Former Gibbons CoS Joins Lobbying Firm

The law firm of Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck is expanding its government relations group and its Nevada presence with the addition of Joshua “Josh” J. Hicks. He will open the firm’s Reno office.

“The opening of our Reno office demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the Nevada business community,” said Ellen Schulhofer, managing partner of Brownstein’s Las Vegas office. “Establishing a presence in Reno increases our geographic footprint and government relations capabilities across the West. As a result, we can provide our clients with even more comprehensive state and local lobbying, public policy, and legal representation.”

Hicks, a practicing attorney for more than 11 years, most recently served as chief of staff for Nevada’s Office of the Governor. He joins Brownstein’s government relations group where his practice focuses on public policy, administrative law, Nevada tax law and election law. He will work closely with attorneys and policy advisors across Brownstein’s offices to provide government relations counsel to a range of companies, associations, non-profits and other organizations.

With an extensive career in state government, Hicks oversaw a staff of twenty, while assisting with administrative, legal, communications and constituent services, as well as government affairs operations. Hicks worked as general counsel and deputy chief of staff to the Governor, serving as the primary legal advisor as well as the liaison between the Governor and State Legislators, departments and agencies. Additionally, Hicks served as senior deputy attorney general, representing the Secretary of State, the Nevada Tax Commission and Nevada Department of Taxation.

Hicks earned his bachelor’s degree from Santa Clara University and his law degree from Santa Clara University School of Law. He is a member of the Nevada, California and Washoe County Bar Associations, as well as a barrister in Inns of Court. Hicks has also made appearances as both a primary guest and a pundit on Nevada Newsmakers.

Ranked by the Center for Responsive Politics among the top 10 federal lobbying practices, Brownstein’s government relations group is a full-service lobbying, public policy and legal representation practice. The group provides service at the federal, state and local levels, including legislative consulting, and policy development in front of Congress, federal agencies and regulatory bodies. With the opening of its Reno location, Brownstein now has a presence in each state capital where the firm is located, including California, Colorado, New Mexico and Nevada, as well as Washington, D.C., enhancing the firm’s state and local government relations capabilities.