K. Laurie McKay is a director in the firm's Government Law and Policy practice, focusing on wide-ranging client issues including agriculture, energy and the environment, coastal management, foreign affairs, trade, gaming, and appropriations. She develops and implements legislative strategies, regularly drafts white papers and legislative language, and represents clients before Congress and federal agencies. Laurie works closely with Congressional offices on both sides of the aisle to achieve various public policy goals and has spent her career developing close working relationships throughout Capitol Hill.
Laurie has significant experience in dealing with legislation and policy affecting the tobacco industry, including the 2009 Tobacco Control Act. She played a major role in the development and final passage of the 2010 PACT Act and is experienced in dealing with state and local efforts to limit or ban tobacco use and related indoor air-quality issues.
Prior to joining the firm, Laurie served in a variety of capacities within the Public Policy and Law group at Dickstein Shapiro LLP, where she advocated on behalf of clients before the House and Senate, and provided clients with significant guidance related to federal and state campaign finance disclosure rules, lobbying and gift rules, as well as compliance issues associated with the Foreign Agents Registration Act. Additionally, she has extensive experience organizing and planning large scale political events for various clients.
Laurie previously served as Director of Federal Government Affairs with a small Washington, D.C. boutique firm, where she focused on natural resources policy, public land use, and environmental standards and policy.
Areas of Concentration
• Government law and policy
• Public policy
• Political law
Professional & Community Involvement
• Board Member, North Carolina Society of Washington Inaugural Ball, 2009, 2013
• Volunteer, Children of Mine Youth Center, 2010-Present
• Member, Society of the Founders of the City of New Orleans, 2006-Present
