State Attorneys General

The State AG Report Blog

NCAA Agrees to End NIL Restrictions | AGs Fight RoboCall Loophole | Indiana Not Gambling with Illegal Gaming

The State AG Report – 03.20.2025

Here are curated AG and federal regulatory news stories highlighting key areas in which state and federal regulators’ decisions are having an impact across the US:

  • Bipartisan AGs Support FCC’s Rule Closing Robocall Loophole
  • NCAA Agrees to Ban on NIL Restrictions
  • Democratic AGs Challenge Education Dept Cuts
  • FTC Presses Pause on Alleged E-Commerce Business Opportunity Scheme
  • Don’t Gamble with Illegal Gaming Websites, Indiana AG Warns
  • NY AG Appoints Comms. Director; PA Senate to Vote on Consumer Advocate

Read more here

 

As their state’s chief legal officer, state attorneys general (AGs) wield broad authority to investigate and take action on virtually any subject and in any industry. With the increasing use of the office as a springboard for higher political ambitions, AGs across the country are continuing to grow in prominence, power, and influence. Any company that hires employees, makes or sells a product, offers a service, conducts marketing, or engages with consumers may be subject to scrutiny by an AG.

Cozen O’Connor was one of the first firms to establish a team dedicated to representing clients in AG investigations and litigation, and counselling clients on state AG matters. Our attorneys work at the cutting edge of issues of critical importance to AGs, including antitrust, cybersecurity, data privacy, consumer protection, the environment, and labor laws. We serve a wide range of clients, from nimble start-ups to Fortune 50 companies. With more than 40 years’ experience, and backed by the resources of an Am Law Global 100 firm, we help companies analyze and interpret AGs’ interests and understand how those interests inform their enforcement and policy priorities. We actively engage in dialogue with AG offices and regularly attend AG events and meetings to advocate on our clients’ behalf. Our team is nationally recognized for our deep understanding of how every AG office operates and our relationships in the AG community. When AGs, either alone, in multi-state actions, or jointly with federal agencies, focus their attention on a company’s activities or business practices and an investigation or lawsuit ensues, we have the experience and knowledge to mount a vigorous defense.

Members of the Cozen O’Connor State AG Group have served both in senior government and in-house positions, providing us with a unique perspective and ability to assist our clients. We have first-hand experience in the formulation of policy positions and long-standing professional relationships with key decision-makers. We also appreciate the imperatives of business, and are focused on achieving practical solutions that align with our clients’ long term strategic business goals.

Our services include:

  • Establishing and maintaining dialogue with AGs
  • Anticipating and crafting creative solutions to address state AG and federal agency policy positions that impact clients
  • Minimizing litigation exposure
  • Defending vigorously against AG investigations and lawsuits

As the internet has revolutionized business, whole industries such as transportation, gaming, energy, financial services and hospitality have been turned on their heads by new entrants, new technologies, and new ways of doing business. We have particular experience working with clients to address the “square peg, round hole” issues brought by innovators in these “disrupted” industries, as well as in other industries such as banking, software and technology, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, and nutritional and dietary supplements.

AFFIRMATIVE OUTREACH EFFORTS AND CAMPAIGNS

State AGs can be powerful allies, or indeed adversaries, when it comes to causes and issues their constituents care about. Our team formulates and executes multi-pronged outreach and advocacy efforts to educate AGs and encourage action that supports our clients’ business goals. Based on our in-depth knowledge of policy, state law, and individual AGs’ priorities, we focus on those AGs where there is alignment with our clients’ business objectives. We aim to control and shape our clients’ narrative, before someone else does.

State AGs can have a significant impact on the outcome of litigation as amici. Our team regularly works with clients to identify state AG champions who would have a stake in Supreme Court cases affecting their interests and have secured AG amicus support in the U.S. Supreme Court in many landmark cases, including Concepcion, Twombly and linkLine.

INVESTIGATIONS AND LITIGATION

As the chief consumer protection advocates in their states, AGs regularly investigate and take enforcement action against businesses under their states’ unfair, deceptive, and abusive practices laws (commonly referred to as UDAP laws). Our team has successfully resolved investigations and other enforcement actions involving all 50 states and the District of Columbia in connection with alleged violations of consumer protection laws involving sales, marketing, pricing, and labeling of products and services. On behalf of our clients, we also regularly work with consumer protection staff within state AG offices to address consumer complaints and resolve potential disputes before they escalate to lengthy and expensive litigation or investigations.

