Former Los Angeles Deputy Mayor Leslie Pollner Joins Holland & Knight's Public Policy & Regulation Practice as a Senior Policy Advisor

Washington, DC - (November 4, 2013) - Leslie Pollner, former deputy mayor for federal affairs in Los Angeles under Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, has joined the firm as a senior policy advisor in the Public Policy & Regulation practice group located in the Washington, D.C., office.

"We are very pleased to welcome Leslie to Holland & Knight," said Rich Gold, Public Policy & Regulation practice group leader. "She brings experience in several key industries for our clients, including transportation, economic development and housing. Her role as a senior advisor to former Mayor Villaraigosa in Los Angeles provided her with amazing opportunities to build relationships with civic leaders across the U.S. We know these connections will enhance our work nationally, as well as in Washington, D.C."

Ms. Pollner worked as Mayor Villaraigosa's liaison in Washington for three years. Prior to that, she was a two-time chief of staff for Democratic Rep. Suzanne Kosmas and U.S. Rep. Tim Mahoney both of Florida.  She has also worked in public affairs consulting and crisis communications support for Fortune 500 companies and helped to develop communications strategies for the Bill & Melinda Gates foundation, focusing on the foundation's education investments.

Holland & Knight's Public Policy & Regulation Group is one of the largest in Washington, D.C. It is a strong bipartisan team composed of lawyers and lobbyists with deep ties throughout the government. The seasoned team is comprised of lawyers and senior professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the federal legislative and agency policy making processes. The firm has been recognized among the top 10 federal lobbying and law firms in Washington, D.C., by Influence, National Journal and Roll Call.