New York Note: Client Spotlight, Federal Probe into New York AG, Hochul Defends Texas Democrats, Zak Malik Honored by City & State
August 11, 2025
August 11, 2025
Roundabout Theatre Company has launched a comprehensive renovation of the Todd Haimes Theatre. Planned enhancements include expanding accessible seating and assisted listening technology, upgrading the digital marquee system, renovating all restrooms and dressing rooms, modernizing elevators, restoring the theatre’s historic interior, and upgrading critical building systems. These improvements are part of Roundabout’s mission to enhance the theatre-going experience and ensure facilities meet modern standards. The $13.9 million project is supported by significant public funding, including $10.9 million from the City of New York through the Department of Cultural Affairs, City Council, and the Manhattan Borough President’s Office, and $3 million from the State of New York through Empire State Development, the New York State Council on the Arts, and State Senator Liz Krueger and Assemblymember Tony Simone, administered through DASNY.
Federal prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York have opened an investigation into New York Attorney General Letitia James’ office, examining whether it deprived individuals or organizations of legal rights through civil suits against former President Donald Trump, his businesses, and the National Rifle Association. James’ office won a $300 million judgment in its civil fraud case against Trump, now under appeal, and a 2024 verdict against former NRA CEO Wayne LaPierre for diverting millions from the group. In a statement, the attorney general’s office defended its litigation and warned that any “weaponization of the justice system” should concern all Americans.
At a press conference in Albany, Governor Kathy Hochul welcomed more than 50 Texas House Democrats who fled their state to protest a Republican redistricting proposal that could add up to five GOP-leaning congressional seats. The lawmakers broke quorum to block the measure, which they call an attempt to “steal power,” and are meeting with Democratic governors nationwide to build a coalition against it. Hochul called the delegation “brave soldiers for our democracy” and pledged to explore mid-decade redistricting in New York if Texas proceeds with its plan. New York Democrats have introduced legislation to allow new congressional maps in 2027 if another state acts first. Texas Republicans have tied the redistricting bill to flood relief funding, a move Democrats condemned as political leverage. Governor Greg Abbott has threatened to remove absent lawmakers from office and impose $500 fines, while Attorney General Ken Paxton considers legal action.
Zak Malik, a government relations associate at Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies in New York, has been recognized by City & State New York on its 2025 Above & Beyond Social Services list. Specializing in budget advocacy, legislative analysis, and community affairs, Malik helped secure $72.5 million in city funding for nonprofit clients in FY2026, the firm’s highest total to date. Malik works to bridge the gap between government and community organizations, driven by a commitment to equity and public service.
Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, an affiliate of the international law firm Cozen O’Connor, is a bipartisan government relations practice representing clients before the federal government and in cities and states throughout the country. With offices in Washington D.C., Richmond, Albany, New York City, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Chicago, and Santa Monica, the firm’s public strategies professionals offer a full complement of government affairs services, including legislative and executive branch advocacy, policy analysis, assistance with government procurement and funding programs, and crisis management. Its client base spans multiple industries, including healthcare, transportation, hospitality, education, construction, energy, real estate, entertainment, financial services, and insurance.
Established in 1970, Cozen O’Connor has over 775 attorneys who help clients manage risk and make better business decisions. The firm counsels clients on their most sophisticated legal matters in all areas of the law, including litigation, corporate, and regulatory law. Representing a broad array of leading global corporations and middle-market companies, Cozen O’Connor serves its clients’ needs through 31 offices across two continents.
August 11, 2025
August 7, 2025
August 7, 2025