Pathways: A Lawyer’s Path to Lobbying and Public Policy

Location: TNH 2.114 Francis Auditorium

September 17, 2025

The Center for Women in Law was excited to host Pathways: A Lawyer’s Path to Lobbying and Public Policy. CWIL presented three lawyers who are registered lobbyists engaged in public policy-making at the state and federal level. Celeste Embrey ’98, is the General Counsel for the Texas Bankers Association, representing more than 375 Texas banks. Denise Rose, a partner at Jackson Walker, is consistently ranked by Chambers USA as a leading business lawyer. Brandy Marty Marquez, a former Texas PUC Commission and chief of staff to Governor Perry, is a Principal at Marquez Public Affairs. The panelists discussed their career paths from law school to lobbying, how their work impacts the world of law making and public policy, and the highlights of a career in the halls of the capitals of Austin and Washington, D.C.

Celeste M. Embrey

EVP Gov’t Relations & General Counsel, Texas Bankers Association

Celeste Embrey joined the Texas Bankers Association in November 2005 as the Assistant General Counsel. In 2022 she was named General Counsel. Her work at TBA focuses on legislative and regulatory advocacy for TBA’s 400 member banks and trust companies.

Brandy Marquez

Principal, Marquez Public Affairs

Brandy Marty Marquez began her two-decade career as a legislative intern in the Texas House of Representatives. She rose steadily through the ranks before Governor Rick Perry named her Chief of Staff and later Commissioner of the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC).

Denise Rose

Partner & Government Affairs Consultant, Jackson Walker

When Denise Rose came to Jackson Walker, her primary experience was in the healthcare arena; however, in the time she has been at the Firm, she has expanded her practice across the business spectrum.