We are a full-service government affairs and consulting firm that gets results in New York State

D&A’s partners began lobbying together in 2009 and since then the firm has been ranked near the top of lobbyist rankings on an annual basis, with D&A team members receiving myriad accolades, including spots on Albany & NY power lists.

The D&A Team have a combined 50+ years of working in state government. In that time, and via their efforts post-state service, the members of the D&A Team have built a vast network of colleagues and allies across myriad state bodies and up and down the ladder of seniority.

The firm’s partners served in senior leadership roles in the Legislature and have an in-depth understanding of the inner-workings of New York and the intricacies of Albany. They have worked on issues across the spectrum and have achieved success each step of the way.

 
 

We are experts in many issue areas

From experience in both the private and public sectors we have garnered unparalleled experience and knowledge in issue areas across the spectrum.

This is just a sample of the many issues on which we pride ourselves in bringing in-depth expertise and success.

If you have any questions about what we’ve done, what we know, how we can help, etc, we’d be happy to talk you through our experience and figure out how we can help you.

From broad, ever-present issues to niche projects, one of our team members is surely knowledgable about what you need.

If you’d like to hear more, please reach out.

 

  • Led by Partner Mike Avella, one of the state’s leading racing & gaming experts, we have done work on all aspects of the industry, from casino development, to horse racing to lottery.

  • From our work on the implementation of medical marijuana to the emerging adult-use market, D&A know the cannabis industry inside and out.

  • We understand the complexities of the healthcare industry, including providers, payers and pharmaceuticals. Our expertise in this complex field helps our clients navigate their way, including regulation, legislation, contracts and payment structures.

  • We recognize and understand the cryptocurrency industry and the impacts of blockchain technology on consumers and businesses. We help clients educate elected officials on the complexity of the emerging industry and navigate the regulatory and legislative landscape surrounding crypto in NYS.

  • Our partners and team members are experts in tax law and the financial markets and regulatory environment in New York.

  • From large telecoms corporations to start-ups in the technology space, we help ensure that our clients are able to grow and thrive.

  • We have extensive experience working with labor unions and businesses on labor issues affecting a broad cross section of industries. We help to facilitate and navigate legislation on labor protections and workplace issues and help employers navigate New York State laws and regulations impacting their business.

  • Our knowledge of and connections related to funding and budgeting in New York have given our clients direct access to state and local funding streams allowing them to access the funds that they need for growth.

  • We represent both charters and non-publics and help to ensure adequate funding and appropriate legislative approval to ensure that the children of New York can get the education they need and deserve.

  • From work on recent landmark voting reforms to expertise in the intricacies of elections and voting rights, we know elections in and out.

  • We’ve helped to guide NYS through criminal justice reforms, including raise the age and modifications to the trial and incareceral system, from pre-trial to re-entry.

  • We help a number of localities statewide navigate legislation impacting their communities. From school aid funding to housing and new infrastructure, we have been at the forefront on budgetary needs and priorities for counties, cities, and IDAs throughout NYS.

  • We represent both NY professional baseball teams, have worked with minor league teams and the NFL and have assisted film/production studios in building and growing the state’s film tax credit.

 
  • Close-up of a sign with the words 'WE HEAR YOU' printed in bold, capital letters.

    Issue Development

    If you want to effect change in New York., you need to build wide support for your issue. We know how to help grow an idea from inception to implementation.

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    Government Relations

    Knowing who to talk to, how to gain access and which relationships to create and leverage is the only way to get your issue across the finish line.

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    Budget Advocacy

    If you need funding in New York, you need to understand how to navigate the budget process and how to access the people who hold the purse strings.

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    Legislative Monitoring

    Things move quickly in Albany. We keep track of issues important to you so you know what’s going on and can react accordingly.

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    Procurement & Contracts

    Knowledge about availibility of & access to contracts is key to procurement in NY. We monitor & help navigate the process.

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    Executive & Regulatory

    There are many layers of government and oversight in NY. Knowing how they interact is vital to impacting & complying with law.

Dickinson & Avella is led by partners Michael Avella and Christina Dickinson, who were both former counsels to the New York State Senate. They each bring their own area of expertise, relationships and knowledge base in the world of New York State government. Michael and Christina worked for State Government for more than 30 years combined and have joined forces to become an effective lobbying team in all avenues of local, state and federal government. The D&A team together possess 50+ years in state government. The experience and knowledge the members of the D&A team possess means that our clients are well served and given unparalleled access to the many layers of state government. The Firm’s ability to navigate through the ever-changing playing field that is New York State politics is tremendous and translates into success for our clients.

Together, Michael Avella, Christina Dickinson and the D&A team have been at the forefront of many major legislative and policy initiatives that have come before the State. Most notably, they were retained on the issues of marriage equality, medical marijuana, casino gaming, criminal justice reform and education reform – all of which were long fought battles in New York State and all of which achieved success in the past several years.