The new Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government is taking shape in New York with at least one familiar face. 

Republican state Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt on Tuesday named attorney Gary Lavine as his appointee on the panel, which will oversee and regulate ethics and lobbying in New York state government. 

Lavine previously served as a member of the now-defunct and much-maligned Joint Commission on Public Ethics. While on the commission, Lavine had been an at-times critic of the procedures and actions by the ethics watchdog. 

“Gary Lavine is a brilliant mind and a true fighter for ethical accountability in state government. Gary has an impeccable reputation and experience going after government misconduct. When most other JCOPE members were silent, Commissioner Lavine spoke out against Albany corruption and scandal, relentlessly pursuing accountability and justice," Ortt said. "I am proud to appoint him to the new ethics commission so he can continue his faithful service to our state. He stands for ethics and integrity, 100%, and I look forward to the important work he will continue to do on the Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government."

The Commission on Ethics and Lobbying is the successor organization that was created by the state budget agreement in April. Top legislative leaders in both parties, as well as the governor, state comptroller and state attorney general will make appointments to the commission, which will be reviewed by law school deans for conflicts of interest.