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Coalition builder adds energy, environment, and civil liability depth
MADISON (Dec. 12, 2016) – Michael Best Strategies LLC has added former Deputy Attorney General of Wisconsin, Andrew Cook, in its Madison office as senior advisor where he will support Strategies’ regional state offices and those in Washington, D.C. Michael Best Strategies is the lobbying and regulatory-consulting arm of law firm Michael Best & Friedrich LLP.
Cook will focus on energy, civil liability, environmental, campaign finance, administrative law and matters before state Attorneys General. He brings an extensive background in regulatory and government relations, and a keen understanding of the intersection between government and business. Cook has represented clients before state agencies, the legislature, as well as litigated in the court system.
As Deputy Attorney General of Wisconsin since 2014, Cook served as the principal advisor to Wisconsin Attorney General Brad D. Schimel. In this position, he oversaw the day-to-day operations of the nearly 700 employees; directed litigation strategy; negotiated, reviewed, and approved settlements; drafted and reviewed attorney general opinions; managed the agency’s budget; and oversaw civil and criminal investigations handled by the department.
“Andy is a highly-respected lawyer in the state and will be able to immediately assist any client with an issue before any branch of government,” said Ted Kanavas, President of Michael Best Strategies.
While in Attorney General Schimel’s office, Cook was responsible for creating the Office of Solicitor General, an elite group of attorneys that includes two former U.S. Supreme Court clerks. Under his direction, the Solicitor General’s office was instrumental in drafting several environment-focused briefs and declarations to the U.S. Supreme Court, including challenging the Environmental Protection Agency’s Waters of the United States and Clean Power Plan rules.
“Andy brings both experience in the energy and environmental sectors and unparalleled tort reform knowledge which will be of great value to our clients,” said Amy Bruchs, Michael Best’s Madison Office Managing Partner. “His government and legal experience in Wisconsin will be a tremendous asset to us, locally and nationally.”
Prior to his work at the DOJ, Cook was in private practice where he represented manufacturers and businesses, including electric companies, oil refineries, and the coal industry, before the Wisconsin Legislature and state agencies. He also led a broad coalition of business, insurance, and medical groups in passing major civil liability reforms, including changes to Wisconsin’s product liability laws.
“Michael Best Strategies is a perfect match for me given its clients, public affairs, and distinct blend of government work at the state and federal levels,” said Cook. “I am excited to serve the clients by utilizing my experience in the private sector as well as the in-depth knowledge of the law I gained serving as Deputy Attorney General.”
Cook received his J.D., cum laude, from The John Marshall Law School, where he co-founded and served as president of the Habitat for Humanity Chapter. Cook earned a B.S. from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
About Michael Best Strategies
Michael Best Strategies is a government relations, public affairs, business, and nonprofit consulting group affiliated with the Michael Best & Friedrich LLP law firm. The group has offices in multiple states and Washington, D.C. Michael Best Strategies is a values-driven company, working with clients across a variety of industry sectors to advance their goals. The group is frequently engaged to facilitate strategic relationships among players in a common industry or between clients and public officials and other thought leaders, along with more traditional government affairs and lobbying engagements. For more information, visit michaelbeststrategies.com.
About Michael Best & Friedrich LLP
Michael Best is a leading law firm, providing a full range of legal services to clients on a local, regional, national, and global basis. The firm has more than 220 attorneys in Milwaukee, Madison, Waukesha, and Manitowoc, Wisconsin; Chicago, Illinois; Missoula, Montana; Midvale and Salt Lake City, Utah; Washington, D.C.; and Austin, Texas. Michael Best’s main areas of practice include: intellectual property, labor and employment relations (including employee benefits), litigation, and transactional (including corporate, tax, real estate/project development and financing, and wealth planning). For more information, visit michaelbest.com.
