Patrick Lespinasse

Principal, Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies

Recent Publication:

Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies Adds Patrick Lespinasse as Principal to Growing New York Practice

Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, the bipartisan government relations and communications affiliate of international law firm Cozen O’Connor, today announced the addition of Patrick Lespinasse as principal.

A respected New York-based government relations and civic leader, Patrick’s work is grounded in the belief that aligning business strategy with government and public policy goals can drive meaningful, measurable benefits for both companies and the communities they serve.  

He joins Public Strategies from Starbucks Coffee Company, where he served as the regional head of policy and government affairs. In this role, he led legislative and regulatory strategy across thirteen states in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and North Atlantic regions, including the New York market. From major cities to state capitals, he advanced the company’s public policy priorities, focusing on sustainability, economic development, and community impact.

Prior to Starbucks, Patrick was a senior advisor at a leading government relations and strategic consulting firm, where he counseled Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, and trade associations. For nearly a decade before that, he served as the director of state government affairs at Verizon Communications in New York, advancing the company’s policy agenda, managing political and community engagement, and leading initiatives to strengthen corporate social responsibility. His early career included roles in the office of New York State Comptroller and the New York State Assembly.

He earned his Juris Doctor from The George Washington University Law School and a Bachelor of Arts in Government & Politics, magna cum laude, from St. John’s University. Patrick credits the Ronald H. Brown Center for Politics & Commercial Diplomacy and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation with providing formative experiences that continue to inspire his commitment to advancing opportunity through policy, partnership, and civic engagement.

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Experience

Publications

Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies Adds Patrick Lespinasse as Principal to Growing New York Practice

December 08, 2025

Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, the bipartisan government relations and communications affiliate of international law firm Cozen O’Connor, today announced the addition of Patrick Lespinasse as principal.

Education

  • George Washington University Law School, J.D.
  • St. John's University, B.A.

Board of Trustees, American Council of Young Political Leaders

Board of Trustees, Maple Grove Cemetery Association 

Co-Chair, Sports Committee, City Parks Foundation 

Member, One Hundred Black Men of New York