Jeremy Kudon
Partner
Orrick
Jeremy Kudon is the founder of Orrick’s Public Policy Group. A partner in the New York office, Mr. Kudon has built a market-leading practice that focuses on solving “bet the company” issues in the state legislatures. Clients like FanDuel, DraftKings, DIRECTV, DISH Network, Microsoft, Fortress Investment Group, and Valeant Pharmaceutical have turned to him to design and implement highly sophisticated multi-state legislative campaigns for their most important issues. And they have done so for a simple reason: Over the past eight years, Mr. Kudon and the Public Policy Group have helped their clients win more than 75 battles in 35 different state legislatures—wins that have translated into billions of dollars of revenue and/or profits.
His representative legislative and regulatory engagements include:
Daily Fantasy Sports. Mr. Kudon represents the two major daily fantasy sports operators, FanDuel and DraftKings, as well as the Fantasy Sports Trade Association, before the 50 state legislatures on one of the highest profile engagements in the nation. Mr. Kudon and his team are responsible for all aspects of the industry’s efforts in the state legislatures. In May 2015, Mr. Kudon and his team helped enact the second “fantasy sports” bill in the nation in Kansas. He is currently overseeing similar initiatives in more than 35 states, including California, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Texas and Washington.
Satellite TV Tax. For the past eight years, Mr. Kudon and Orrick’s state legislative team have developed and coordinated a national strategy for DIRECTV and DISH Network in response to cable-led efforts to impose a higher sales tax on satellite TV than other forms of pay TV service. As a result of Orrick’s efforts, the companies have defeated the cable industry 53 of 54 times in 30 states since 2009.
Secondary Life Insurance. Responsible for developing and implementing a multi-state legislative and regulatory campaign on behalf of Fortress Investment Group to bring certainty to the secondary life insurance market. In 2014, Mr. Kudon and his team helped pass affirmative legislation in Minnesota that gives investors the right-for the first time-to go to court and obtain a declaration that a policy has a valid insurable interest.
Physician Dispensing. Overseeing initiative on behalf of Valeant Pharmaceutical International to enact legislation in New York, Massachusetts and Texas that will allow physicians to dispense prescription drugs directly to patients. Mr. Kudon and Orrick are responsible for all aspects of the campaign, including preparing advocacy pieces, testifying at committee hearings, enlisting third party allies and coordinating a cutting-edge PR and grassroots campaign.
Down Syndrome Research Funding. Overseeing initiative to obtain funding from state legislatures across the country for research grants on behalf of pro bono client Down Syndrome Research & Treatment Foundation.
Mr. Kudon and Orrick are members of various state legislative organizations, including Senate Presidents Forum and State Legislative Leaders Foundation. Mr. Kudon has also been a featured speaker at investor conferences in both the United States and Europe on issues arising in the state legislatures.