We also have extensive experience advising clients in antitrust matters involving state and federal competition enforcers, particularly as federal agencies have begun coordinating and undertaking joint actions with their AG counterparts. Our lawyers regularly handle investigations and high-stakes litigation involving state AGs and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Department of Justice (DOJ), and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). We regularly clear mergers with AG antitrust enforcers, and have represented clients with respect to the largest mergers in the telecommunications and pharmaceutical industries.

COMPLEX DISPUTE RESOLUTION

With a deep bench of experience defending actions brought by AGs, our team defends companies facing civil investigative demands, subpoenas, and lawsuits. Given today’s rapid escalation in active enforcement, AG action can result in critical business exposure. AGs may act alone, as part of a multi-state action, or in concert with other federal regulators such as the DOJ, FTC, CFPB, FCC, and SEC, as well as Congress. We have represented clients in large and complex “bet-the-company” suits that often present novel legal issues and involve coordinated action by numerous AGs. We work with our clients to facilitate favorable outcomes throughout the entirety of a matter from document collection, review and production, discovery, pre-trial motions, settlement negotiations, and, if necessary, trial.

DATA PRIVACY AND INFORMATION SECURITY

Enforcement of data protection and privacy laws has become an area of intense focus for AGs in recent years. We advise companies in the retail, finance, healthcare, credit card, telecommunications, pharmaceutical, and other industries on cybersecurity, data privacy, and information security matters before AGs. We conduct data breach counseling, represent clients facing AG scrutiny for their data management practices, assist clients in navigating the complex data breach notification process, and help resolve AG inquiries into data loss. We also conduct internal investigations and counsel clients with respect to the legal, political, and public relations issues that result from data breach incidents.

The firm provides an expansive and integrative strategy with extensive experience across all state attorneys general offices…with a reputation for being the best for state-by-state regulatory advice.
Chambers USA 2023
Share on LinkedIn

Experience

Publications

State AG Pulse | DEI in the Federal and State Spotlight

March 24, 2025

Season 5 of State AG Pulse kicks off with State AG Group attorneys Chris Allen and Ann-Marie Luciano in conversation with Vice-Chair of Cozen O’Connor’s Labor & Employment Group, Mike Schmidt, on the Trump administration’s recent EOs on DEI, the latest guidance from the EEOC, and what state AGs are doing in reaction to these developments.

NCAA Agrees to End NIL Restrictions | AGs Fight RoboCall Loophole | Indiana Not Gambling with Illegal Gaming

March 20, 2025

The State AG Report – 03.20.2025 Here are curated AG and federal regulatory news stories highlighting key areas in which state and federal regulators’ decisions are having an impact across the US.

New Antitrust Remedies Proposed for Google | AGs Block NIH Grant Cuts | GOP AGs Push DeepSeek AI Ban

March 13, 2025

The State AG Report – 03.13.2025 Here are curated AG and federal regulatory news stories highlighting key areas in which state and federal regulators’ decisions are having an impact across the US.

You don’t need DEI programs to have diverse workplaces, say employment lawyers

March 12, 2025

In the ABA Journal, Ann-Marie Luciano comments on the importance of updating training programs to reflect changes in DEI policies and practices, and also staying informed on the actions of state AGs to understand where they stand on these issues.

New Challenges For NJ Businesses As Trump DEI Directives Conflict With State Obligations

March 07, 2025

In a CIANJ’s Guest Blog post Maria Colsey Heard and Ann-Marie Luciano review guidance issued by New Jersey AG Matt Platkin in the wake of DEI-related Executive Orders and offer suggestions for how businesses can respond.

States and Feds Continue Crackdown on Hidden Fees

March 06, 2025

Christopher Allen and Hannah Land discuss regulations and pending law suits to prevent companies from charging customers additional fees at the point of purchase.

AGs Take a Bite out of Retail Crime | NY Fights Flavored Vapes | FTC Eyes Tech Censorship

February 27, 2025

The State AG Report – 02.27.2025 Here are curated AG and federal regulatory news stories highlighting key areas in which state and federal regulators’ decisions are having an impact across the US.

AGs Seek to Muzzle DOGE | Texas Probes DeepSeek | Climate Litigation Heats Up

February 20, 2025

The State AG Report – 02.20.2025 Here are curated AG and federal regulatory news stories highlighting key areas in which state and federal regulators’ decisions are having an impact across the US.

