Norwood & Assoc. Adds Capitol Veterans

The Sacramento-based lobbying firm of Norwood & Associates announced that Michael Mattoch and Peter Conlin have joined the firm. Mattoch, formerly chief consultant and counsel to the California Assembly Insurance Committee, will become a partner in the firm, which will change its name to Norwood & Mattoch. Conlin, who worked as legal counsel to Assembly Speaker Pringle and represented the Senate Republican Caucus in recent years, has joined as a lobbyist.

Mattoch and Conlin will deepen the firm’s offering as one of the leading lobbying firms representing companies and trade associations in the insurance and financial services sectors. This development will also strengthen its position among the top 15 lobbying firms in Sacramento. Norwood & Associates reported $1.5 million in income last year.

“We are extremely excited about the unique opportunity for an established firm to be able to add two professionals with such talent and experience,” said John Norwood, owner of Norwood & Associates. “Mike and Peter bring with them a proven track-record of being able to work at the highest levels of state government and enhance our ability to represent our clients in the Capitol.”

Norwood & Associates represents more than two-dozen clients before the California Legislature and regulatory agencies. Its client list features a blue-chip list of business, insurance and financial clients, including Insurance Brokers and Agents of the West, Inc., The First American Corporation, Liberty Mutual Group, Nationwide Insurance Enterprise and Pacific Life Insurance Company.

“John’s skill and experience as a lobbyist and integrity as a professional are renown,” Mattoch said. “I am thrilled by the opportunity to join the firm.”

“I am excited to add my experience to the value that Norwood & Associates provides to its clients and welcome the opportunity to work with John and Mike,” said Conlin.

Norwood’s career has spanned more than 25 years in various capacities representing clients before the California Legislature and regulatory agencies. During that time, he was the chief lobbyist for the California Manufacturers Association; founded and managed the Sacramento law and lobbying office of Heron, Burchette, Ruckert & Rothwell, a national political firm; and has operated Norwood & Associates for more than 10 years.

Michael Mattoch was chief consultant to the Assembly Insurance Committee. He advised members of the Legislature on issues related to financial privacy, tort reform, workers’ compensation, unemployment, health insurance and all areas of property and casualty insurance. Prior to this position, Mattoch held positions as vice president and chief counsel for the California Healthcare Association and associate director of government relations and legislative counsel for the California Medical Association.

Peter Conlin has been working in California politics since 1989, when he served as the Republican consultant to the Assembly Finance and Insurance Committee. From 1990 to 1995 he lobbied for Jackson/Barish & Associates and later for Heim, Noack & Spahnn. In 1996 he served as legal counsel to Assembly Speaker Curt Pringle. He also represented the Senate Republican Caucus during the 2001-02 redistricting process and subsequent litigation, as well as the Joint Legislative Audit Committee investigation of the Oracle Enterprise license agreement. He has also worked in private practice.

Norwood, Mattoch and Conlin are all members of the California State Bar.

Topics California Legislation