Ray De Lorenzi
From the halls of Congress or a regulatory agency, to the courtroom or the court of public opinion, Ray devises strategies to help clients solve problems when facing the most difficult challenges or circumstances.
Ray has worked on successful high-stakes legal cases and public affairs campaigns, particularly in the health care and technology industries. These clients have relied on Ray and the CLS Strategies team to build third-party coalitions, influence stakeholders, and counter threats by developing unique and unexpected solutions.
One of Ray’s most noteworthy clients was the plaintiffs’ committee representing thousands of former retired NFL players suing the League over concussion-related injuries. Ray helped craft the winning strategy and messaging that transformed the lawsuit into an issue that came to define the game of football. In August 2013, the NFL agreed to an historic settlement valued at over $1 billion.
In the technology and financial services sectors, Ray worked on behalf of banks and credit unions that were impacted by the Home Depot and Target data breaches – at that point the largest ever to occur. Working with cyber security experts, trade associations and consumer advocates, Ray led a team that successfully focused greater attention on the impact of data breaches on banks and consumers to coincide with pending legal and regulatory action.
Prior to joining CLS Strategies, Ray was communications director at the American Association for Justice (AAJ), formerly known as the Association of Trial Lawyers of America. At AAJ, Ray directed the association’s national media relations and grassroots efforts while serving as its on-the-record spokesperson. In addition to directing legislative and political issue campaigns, Ray also provided counsel to trial lawyers across the country on civil litigation matters and U.S. Supreme Court cases. He also worked at AARP, providing media relations support on both legislative issues and the association’s line of products and services.
A New Jersey native, Ray is a graduate of The George Washington University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political communication.