[+] [View All Publications]

Events & Seminars

Upcoming Events

General Counsel Conference Midwest

April 08, 2025 - Chicago, IL

State AG Group co-chair Dustin McDaniel will moderate a panel including Louisiana AG Liz Murrill and Scientific Games’ James Schultz at the General Counsel Conference Midwest on April 8.

2025 Antitrust Spring Meeting

April 02, 2025 - Washington, D.C.

Milton Marquis will participate in a panel discussion at the 2025 ABA Antitrust Spring Meeting titled Novel Uses of Consumer Protection Authority.

Health Care & Life Sciences Unlocked: A Weekly Briefing

April 01, 2025 - Webinar

Cozen O’Connor invites you to attend a weekly webinar series exploring critical issues impacting the legal landscape for health care and life sciences businesses.

Past Events

[+] [View All Events]

In The News

Cozen O’Connor Promotes 31 Attorneys to Member and Senior Principal

March 20, 2025

“It’s always a pleasure to recognize the hard work and dedication of our attorneys and government relations professionals,” said Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Michael J. Heller. “This outstanding class of new members and senior principals will undoubtedly propel Cozen O’Connor’s ongoing success.”

Cozen O’Connor Announces New Group Leadership, OMPs, Other Promotions

March 11, 2025

Cozen O’Connor announced today new practice group leadership, office managing partners, and leaders of firm committees and initiatives.

Cozen O’Connor Recognized as a “Best Law Firm” in 31 Practice Areas Nationwide, 54 Practice Areas Regionally

November 07, 2024

In 2024, Best Lawyers received more than 100,000 client references and observed a 65% increase in client participation in their survey.

Best Lawyers Honors More Than 200 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys in its Best Lawyers in America 2025 Edition

August 15, 2024

Best Lawyers selected 242 Cozen O’Connor lawyers from 24 of the firm’s U.S. offices for inclusion in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America.

Cozen O’Connor’s State Attorneys General Group Adds Former Arkansas AG Dustin McDaniel as Co-Chair

July 01, 2024

McDaniel served as Arkansas’s attorney general (AG) from 2007 to 2015 after serving a term in the state’s House of Representatives.

Nearly 100 Cozen O’Connor Lawyers, 27 Practices Earn Top Recognition in Chambers USA 2024 Guide

June 10, 2024

Chambers USA rankings are based on an “assessment of a firm’s work and opinions from external market sources, with an emphasis on client feedback.” In order to be ranked in the guide, lawyers and firms must demonstrate “sustained excellence.”

Cozen O’Connor Applauds Kalani’s New Role at DraftKings; Kilgore To Lead State AG Group

April 22, 2024

Kalani was named the first ever Chief Responsible Gaming Officer at DraftKings, a role that reflects DraftKings’ industry-leading approach to player safety and protection activities and perfectly aligns with Kalani's commitment to the development of a regulatory framework that promotes healthy and mindful participation in gaming activities.

Eleven Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Recognized as Washington, D.C., Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

April 22, 2024

Seven attorneys were recognized as Super Lawyers and four were named Rising Stars, a list that recognizes attorneys under the age of 40.

Cozen O’Connor Announces New Group Chairs, Office Managing Partners, Other Promotions

February 15, 2024

The firm announced several new practice group chairs, office managing partners, and leaders of firm committees and initiatives

[+] [View All News]

Contacts

Jerry W. Kilgore

Co-Chair, State Attorneys General

jkilgore@cozen.com

(804) 762-6916

Dustin McDaniel

Co-Chair, State Attorneys General

dmcdaniel@cozen.com

(501) 404-4010

Milton A. Marquis

Vice Chair, State Attorneys General

mmarquis@cozen.com

(202) 471-3417

People

Awards

Cozen O’Connor Promotes 31 Attorneys to Member and Senior Principal

March 20, 2025

“It’s always a pleasure to recognize the hard work and dedication of our attorneys and government relations professionals,” said Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Michael J. Heller. “This outstanding class of new members and senior principals will undoubtedly propel Cozen O’Connor’s ongoing success.”

Cozen O’Connor Announces New Group Leadership, OMPs, Other Promotions

March 11, 2025

Cozen O’Connor announced today new practice group leadership, office managing partners, and leaders of firm committees and initiatives.

