Lucy Okumu Joins Strategic Counsel as Policy and Communications Strategist

Strategic Counsel PLC, a Los Angeles-based law firm uniquely blending legal expertise and experience with deep public policy insight and strategic communications capabilities, today announced that Lucy Okumu joined the firm as a policy and communications strategist in the firm's government group.

"Lucy brings a unique perspective and remarkable combination of skills to Strategic Counsel," said Cynthia McClain-Hill, managing partner of Strategic Counsel. "Her ability to merge the ideas and talents of incredibly diverse groups and interests and drive outcomes that have long-term impact is a rare talent that will benefit all of our clients."

Ms. Okumu will utilize her intimate knowledge and extensive experience in public policy analysis at all levels of government as she works with clients facing the often conflicting preferences of their constituencies. A versatile professional, Ms. Okumu provides strategic advice on politics, legislative and communications issues, and effectively devises solutions that have widespread implications. Ms. Okumu has successfully built bonds between communities, businesses, and public institutions to bring about a mutual understanding around critical issues. In doing so, Ms. Okumu honed her analytical problem-solving and negotiating skills while developing a keen insight in fostering collaboration among a wide range of stakeholders.

Previously, Ms. Okumu worked as director of external affairs and acted as the primary political and strategic advisor to the superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). In this position, she was responsible for local government outreach to the 26 cities within the school district, and liaising between the superintendent and elected officials. She proactively communicated about the superintendent's initiatives and built strategic, often collaborative relationships with civic leaders and community and business organizations. Earlier, Ms. Okumu worked as a legislative advocate for the LAUSD working on policy and legislative issues in Sacramento, where she worked for and developed alliances with labor and management organizations.

Prior to working with the LAUSD, Ms. Okumu was the executive director for New Schools Better Neighborhoods in Los Angeles, where she managed the organization's operations and project development, led strategic planning with consultant teams, interacted with funders, and secured new clients from school districts, local municipalities, and non-profit groups. Ms. Okumu also worked as a legislative deputy to Los Angeles City Councilwoman Wendy Greuel, where she provided guidance on labor and education issues, and effectively built relationships with other council offices and City Hall staff. Ms. Okumu began her career as a policy analyst for the California School Board Association where she trained school districts in building system-wide service programs.

Ms. Okumu takes an active role in her community, volunteering as a mentor to college students and guest-lecturing at the University of Southern California. She has served on various boards including the Los Angeles County Young Democrats and the Center for African Peace and Conflict Resolution.

Ms. Okumu earned a bachelor's degree in international relations from the University of California, Davis, and a master's degree in public policy from the University of Southern California.

Strategic Counsel is an interdisciplinary firm that uniquely blends legal expertise and experience with deep public policy insight and strategic communications capabilities. The firm's distinctly integrated approach is focused on providing forceful, proactive and proven representation in a way that protects the clients' interests while also advancing their long-term objectives. With Strategic Counsel, clients know they can count on a highly skilled team of lawyers, political experts and communications strategists to understand and resolve their complex business issues, and help them navigate the waters where law, business, politics and public perceptions meet. For more information, visit www.strategicounsel.com.