McBride Public Affairs has represented a broad array of public and private groups and organizations in Olympia. Together, Tom and his team offer the depth of knowledge and skill it takes to effectively advocate on behalf of their clients’ interests. Whether it’s drafting favorable legislation or addressing unnecessary regulation, their expertise and insights make McBride Public Affairs an indispensable part of any strategic advocacy effort.

FIRM SPECIALTY

EXPERIENCED. INSIGHTFUL. EFFECTIVE.

From taxation concerns to land-use policy, from political action committees to fair labor standards, McBride Public Affairs offers unmatched insights into the subtle and not-so-subtle processes of government decision-making. Tom’s background as an attorney makes him uniquely able to help his clients understand the intricacies of state policy formulation, bill development and the rule-making process. Together, Tom and his team keep their clients well-informed and well-positioned to thrive in an ever-changing political environment.

While some lobbyists focus only on state legislation, Tom and his team work closely with regulatory agencies and local jurisdictions, knowing their impacts on his clients’ destiny can be just as great as the Legislature’s. Their strategic methods and trust-building approach position McBride Public Affairs among the most effective lobbying groups in Washington and throughout the Pacific Northwest.

TAG CONTACTS

TOM MCBRIDE has advocated for groups and organizations that depend on fair and reasonable treatment under the law for more than 20 years. He has developed a reputation as an effective lobbyist, founded on high ethical standards, aggressive advocacy and personal authenticity.

Tom began his career as a private practice attorney representing commercial and financial interests, with a focus on commercial litigation and bankruptcy law. He went on to serve as government affairs director for fiscal and transportation issues on behalf of the Association of Washington Business, Washington state’s chamber of commerce. He then directed the government relations program for the West division of the McDonald’s Corporation.

Tom also has firsthand experience working within Washington state government. As director of intergovernmental affairs for the Washington State Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development, he oversaw regulatory and legislative interests in energy, economic development, housing, international trade and growth management.

In 2008, he founded McBride Public Affairs, to advocate for clients on legislative and regulatory matters in Washington state.

A 1994 graduate of Gonzaga University School of Law, Tom holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Whitman College. He and his family make their home in Olympia.

INTISAR BENGE specializes in advocating on behalf of her clients to the Washington State Legislature and Governor’s Office related to state and local legislative and regulatory matters. She is a respected advocate and skilled strategist.

In her previous role as a Senior Policy Analyst for the Superior Court Judges’ Association, Intisar gained broad experience developing policy and navigating the legislative process. She successfully secured state funding appropriations and influenced the passage, amendment, and defeat of legislation in furtherance of her client’s objectives.

Intisar began her career as an attorney in Seattle, Washington, representing defendants in municipal and district courts throughout the Puget Sound region. As an attorney, Intisar defended her clients, negotiated plea agreements and other settlements, and drafted various trial memorandums, motions, and discovery requests, and tried cases to verdict. During law school, Intisar also worked as a Rule 9 prosecuting attorney with the King County Prosecutor’s Office and the Seattle City Attorney’s Office.

Intisar graduated from Seattle University School of Law, where she was a teaching assistant for Criminal Law courses and a judicial extern at the Washington State Supreme Court. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington.