Practice Areas

 

Our team regularly works with the Administration and Congress on issues affecting the sports and leisure industries such as copyright enforcement, governance, media rights, mergers, sponsorships, tax issues, and access to public lands and the outdoors.

 

In addition, the Monument Policy Group has developed specific expertise in assisting clients in the promotion and development of programs to create healthier and more active communities. We have assisted in efforts to combat obesity, create open spaces outdoors for youth, and promote youth sports. 

 

Our team includes founder and partner Stewart Verdery, who previously served as the Assistant Secretary of Policy at the Department of Homeland Security. In that capacity, he worked on a number of issues affecting the sports and leisure industries, including stadium overflights and visa and entry policies. Stewart also represented DHS during the U.S. government’s presentation to the International Olympic Committee in support of the New York City 2012 Olympic bid. During Stewart’s six years as a Senate counsel, including service as General Counsel to Senate Assistant Majority Leader Don Nickles (R-OK), Stewart worked on a range of sports issues including antitrust matters, labor policy, and drug testing. Stewart played college baseball and is an avid golfer and hiker.

 

Partner Tim Punke has assisted clients on issues related to recreation and access to public lands, including on appropriations and tax issues. Tim’s background includes work on environmental issues – both during government service and as a Board Member of the King County Conservation Voters. Tim’s experience on health issues, including during his four years on the Senate Finance Committee, has proven valuable to clients’ work on the intersection of health and sport/leisure. Tim’s interests include hiking and fishing, and he is an active endurance athlete, having completed three Ironman triathlons, and more than ten marathons.  

 

Partner Jessica Herrera-Flanigan most recently served as Staff Director & General Counsel of the House Committee on Homeland Security under Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS), where she oversaw the Committee’s legislative, policy, and oversight activities, including issues relating to sports security, the designation of National Special Security Events, and pandemic threats.  She has been actively engaged in issues relating to women and sports and has worked extensively on amateur sports issues, as well as antitrust sports issues.  Jessica holds a 1^st degree black belt in tae kwon do and is an active markswoman and cyclist. 

 

Monument Policy Group maintains close relationships with key Congressional members and committees with jurisdiction over sports and leisure industries, including the Senate and House Judiciary, Senate Commerce and House Energy and Commerce, Senate Finance, House Ways and Means, Senate and House Natural Resources, and Senate and House Appropriations Committees. We also have excellent relationships with agencies such as the Federal Communications Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. Department of Justice, and White House offices with relevant roles.

REPRESENTATIVE MATTERS

 

• Support leading amateur sports group on its efforts to promote amateur sports domestically and internationally.

• Advise leading outdoor gear store on issues relating to public lands, outdoor activities, advertising, health, and trade.

• Represent volunteer-based organization dedicated to the preservation and management of the natural, scenic, historic, and cultural resources associated with the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.

• Assist video game manufacturer and publishers association in its efforts relating to active and fitness games.