Amy Symonds is a counsel at Crowell & Moring LLP. Her practice primarily focuses on assisting clients with pesticide and chemical regulation and litigation matters. In her pesticide practice, Amy has assisted companies of all sizes by explaining complex state and federal pesticide regulatory requirements. She has conducted audits for her clients to determine and perfect compliance with the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Amy has defended numerous pesticide companies in enforcement actions brought by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). She has represented both data submitters and follow-on registrants in arbitrations regarding data compensation claims involving pesticide data submissions under FIFRA. Amy also represents pesticide companies in defending their registrations when challenged by competitors or non-governmental organizations.

Katie Heilman is a Partner in Arent Fox’s Complex Litigation and Agricultural Technology groups representing agriculture-industry clients in litigation and regulatory matters. Katie assists clients in defense of regulatory approvals of crop protection products and products of biotechnology through counseling, agency submissions, and litigation. Her recent work includes representing regulated entities and trade associations in litigation arising under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and the Endangered Species Act. Katie was recognized in the 2021 and 2022 editions of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch.

Laurie-Ann Flanagan is Executive Vice President at DCLRS with over 20 years of experience in the federal legislative and regulatory process. She is a trusted advisor and strategist at DCLRS with expertise in a variety of issues including energy, labor and immigration, pesticides and fertilizers, small business, and water policy. In addition to lobbying government officials, Laurie assists clients with strategic government relations planning. She advises clients on upcoming regulatory and legislative initiatives that could impact their businesses and helps them understand the steps needed to ensure successful advocacy efforts.

Prior to DCLRS, Laurie worked for Stateside Associates, Inc., a state government consulting firm. She previously worked for Senator John Seymour (R-CA) researching environmental and energy legislation and served as legislative aide for New York Assemblyman Robert Gaffney (R). She has also worked for several national and local political campaigns. Laurie is active in Women in Government Relations (WGR) and served on the organization’s board for six years, including as treasurer from 2010-2012. In addition, Laurie is the president of a northern Virginia-based children’s charity, Kids Sending Smiles.

Laurie earned her masters of business administration from The George Washington University in 2001. She graduated from the Catholic University of America magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa with both bachelors and masters degrees in international politics in 1994.