Chief of Staff to AZ Gov. to Join Ballard Spahr

PHOENIX (November 24, 2014) – Scott A. Smith, Chief of Staff to Arizona Governor Jan Brewer, will join Ballard Spahr as Managing Director of Government Relations when the Governor’s term ends in January, firm Chair Mark Stewart announced today.

As a member of Ballard Spahr’s Government Relations, Regulatory Affairs and Contracting Group, Mr. Smith will help clients prepare for government developments, capitalize on opportunities, and execute approaches that align government objectives and business goals. He will be based in the firm’s Phoenix office.

“Scott has had a ringside seat to the workings of state government for decades,” said Kenneth M. Jarin, a leader of Ballard Spahr’s government relations practice. “Our clients will find that perspective invaluable, as will the lawyers at our firm. We are delighted to have Scott join us.”

Mr. Smith has more than 20 years of experience in Arizona state government. Since beginning his career with the Arizona House of Representatives in 1989, he has held significant positions within state government, including serving as the Director of the Department of Administration, legislative liaison for the Department of Corrections, and Director of State Relations for Arizona State University.

Mr. Smith has interacted with all aspects of Arizona state government operations and is uniquely positioned to help clients navigate the executive branch, the Arizona Legislature, and other administrative agencies. As the former Director of the Arizona Department of Administration, he has extensive experience in Arizona government procurement, contracts, and rulemaking.

“We represent public and private sector clients in numerous industries who do business with the State of Arizona. Scott’s background, and the good relationships he has built during his successful government career, will help them see around the corner on issues and avoid potential roadblocks,” said Ballard Spahr government relations partner Joseph A. Kanefield, who previously worked with Mr. Smith as part of Governor Brewer’s senior staff. “He is known for his good judgment and practical way of looking at problems. Scott is a real asset to the firm and I am thrilled to be working with him again.”

Mr. Smith is particularly well versed in issues involving health care, education, and public safety. He helped advance Governor Brewer’s agenda in each of these critical areas of state government.

“Most of the government relations attorneys at Ballard Spahr have worked in government, so they really understand how things work and how to get results for clients,” Mr. Smith said. “I am looking forward to working alongside my new colleagues to expand the group’s presence in Arizona and throughout the West.”

The Government Relations, Regulatory Affairs and Contracting Group at Ballard Spahr offers a range of services to clients in state capitals across the nation. The group monitors and provides data on government developments and gives direct assistance in legislative efforts. In economic development and government contracting matters, we help clients identify and pursue opportunities that fit their business needs.

About Ballard Spahr

Ballard Spahr LLP, a national law firm with more than 500 lawyers in 14 offices in the United States, provides a range of services in litigation, business and finance, real estate, intellectual property, and public finance. Our clients include Fortune 500 companies, financial institutions, life sciences and technology companies, health systems, investors and developers, government agencies and sponsored enterprises, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations. The firm combines a national scope of practice with strong regional market knowledge. For more information, please visit www.ballardspahr.com.