Overview
Since 1988, Calfee’s State Government Relations and Policy practice has been respected for its political savvy and effectiveness, legal expertise, honesty, and relationships with all levels of local, regional and state government on both sides of the political aisle.
Calfee’s Ohio team operates from three offices in Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati and regularly partners with our Federal Government Relations team in Washington, D.C., continuously building and strengthening relationships with key decision makers. From legislative aides to top lawmakers and officials, we advocate for our clients and work with them to provide sophisticated solutions for their business needs.
Many of our lawyers and lobbyists have formerly served in governmental positions, including capacities such as the mayor of a major city, director of a state cabinet-level agency, and member of the U.S. Congress representing Ohio. Our collective knowledge and experiences allow us to analyze the law and political climate, anticipate how it may affect businesses, and execute a plan that will help clients communicate and work effectively with all levels of government.
As one of the top law firms in Ohio, Calfee lobbyists also have the legal background and immediate resources of lawyers in offices across Ohio who provide a variety of specialized services. We are able to analyze the law for our clients in the state and globally, anticipate how Ohio laws may impact their business, and strategize and execute a plan of action.
Noteworthy
U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” Rankings
Calfee was selected for inclusion in the 2022 "Best Law Firms" rankings by U.S. News – Best Lawyers in Government Relations Practice (Regional Tier 1 Columbus, Regional Tier 2 Cincinnati).
Disclaimer
Although many of the professionals in Calfee's State Government Relations and Policy group are attorneys, the non-licensed professionals in this group are affiliated with Calfee Strategic Solutions, LLC (CSS). CSS is not a law firm and is not authorized to engage in the practice of law. Accordingly, its advice should not be regarded as legal advice, and its services should not be considered the practice of law.
Professionals
Professionals
Experience
Experience
Calfee is proud to lobby for clients such as:
- Alliance for Automotive Innovation
- Case Western Reserve University
- Diageo
- Gilead Sciences
- JACK Entertainment
- KeyBank
- Ohio Apartment Association
- RPM International Inc.
We act as zealous advocates for all clients across various industries, including:
- Associations
- Banking, financial services and insurance
- Environmental and natural resources
- Gaming and hospitality
- Health care
- Higher education
- Manufacturing
- Real estate
- Retail organizations
- Technology and Innovation
Services
Services
Calfee partners with our clients to deliver superior services that result in success, including:
Legislative Lobbying
- Develop legislative strategy
- Draft legislation
- Prepare testimony
- Build legislative support
- Testify before legislative committees
- Foster legislative relationships with clients
- Monitor legislative activity
Executive Agency Lobbying
- Develop lobbying strategy
- Prepare supporting materials and briefings
- Foster executive agency relationships with clients
Public Policy Advocacy
- Analyze policy and political perspectives
- Develop grass-roots support
- Create coalitions among stakeholders
- Coordinate and analyze media and public relations
Government Contract / Executive Agency Procurement
- Monitor procurement opportunities
- Develop business relationships
- Support State Term Schedule applications
- Counsel on competitive bid requirements
- Assist with public records requests
- Truth-In-Negotiations Act issues
- Buy American / Buy Ohio
- Specification requirements
Agency Regulatory Matters
- Analyze regulations
- Prepare legal and political arguments
- Attend hearings on behalf of clients
- Ensure Executive Order compliance
- Assist with permit and licensing regulations and applications
- Develop compatible required legislation
Administrative Rule-Making Process
- Monitor administrative agencies
- Draft administrative rules
- Impact rule-making process
- Represent clients in public and administrative hearings
Political Action Committees (PACs)
- Review laws and regulations
- Develop strategies for PAC contributions
- Facilitate legal formation
- Handle regulatory functions
- Monitor campaign finance limitations
Client Feedback
Client Feedback
"I employ lobbyists in many other states. Josh Sanders at Calfee is extremely results oriented and responsive. I rate him and his staff in the very top of all of my other very strong lobbying firms."
– Calfee client, as reported by U.S. News – Best Lawyers® in the 2021 “Best Law Firms” rankings report
"We have been extremely pleased by the responsiveness and initiative of Josh Sanders, who leads the Calfee Government Relations practice. The past few months of COVID-19 activity, particularly in Ohio, have necessitated diligent efforts to track what is happening, analyze and strategize next steps. Josh is very plugged in, resourceful and a strong partner."
– Calfee client, as reported by U.S. News – Best Lawyers® in the 2021 “Best Law Firms” rankings report
"Calfee's Columbus office attorneys have been one of the most responsive, proactive and cost-effective relationships I have had with any office of any firm in my 27 years of in-house experience."
– Calfee client, as reported by U.S. News – Best Lawyers® in the 2021 “Best Law Firms” rankings report
"The Calfee, Halter & Griswold Government Relations practice provides my company with expertise and, more importantly, access to the relationships needed to successfully navigate the legislative and executive branches. I rely on their team for business development strategy, legislative lobbying, and for their insights into the latest public policy goals. We’ve successfully been able to grow our business with the state of Ohio in large part because of the partnership we have with the team at Calfee. I’d offer them my highest recommendation."
– Calfee client, as reported by U.S. News – Best Lawyers® in the 2020 “Best Law Firms” rankings report
"The Government Relations expertise we receive from Calfee, Halter & Griswold has made a meaningful contribution to the expansion of our business within Ohio government. The Government Relations team has helped us successfully navigate the complexities of government procurement and helped us effectively strategize for future growth. I highly recommend the firm and have had nothing but good things to say about their work. They are elite lobbying professionals."
– Calfee client, as reported by U.S. News – Best Lawyers® in the 2019 “Best Law Firms” rankings report
News & Events
News
Events
Practice Contacts
- Partner-in-Charge, Columbus & D.C.; Chair, Government Relations and Legislation
