Press Release

NEW YORK and NEW ORLEANS—Rick A. Lazio, former U.S. Representative from New York, has announced that he is joining the law firm of Jones, Walker, Waechter, Poitevent, Carrère & Denègre, L.L.P. ("Jones Walker") as a partner and will head the firm's first New York office.

Mr. Lazio is joining Jones Walker to focus on issues of affordable housing and related housing finance, as well as financial services. "I am excited to be joining Jones Walker and to be leading their move to New York. The firm has a long history of advocating for housing issues, particularly after hurricane Katrina, and the attorneys continue to work with Congress to improve housing for many throughout the U.S." Mr. Lazio will also have an office in Jones Walker's Washington office.

In addition to his service in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he chaired the Housing Subcommittee, Mr. Lazio became well known nationally when he ran for the U.S. Senate in 2000. While a Congressman, Lazio served as Deputy Majority Whip and Assistant Majority Leader.

Prior to joining Jones Walker, Mr. Lazio served as CEO of the Financial Services Forum and was a member of the Executive Committee of JPMorgan Chase. He also served as Managing Director with the Real Assets Group of JPMorgan Asset Management. Prior to this, he was President and Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Services Forum.

William H. Hines, the firm's Managing Partner, made the announcement. "We are thrilled to have Rick Lazio as a partner. He is devoted to the cause of affordable housing and will be a valuable contributor to our firm's efforts in the housing finance and real estate practices. His leadership and experience in financial services will be a very valuable addition to this firm. He will also be heading our new office in New York, which is an important complement to our growth strategy as a firm."

Mr. Lazio received his A.B. from Vassar College in 1980 and received his juris doctor degree from the Washington College of Law at American University. In addition to heading Jones Walker's New York office, he will lead the firm’s Housing and Housing Finance team which will include attorneys from several practice areas including real estate, banking and financial services, business and commercial transactions, tax, and government relations.

Jones, Walker, Waechter, Poitevent, Carrère & Denègre L.L.P., with more than 375 attorneys, provides a comprehensive range of legal services to a national and international corporate client base in highly regulated industries through offices in Alabama, Arizona, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, New York, and Texas.

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