Mayor’s Legislative Affairs First Deputy Director Joins Manatt

Reggie Thomas, most recently first deputy director in New York Mayor Bill de Blasio’s Office of City Legislative Affairs, joined national law and consulting firm Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, as an advisor in the New York City Government, Policy and Government Contracts practice, on Sept. 30.
 
Thomas previously served as deputy director and senior policy advisor to former Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
 
Reggie will be a tremendous addition,” said Katie Schwab, co-chair of Manatt’s New York City Government practice. “He has a deep understanding of the legislative, land use and policy issues that affect how business is done in the City. As a skilled and respected legislative analyst and negotiator, Reggie will be an invaluable resource to our clients.”
 
As first deputy director, Thomas supervised all legislative workflow with the mayor’s office, speaker’s office, agency senior staff and others to achieve successful outcomes. He worked closely with Mayor de Blasio on legislative, land use and budget actions.
 
In addition to Schwab, Thomas joins a highly-qualified team of local professionals, including practice co-chair Steven Polan, senior advisor Preston Niblack, advisors Joshua Bocian and Rose Christ, who provide the seasoned savviness required for dealing with New York City’s challenging governing system. Many have served in government at high levels and have a keen understanding of the political landscape and governing environment that comes from firsthand experience. With backgrounds rooted in local and grass roots politics, mayoral administrative service, and active representation on public and civic boards, Manatt provides clients with high-value experience and sophisticated guidance.