Steptoe Names Nancy Russotto European Affairs Advisor

For more information, contact Jamie Moss, newsPRos, 201-493-1027

Steptoe & Johnson LLP, a leading international law firm, announces the addition of Nancy Russotto as European Affairs Advisor. Ms. Russotto will work from the firm’s Brussels office to deliver business consulting services to Steptoe’s clients worldwide.

"Nancy’s role at Steptoe will further broaden our trans-Atlantic capabilities in meeting our clients’ needs in Europe," said Seth Goldberg, a Washington, DC-based partner in Steptoe’s Regulatory and Industry Affairs Department. "Understanding the cultural differences that enable companies to interact in the European arena is increasingly tied to the achievement of their business goals. Nancy’s long years of trade association experience for a major European industry will give Steptoe’s clients an inside perspective that often is critical to achieving operational success in a different culture.

"We are pleased to be able to provide this high level support to our clients."

From 1990 until 2006, Ms. Russotto served as head of the plastics manufacturers’ association which in 2004 became pan-European under the name PlasticsEurope. As Executive Director of one of the largest and most innovative trade associations in Europe, with six offices and a reach that extended to the EU 27 plus Norway, Switzerland and Turkey, Ms. Russotto gained in-depth experience in formulating and representing industry’s views in the European regulatory environment. She was also at the forefront of creating and leading cross-sector industry coalitions.

"Steptoe helps global companies navigate successfully the regulatory challenges they face in Europe.  Nancy takes our regulatory practice to the next level," said Susan G. Esserman, chair of Steptoe’s International Department. "Her thorough knowledge of the workings of the European Union regulatory environment combined with her extensive experience helping industries bridge the cultural differences between the US and Europe, develop competitive intelligence, and achieve practical solutions will benefit Steptoe’s clients who operate in the EU."

Ms. Russotto earned a law degree at the Université Libre de Bruxelles and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Simmons College, Boston. She is a non-practicing lawyer.

"European Union regulations have a worldwide impact, not only for companies operating within its borders but also as a precedent-setter for regulations in other world regions, particularly in the areas of the environment and human health.  My experience and perspectives can provide a competitive advantage to international businesses," said Ms. Russotto. "Particular experience in building coalitions and networks and managing advocacy campaigns before European regulators will be teamed up with the professional abilities of the attorneys at Steptoe on both sides of the Atlantic, providing added value for the firm in its representation of many of the world’s largest and most important companies."

About Steptoe & Johnson LLP

With more than 450 attorneys, Steptoe & Johnson LLP provides counsel and representation in a wide range of legal fields. In more than 60 years of practice, the firm has gained a national and international reputation for vigorous representation of clients before governmental agencies, successful advocacy in litigation and arbitration, and creative and practical advice in guiding business transactions. The firm has offices in Washington, New York, Chicago, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Century City, London and Brussels.