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Jennifer J. Lacey

Attorney

Areas Of Focus
Government Relations and Public Policy

Jennifer Lacey helps organizations of all sizes and types navigate government. She has strong federal, state and local relationships and is involved in government relations at a high level. Her experience spans several industries, including K-12 and higher education entities, hospitals and health care providers, tech corporations, small businesses and trade associations. She works with clients on state and local government relations including:

    • Legislative and administrative lobbying
    • Legislation analysis and drafting
    • Public policy and strategy development
    • Corporate positioning
    • Business development
    • Contract procurement
    • Political campaigns and fundraising

Jennifer guides companies through every stage of the legislative process. She maintains a constant presence in U.S. Congress and the Tennessee General Assembly, monitoring committee agendas and calendars. In addition to federal and state government, she monitors meetings outside of the legislature. She is at the forefront of complex issues covering multiple industries and has steered landmark telecommunications, education, land use and health care laws. She also helps clients secure funding and approval for technology, education, infrastructure, health care and economic development projects.

Prior to private practice, Jennifer worked in Washington, D.C., for the U.S. State Department Office of Protocol helping coordinate official state visits to the White House, navigating strict protocol and facilitating diplomatic relationships. She then worked on Capitol Hill and served as a health care policy advisor and legislative assistant to U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist. In addition to her policy experience, Jennifer has held various positions on state, local and national political campaigns including political director, grassroots coordinator and advance coordinator.   

Experience

  • Managed the project and funding requests for two multimillion-dollar grants through the Department of Health for a hospital client, allowing the client to make capital improvements to the hospital and support a program for expectant mothers.
  • Secured legislative approvals and multiyear, multimillion-dollar budget through Tennessee General Assembly for Department of Health safety net fund and pilot program between state and local university to expand dental care provider training and patient access across 33 counties in East Tennessee.
  • Procured $2.5 million state investment in public-private partnerships between Tennessee universities and Knoxville-based biopharmaceutical company to develop innovative animal health drug products and treatments for serious cancers and disorders.

Recognition

  • AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
  • Top 40 Under 40, Nashville Business Journal (2019)
  • “Lawyer of the Year” Land Use and Zoning Law, The Best Lawyers in America (2016, 2021, 2022)
  • Justice Joe Henry Award for Outstanding Legal Writing, Tennessee Bar Association (2015)

Education

  • University of Tennessee College of Law, J.D., 2004
  • University of Tennessee, B.A., Psychology, 2000

Credentials

  • Tennessee

Memberships and Affiliations

Professional 

    • American Bar Association
    • Tennessee Bar Association
    • Tennessee Lobbyist Association
    • Nashville Bar Association
    • American Enterprise Institute Enterprise Club

Civic  

    • Adventure Science Center in Nashville, Board of Directors and Development Committee
    • Junior League of Tennessee, Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee – Chair (2014–2016)
    • Junior League of Nashville, Advocacy and Public Awareness Committee – Chair
    • University of Tennessee Alumni Board for Davidson County
    • Tennessee State Museum Young Professionals Council

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