Sandra M. Cotter Named Director of Dykema's Regulated Industries Department and Leader of the Government Policy & Practice Group

Dykema, a leading national law firm, today announced that Sandra M. Cotter has been named Director of the firm's Regulated Industries Department, effective January 2015. Cotter will be taking over for Leonard Wolfe, who is joining the firm’s Executive Board. Cotter will also assume Wolfe’s role as Leader of Dykema’s Government Policy and Practice group.

Cotter, who joined Dykema in 1989, is based in the firm’s Lansing office, has substantial experience in handling legislative and regulatory matters, principally in the areas of liquor control, insurance, elections, and campaign finance. She is in frequent contact with Michigan's executive office, state legislators and various agencies, including the Department of Insurance and Financial Services and the Liquor Control Commission. Cotter has been involved in drafting complex legislation and administrative rules on a variety of matters including insurance, liquor control, economic development, gaming, and environmental regulation.

“Sandi has an impressive background in government policy and a vast amount of experience working with legislators and government agencies,” said Peter Kellett, Chairman and CEO of Dykema. “Under her guidance, Dykema’s Regulated Industries Department and Government Policy & Practice group will be in very good hands.”

Cotter has received a number of gubernatorial appointments, including service on the Michigan Natural Resource Management and Environmental Code Commission, the Saginaw Valley State University Board of Control, the Site Review Board, and most recently, Governor Snyder's Occupational Licensing Advisory Rules Committee. The recommendations of that committee have been implemented through legislation and rules in 2012 and 2013.

“I’m extremely excited to lead our Regulated Industries Department and continue to ensure that our Government Policy & Practice team helps our clients strengthen their voices in the political realm and achieves their objectives,” said Cotter. “Our attorneys and government policy advisors will sustain our passion for delivering exceptional client service and work closely with our clients to understand their government policy goals in order to devise effective strategies to promote their best interests.”

Cotter has served on the Firm's Professional Personnel Committee for several years she works closely with the Firm's lobbying team. She is active in the State Bar's Latin American Bar Section, serving as Treasurer for the past two years. She has also been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® each of the last three years, as well as being named a Michigan Leading Lawyer by the Leading Lawyers Network in 2014.

Cotter received a B.S. from Michigan State University and a J.D. from the University of Michigan.