Akin Gump today announced that Dario J. Frommer has joined the firm as a partner in its public law and policy practice in Los Angeles. Mr. Frommer is a former majority leader of the California State Assembly and has held a variety of high-level state government positions. He comes to Akin Gump from Mayer Brown and will lead the firm’s California public law and policy practice.

Mr. Frommer’s practice is a mix of strategic political advice to key clients and representation of clients on high-stakes matters before state and local government entities, including rulemaking, regulatory enforcement, bids, bid protests and investigations. His broad experience includes energy, climate change, health care, tribal gaming, government procurement and election law.  Mr. Frommer has represented many of California’s most prominent companies and government agencies in his practice.

“A preeminent public policy practice is one of the hallmarks of Akin Gump,” said Kim Koopersmith, Akin Gump chairperson. “California is both a major economic driver for the nation as well as the state with the largest congressional delegation. As such, our clients will benefit tremendously by gaining access to Dario’s knowledge and experience. He is an excellent addition to our top-ranked policy group.”

Prior to his return to private practice in 2006, Mr. Frommer, in addition to serving as the Assembly’s majority leader, chaired that body’s Health Committee. He also occupied a number of high-level state government posts, including serving as appointments secretary to Gov. Gray Davis.

“Many of our clients have significant operations in California, and Dario’s stature in the state will enable us to expand the services we offer them,” noted Vic Fazio, former member of Congress from Northern California and a senior member of Akin Gump’s public law and policy practice. “Having someone like Dario join our group is a great opportunity for us and our clients.”

Mr. Frommer will join Mr. Fazio and Arshi Siddiqui, former senior advisor to former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Rep. Xavier Becerra, in advising clients with interests in California, both in Sacramento and in Washington, D.C.

“Akin Gump is the gold standard in terms of its reputation and its depth in public policy and regulatory work both in Washington, D.C., and across the country,” said Frommer. “It’s an honor for me to join such a distinguished and talented team. California continues to be a political and policy trendsetter for the nation, and I’m excited about the opportunity to add new breadth to the firm’s capabilities on the West Coast.”

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