NEW YORK – Oct. 2, 2019 – Two former New York officials have joined the Government Law & Policy Practice at global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP. The firm named highly sought-after lobbyist and former New York State Assemblyman Jonathan L. Bing as a shareholder in the New York and Albany offices. India L. Sneed, a former Mayoral Initiative Deputy Executive Director joins as an associate in New York. Sneed is a former Kings County Assistant District Attorney.
“Having Jonathan and India join us, on the heels of Bryan Grimaldi former COO & General Counsel of NYC and Company, is an important statement that Greenberg Traurig is on a roll in government advocacy,” said Ed Wallace, Co-Chair of the New York City office and shareholder in the Government Law & Policy Practice. “Our real estate, land use and environmental lawyers can join forces with our government law and policy practitioners and intersect with government in the most effective and efficient way.”
Jonathan Bing
“Jonathan ranks as one of New York’s most effective advocates. We are thrilled that he will complement our already deep bench of professionals,” said John Mascialino, Chair of the New York City Government Law & Policy Practice.
Bing joins from Jackson Lewis where he was a Principal and Co-Chair of that firm’s Government Relations Practice.
“I was drawn to the firm because of the Government Law & Policy Practice’s unmatched platform - a local, team of more than 25 government affairs professionals in New York City and Albany, complemented by a national practice with offices across the country who work cooperatively with the federal practice,” Bing said. “I look forward to introducing my clients to the robust team here in New York and around the country.”
Bing served for nine years in the Assembly representing Manhattan’s Upper East Side and East Midtown, where he chaired the Assembly Oversight Committee among others. In 2011, Governor Cuomo appointed him Special Deputy Superintendent of the New York Department of Financial Services in charge of the Liquidation Bureau where he oversaw impaired insurance companies. Since 2012 Bing has advised corporate industry associations, businesses and nonprofit clients in the entertainment, financial services, health care, hospitality, transportation, and social services industries. He helps clients advance legislation in the New York State Legislature and New York City Council, secure funding from state and city budgets, and navigate New York government.
“Having worked alongside Jonathan in the past, I have witnessed the positive impact he’s made on the businesses and people of New York and couldn’t be more proud that he has joined our dynamic team,” said Sam NeJame, Chair of the New York State Government Law & Policy Practice.
Bing authored 85 bills that passed the Assembly, three dozen of which were signed into law by four New York governors, including a law which expanded the statute of limitations for workers compensation claims made by September 11th rescue, recovery, and cleanup workers. Before being elected to the Assembly, Bing practiced management-side labor and employment law and was chosen as the New York Coordinator of the FEMA/American Bar Association’s Disaster Legal Services program.
Bing received his J.D. from New York University School of Law, B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania, and his LL.D., honorary, from LIM College.
Also joining from Jackson Lewis is Ellen Gustafson, as an Assistant Director in the Government Law & Policy Practice. Gustafson previously worked with Bing and will continue to do so at Greenberg Traurig. She advocates on behalf of clients before various City agencies and advises on a range of legislative and regulatory matters. She holds a J.D. from New York Law School and a B.A. from Washington and Lee University.
India Sneed
Sneed was Deputy Executive Director of the Mayor’s Action Plan for Neighborhood Safety, Mayor’s Office of New York City. In 2018 she served as Chief of Staff to the 41st District Councilmember, where she oversaw the legislative, budget, and community engagement priorities led by the Councilmember. Prior to that, she was Assistant District Attorney for Kings County, New York, where she prosecuted criminal offenses and was appointed to the Investigations Division – Civil Rights Bureau, as well as Brooklyn Young Adult Court. She has tried six trials; three of which were jury. Sneed also served as Executive Director of New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus in 2014 and as Legislative and Budget Director to the 28th District Council member from 2011 to 2013.
Sneed simultaneously received her J.D. from Touro College, Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center, M.B.A. from Long Island University – C.W. Post Campus and her B.A. from City University of New York at Baruch College.
About Greenberg Traurig’s Government Law & Policy Practice: Greenberg Traurig’s Government Law & Policy Practice combines the capabilities of its Federal Practice in Washington, D.C. with its state and local practices across the country. The firm’s national team of governmental affairs professionals and attorneys spans major political and commercial capitals throughout the United States, including: Albany, Austin, Denver, New York City, Philadelphia, Sacramento, Tallahassee, and Washington, D.C. Most recently, Greenberg Traurig’s Government Law & Policy team was “Top Listed” for Government Relations in Best Lawyers in America’s 2018 edition. The team was also named “Law Firm of the Year” for Government Relations by the U.S. News-Best Lawyers 2014 edition of “Best Law Firms.” The practice also received the most first-tier Government Relations rankings in the U.S.
About Greenberg Traurig, LLP: Greenberg Traurig, LLP (GT) has approximately 2100 attorneys in 41 offices in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. GT has been recognized for its philanthropic giving, diversity, and innovation, and is consistently among the largest firms in the U.S. on the Law360 400 and among the Top 20 on the Am Law Global 100. Web: www.gtlaw.com Twitter: @GT_Law