Royce Poinsett, who has developed a broad range of government relations expertise in handling federal, state and local issues, has returned to Baker Botts L.L.P. as special counsel based in the firm’s Austin office.
“Royce’s wealth of experience in government relations will further strengthen this practice area for the firm,” said Baker Botts Managing Partner Walt Smith. “Royce will help our clients prepare for the 2013 Texas legislative session. He will also work with clients as we continue to grow this practice area in our Texas and Washington offices.”
Poinsett began his legal career in 1998 as an associate with Baker Botts. He left the firm for public service at the Texas Capitol, serving as counsel and policy advisor to Governor Rick Perry and then to Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives Tom Craddick through 11 regular and special legislative sessions. Poinsett served elected officials from both sides of the political aisle, including Texas Governor George W. Bush, U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson, and Baltimore City Councilman Martin O’Malley, now Governor of Maryland.
Texas Capitol Inside named Poinsett a “Rising Lobby Star to Watch” in 2009. In recent years, Poinsett has provided government relations representation to major corporations and trade associations, including ExxonMobil, Nestle Waters North America, Gaylord Entertainment, Brocade Communications Systems, Texas Motorcycle Dealers Association, National Association of Theatre Owners and Pew Charitable Trusts.
Poinsett earned his Juris Doctor from The University of Texas at Austin, where he was a member of the Texas Law Review. He earned his undergraduate degree from The Johns Hopkins University and a master’s degree from the London School of Economics. He was named a finalist for the Austin Under 40 “Austinite of the Year” award in 2011, and is a member of the board of directors of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Austin and Central Texas. Before returning to Baker Botts, Poinsett was at McGinnis Lochridge & Kilgore, LLP.
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