Manatt Strengthens Government Relations Practice

WASHINGTON — June 17, 2014 — Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, announced today that Robert D. Jamison joined its Federal Government Affairs and Public Policy team as a managing director in its Washington, D.C., office. Jamison brings extensive domestic and international operational and leadership experience in the Homeland Security and Transportation sectors.

Prior to joining the firm, Jamison was president of Eline Group LLC, a consulting firm that advises clients on homeland security, cybersecurity, transportation, leadership, revenue growth and business strategies.

Highly experienced in the homeland security and transportation sectors, Jamison will focus on advising firms on how to address emerging security and transportation trends and how to successfully conduct business with the U.S. government. Jamison served in senior roles in the executive branch from 2001 to 2009, most recently as undersecretary for the National Protection and Programs Directorate at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). While in that position, he was responsible for the department’s efforts to secure the nation’s publicly and privately held infrastructure, protect against cybersecurity threats, and ensure the redundancy and resiliency of U.S. communication systems.

“There are few leaders as deeply experienced and knowledgeable as Robert when it comes to transportation security and communications security,” said James Bonham, chair of Manatt’s Federal Government Affairs and Public Policy practice. “Robert’s extensive familiarity with these issues, combined with his high-level government and consulting work, make him a tremendous resource for clients and our team. We are thrilled to have Robert join us.”

Jamison will provide critical strategic positioning counsel and support to companies as they navigate federal and international marketplaces. He will also advise on such issues as how to safeguard against cybersecurity risks and build preventive plans into business strategies.

“Manatt’s reputation made an immediate impression on me,” said Jamison. “It is a well-connected, distinguished firm known for its many successes in critical sectors. Its innovative consulting model and reputation for client service make me eager to build my practice and work alongside such accomplished colleagues.”

While the undersecretary, Jamison served as the lead DHS official for the president’s Comprehensive National Cybersecurity Initiative, an interagency effort to comprehensively address evolving cyberthreats. He also oversaw the office’s efforts to establish new regulations for chemical facilities throughout the United States. Prior to being in that position, he served as the deputy assistant secretary for the Transportation Security Administration, where he had oversight for all operating aspects of the agency responsible for security of the nation’s aviation and transportation systems. He also worked in various critical roles in the Department of Transportation, including acting administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration and deputy administrator of the Federal Transit Administration, where he spearheaded the inception and deployment of the transit security program and the agency’s $5 billion effort to rebuild New York City’s transit infrastructure following the Sept. 11 attacks.

Prior to his government service, Jamison was senior operations officer for the American Red Cross, and he served in several domestic and international management roles over 13 years for United Parcel Service.

Jamison joins an impressive national government team at Manatt, with professionals who develop, advocate, and implement integrated business, legal, and government strategies and activities in Washington, D.C.; Los Angeles; New York City; Sacramento; and Albany. Members of the practice have served in leadership positions as U.S. ambassadors; members of Congress; presidential appointees; senior career federal and state government officials; senior congressional staff; and state legislators, leaders and staff; as well as in positions in city and county governments.

Jamison earned a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from the University of Memphis, magna cum laude, in 1987. He completed the Partners in Organizational Leadership program at Harvard University in 1998.

About Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP

Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, is one of the nation’s leading law and consulting firms, with offices strategically located in California (Los Angeles, Orange County, Palo Alto, San Francisco and Sacramento), New York (New York City and Albany) and Washington, D.C. The firm represents a sophisticated client base — including Fortune 500, middle-market and emerging companies — across a range of practice areas and industry sectors. For more information, visit www.manatt.com.