Harter Secrest & Emery LLP, a full-service business law firm with offices throughout New York, announced that John M. Jennings has been promoted to Counsel.
A member of the firm’s Government Affairs practice, Jennings represents and counsels entities with regard to their interactions with New York State government. In particular, he has developed significant experience in the biotechnology, energy and infrastructure, and higher education industries. He analyzes and monitors pending legislation to help clients understand the potential impact on their organization, and he strategizes with clients on how best to communicate their position to members of the Legislature, state agencies and the Governor’s office. Jennings also works with the firm’s Government Investigations practice group to counsel clients with government compliance issues, including procurement regulations and campaign finance laws.
Jennings joined Harter Secrest & Emery in 2003, and most recently served as a senior associate. He is a magna cum laude graduate of Roberts Wesleyan College, and received his law degree, magna cum laude, from the University at Buffalo Law School. In 2009, he received the G.O.L.D. Award (Graduate of the Last Decade) from Roberts Wesleyan College for professional excellence, community involvement, active participation in the ongoing work of the school, and maintenance of a lifestyle that’s in harmony with the spirit and philosophy of the college.
In addition to his legal practice, Jennings is an adjunct professor of Political Science at Roberts Wesleyan and serves on the college’s Executive Advisory Board, and is a member of the American Bar Association Government Affairs Professionals Committee, the Cameron Community Ministries Board of Directors, and a volunteer for the Veterans Outreach Center.
The Government Affairs practice at Harter Secrest & Emery monitors and often affects the progress of proposed legislation or regulations through its strategic involvement. The firm’s attorneys arrange for the introduction of bills, track the progress of proposed regulations, and lobby to secure or modify legislation and administrative action on behalf of clients. The practice also consults with clients regarding the availability of, and access to, a variety of government funding mechanisms and other programs.