Clothilde V. Hewlett, Former California State Executive, Joins Preston Gates & Ellis LLP; Firm Expands National Legislative and Regulatory Practice.

Business Editors

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 8, 2003

Preston Gates & Ellis LLP, today announced the addition of Clothilde V. Hewlett, Undersecretary of the State and Consumer Services Agency and former Interim Director of the California Department of General Services to its national legislative and regulatory practice. Hewlett joins as a partner in the firm's San Francisco office and will focus her practice on assisting both private sector companies who seek to work and communicate effectively with agencies and legislators in the public sector as well as public entities performing governmental functions.

Hewlett said, "What attracts me to Preston Gates is the ability to deliver the same efficient service to clients that I have been able to do for the people of California. For instance, a Preston Gates' client can negotiate a state contract, arrange public financing, advocate for procurement legislation, appeal a rule or regulation, or respond to a Request for Proposal. Not many law firms can offer that type of 'one-stop' service."

"We are extremely pleased that Clothilde has accepted the offer to join us," said Michael McCabe, managing partner of Preston Gates' San Francisco office. "She will bring great value to companies who are currently doing or desire to do business with the public sector. These companies will benefit from having Clothilde help them navigate through the complexities of the regulations and processes in working with the government. Whether arranging public financing or crafting a master contract with a state or federal agency, Clothilde's years of public service can help companies devise the correct strategy."

Commented Gerry Johnson, managing partner of Preston Gates, "Our Washington D.C. office is known nationwide as a public policy powerhouse. To replicate that success in California, the fifth largest economy in the world, it takes a person of Clothilde's high personal integrity, long history of public service and national stature who can interpret and guide clients on the nuances of the legal, regulatory and legislative systems."

Hewlett will join Preston Gates' growing California practice, which already includes Brian Toman, formerly the Chief Counsel of California's Franchise Tax Board. In addition to a strong state tax practice, the San Francisco office provides clients a depth of experience in corporate, intellectual property, commercial litigation, real estate and employment law.

"Clothilde is a top notch policy professional and will be a lynchpin in our national practice." said Emanuel Rouvelas, chairman of Preston Gates' Washington D.C. office, Preston Gates Ellis & Rouvelas Meeds LLP. The firm has been consistently ranked among the top lobbying practices in the nation for many years. Last month, the Hill newspaper's survey of Congressional members and professionals listed three Preston Gates lawyers on the short list (60 out of 12,000) of most influential D.C. lobbyists, a number unmatched by any other firm.

Hewlett joins Preston Gates effective April 28.

About Clothilde V. Hewlett

Hewlett has worked in California Governor Gray Davis' office since 1999. As Undersecretary of the State and Consumer Services Agency, she was responsible for consumer protection and civil rights enforcement, as well as government procurement, real estate development, and maintenance of state buildings. In addition, Hewlett was responsible for implementation of the statewide energy efficiency and conservation plan as well as energy emergency procedures and sustainable building practices. She also oversaw collection of income taxes, services for victims of crime and preparation of building codes.

In 2002, Governor Davis appointed Hewlett as Interim Director of the Department of General Services (DGS). DGS oversees the State's multibillion-dollar real estate assets, purchasing systems, publishing, telecommunications, transportation services, school construction, insurance and risk management, allocation of school bond monies, and adjudicating claims for the state.

Prior to her appointments by Governor Davis, Hewlett served as Assistant District Attorney for the City and County of San Francisco prosecuting major felonies. In addition, she has served as Director of Moral Character Determinations for the State Bar of California. She was responsible for the investigation and litigation of all applicants for admission to practice law in California based on moral character.

Additionally, she served for five years as a San Francisco Police Commissioner where she reviewed and approved procedures for dignitary protection, intelligence and police officer involved shootings. She also was appointed to serve on the California Council on Criminal Justice and was Chairperson of the Appeals Committee.

She is an active member of the California community serving on many boards and commissions. Her affiliations include National Women's Political Caucus, California Association of Black Lawyers, California Elected Women's Association for Education and Research, Sports Image Awards Education Foundation, and Partners Ending Domestic Abuse, among others. While at the State, Hewlett was a member of the Strategic Committee on Terrorism, the Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board and the California State Allocation Board in which she oversaw public school construction in California.

Awards won by Hewlett include the Commission on the Status of Women Leadership Against Domestic Violence Award, The Association of Northern California Black Women Lawyer's Outstanding Achievement Award, San Francisco Police Department Award for Bravery, the Latino Journal's Excellence in Public Service Award, and the Los Angeles African-American Chamber of Commerce Small Business Advocate of the Year Award. Hewlett graduated from Boalt Hall Law School, University of California, Berkeley.

About Preston Gates & Ellis LLP

Founded in 1883, Preston Gates & Ellis LLP has long been recognized as one of the premier, full-service law firms in the country with more than 400 attorneys in nine strategic locations worldwide. Preston Gates provides clients with sound legal counsel and trusted representation from the best talent in the industry, handling public financing, complex business transactions, litigation, real estate transactions, intellectual property and technology, as well as governmental and public policy work