NY State Bar Names Former Hochul Official to Lead Policy Efforts

The New York State Bar Association on Monday announced Matthew Pennello, former cabinet affairs director for Gov. Kathy Hochul (D), as the association’s new head of government relations.

Pennello, who most recently served as external affairs director for the state’s insurance fund, takes up the mantle more than three years after the association’s last full-time director, Ron Kennedy, stepped down in December 2020. The role has since been filled by other members of the association’s staff.

Access to justice is at the top of Pennello’s priority list, which includes continuing the bar’s efforts to get rid of a century-old law ...