Partridge Snow & Hahn Launches Phenix Capitol Group, Government Relations Firm — Matthew Lopes to Lead New Initiative

Partridge Snow & Hahn Launches Phenix Capitol Group, Government Relations Firm — Matthew Lopes to Lead New Initiative

Partridge Snow & Hahn LLP (PSH), the Providence-based business law and litigation firm, announced the launch of Phenix Capitol Group LLC, a wholly owned affiliated government relations and public affairs firm providing lobbying, legislative advocacy, regulatory strategy, and public affairs services throughout Rhode Island.

 

Led by top Rhode Island lawyer and government relations professional Matthew (Matty) A. Lopes, Jr., Phenix Capitol Group also includes lobbyists Brian K. Jordan and Alexa M. Simard, bringing decades of combined experience in legislative advocacy, public policy, regulatory affairs, and government relations. Previously, Lopes was a lead partner in the firm Pannone Lopes Devereaux & O’Gara.

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Lopes has previously been named by GoLocal as one of the 50 Wealthiest and Most Influential.

 

He served as a Special Master for the California Court system for more than two decades.

 

According to the announcement, "Phenix Capitol Group enables coordinated legal and government relations services while preserving distinct professional roles. The affiliation supports collaboration on matters involving legislative, regulatory, public policy, procurement, and government affairs considerations that increasingly intersect with clients' legal and business needs."

 

"Today's environment requires organizations to navigate legal, regulatory, and legislative issues simultaneously. Phenix Capitol Group expands our ability to offer clients sophisticated legal counsel through Partridge Snow & Hahn and experienced government relations support through an affiliated firm. Together, we can provide a more coordinated approach to helping clients address complex challenges. Matty, Brian, and Alexa are widely respected for their integrity, strategic judgment, and results. Their experience strengthens our ability to serve clients whose work crosses with government," said PSH Co-Managing Partners Jay R. Peabody and Paul M. Kessimian.

 

Lopes brings more than three decades of experience in public policy, legislative affairs, and strategic advocacy. He has represented businesses, nonprofit organizations, healthcare institutions, educational organizations, trade associations, and municipalities before the Rhode Island General Assembly and state agencies, leading legislative strategy, coalition building, regulatory advocacy, and public policy counseling. He advises clients across industries including healthcare, transportation, education, insurance, pharmaceuticals, food service, and nonprofits, helping them navigate complex policy environments, strengthen relationships with policymakers, and advance practical, durable solutions through effective advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and long-term policy strategy development.

 

“Organizations are facing increasingly complex policy and regulatory challenges,” said Lopes. “Phenix Capitol Group was created to help clients engage effectively with the government and advance their objectives. Our affiliation with Partridge Snow & Hahn enables collaboration at the intersection of legal and government relations.”

 

Jordan brings 35 years of experience in government relations, public policy, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communications. He represents clients across multiple industries, helping organizations navigate legislative and regulatory issues while developing effective advocacy strategies. His background includes serving as Director of Public Affairs for The Westerly Hospital and Assistant Vice President for Government Relations at Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island, where he spent more than two decades leading government affairs initiatives.

 

Simard brings experience in legislative operations, municipal leadership, and constituent services. She supports internal operations, client engagement, and advocacy coordination aligned with client priorities. Previously, she served in the City of Providence Mayor’s Office under Mayor Brett P. Smiley, coordinating the Mayor’s presence at public events and supporting briefing preparation, interdepartmental coordination, and stakeholder engagement. She also worked in the office of Congressman James Langevin, building experience in constituent services, campaign operations, and communications across Rhode Island.

 

About Phenix Capitol Group

Phenix Capitol Group LLC is a Rhode Island-based government relations and public affairs firm providing lobbying, legislative advocacy, regulatory strategy, coalition building, and government engagement services to businesses, nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and institutions. Phenix Capitol Group is a subsidiary of Partridge Snow & Hahn LLP, established to expand the firm’s government relations capabilities through a dedicated, specialized entity.

 

About Partridge Snow & Hahn

Partridge Snow & Hahn LLP is a full-service business law and litigation firm committed to working collaboratively with clients to develop a deep understanding of their industries, objectives, and unique business needs. With offices in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, the firm provides counsel in corporate and business law, mergers & acquisitions, real estate, commercial finance, employment, tax, nonprofit organizations, environmental & land use matters, and complex commercial litigation.