Cozen O’Connor Recognized as a “Best Law Firm” in 31 Practice Areas Nationwide, 54 Practice Areas Regionally

November 07, 2024

In 2024, Best Lawyers received more than 100,000 client references and observed a 65% increase in client participation in their survey.

Nearly 100 Cozen O’Connor Lawyers, 27 Practices Earn Top Recognition in Chambers USA 2024 Guide

June 10, 2024

Chambers USA rankings are based on an “assessment of a firm’s work and opinions from external market sources, with an emphasis on client feedback.” In order to be ranked in the guide, lawyers and firms must demonstrate “sustained excellence.”

Best Lawyers Honors More Than 200 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys to its Best Lawyers in America 2024 Edition

August 17, 2023

Best Lawyers selected 232 Cozen O’Connor lawyers from 24 of the firm’s U.S. offices for inclusion in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

Eighty-eight Cozen O’Connor Lawyers, 23 Practices Earn Top Recognition in Chambers USA 2023 Guide

June 05, 2023

Of the 88 lawyers ranked, 17 lawyers have been recognized nationally, and eighteen were recognized in Band 1. Eight of the firm's practice areas have been recognized nationally, and nine were ranked Band 1.

Andrew Baer, Mira Baylson Named to The Philadelphia Business Journal's Best of the Bar 2022

September 26, 2022

Andrew Baer and Mira Baylson have been named to The Philadelphia Business Journal’s “Best of the Bar 2022.”

Chambers Ranks 86 Cozen O’Connor Lawyers, 22 Practice Areas in Chambers USA 2022 Guide

June 02, 2022

Chambers USA, the leading annual guide to the top lawyers and law firms in the United States, has ranked 86 Cozen O’Connor lawyers as leaders in their respective fields in the guide’s 2022 edition.

More Than 205 Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Named Best Lawyers and Ones to Watch By The Best Lawyers In America

August 19, 2021

Best Lawyers selected 210 Cozen O’Connor lawyers from 23 of the firm’s nationwide offices for inclusion in the 2022 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

82 Cozen O’Connor Lawyers, 19 Practices Earn Top Recognition in Chambers USA 2021 Guide

May 26, 2021

Chambers USA, the leading annual guide to the top lawyers and law firms in the United States, has ranked 82 Cozen O’Connor lawyers as leaders in their respective fields in the guide’s 2021 edition; of those, 15 lawyers have been recognized nationally.

JD Supra Selects Four Cozen O’Connor Attorneys as Top Authors

April 05, 2021

Cozen O’Connor is pleased to announce that Bernard Nash and Lori Kalani, co-chairs of the firm’s State Attorneys General practice, Michael Schmidt, vice chair of the firm’s Labor & Employment Department, and Rachel Welford, an attorney in the firm’s Transportation & Trade Group have been selected as top authors for JD Supra’s 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards for their thought leadership on key topics during 2020.

63 Cozen O’Connor Lawyers, 16 Practices Earn Top Recognition in Chambers USA 2020 Guide

May 14, 2020

Chambers USA, the leading annual guide to the top lawyers and law firms in the United States, has ranked 63 Cozen O’Connor lawyers as leaders in their respective fields in the guide’s 2020 edition.

57 Cozen O’Connor Lawyers, 16 Practices Earn Top Recognition in Chambers USA 2019 Guide

April 25, 2019

Chambers USA, the leading annual guide to the top lawyers and law firms in the USA, has ranked 57 Cozen O’Connor lawyers as leaders in their respective fields in the Guide’s 2019 edition.

125 Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Named to the Best Lawyers in America

August 22, 2018

One hundred twenty-five Cozen O’Connor lawyers from 20 of the firm’s national offices have been selected for inclusion in the 2018 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

Related Practice Areas

What We’re Tweeting About

Upcoming Event:

Health Care & Life Sciences Unlocked: A Weekly Briefing

Webinar 04/01/2025

Cozen O’Connor invites you to attend a weekly webinar series exploring critical issues impacting the legal landscape for health care and life sciences businesses.

Event Details

Keep up-to-date with the latest State Attorneys General news from Cozen O'Connor

Enter your City or Zip.

Probably shouldn't change this:
Sign up to receive alerts, publications, and event / webinar invites.

By submitting your contact information, you are giving Cozen O'Connor consent to contact you via email.