. Cornett specializes in a wide range of matters, including intellectual property, technology, natural resources, immigration, and business, among others.

In addition to its new Washington, D.C. office, Lippes Mathias has offices in Buffalo, NY, Albany, NY, New York City, Jacksonville, FL and Burlington, Ontario.