Main Menu Main Content

Overview

Since 1988, Calfee’s Government Relations and Legislation practice has been respected for its political savvy and effectiveness, legal expertise, honesty, and relationships with all levels of local, state, and federal government on both sides of the political aisle.

Calfee’s Government Relations and Legislation team spans across the Midwest and nationally, including Washington, D.C. We are continuously building and strengthening relationships with key decision makers, from legislative aides to top lawmakers and officials, to 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 director of a state cabinet-level agency and deputy chief lobbyist for a national trade organization. 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 the state and Washington, D.C. who provide a variety of specialized services. We are able to analyze the law for our clients, anticipate how it may impact their business, and strategize and execute a plan of action. 

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



Calfee NOW 

Calfee NOW episodes are brief conversations with policymakers and industry leaders offering insights on Noteworthy topics, associated Opportunities, and Trends to Watch for in the near future. View all episodes here (https://www.calfee.com/blog?results).


Noteworthy

Chambers USA Leading Law Firm Rankings 

Calfee has been recognized by Chambers USA as a Leading Law Firm in Government Relations: State & Local in Band 1 in USA - Nationwide (2023).

Clients interviewed by Chambers USA researchers stated, "We are very happy with the level of professionalism, knowledge, responsiveness, and value of the work product we receive from Calfee's attorneys. They are the utmost professionals, always helping clients achieve the stated goal; they are extremely well-connected within Ohio state and local politics. Calfee's government relations team is amazing and includes high-powered lobbyists as well as extremely detailed attorneys who analyze legislation; the group is multitalented and will use all of those resources to help the client. The team is tremendously experienced and brings a wealth of knowledge to its work. It is filled with an incredible number of people who bring federal, state, and local government experience, which lends itself to them providing workable, realistic solutions to problems.

Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” Rankings

Calfee was selected for inclusion in the 2024 "Best Law Firms" rankings in Government Relations Practice (Regional Tier 1 Columbus).

Disclaimer

Although many of the professionals in Calfee's Government Relations and Legislation group are attorneys, the non-licensed professionals in this group are not authorized to engage in the practice of law. Accordingly, our non-licensed professionals' advice should not be regarded as legal advice and their services should not be considered the practice of law.

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

News & Events

News

Alerts

Blog Posts

PDF

Practice Contacts

"The team is tremendously experienced and brings a wealth of knowledge to its work. It is filled with an incredible number of people who bring federal, state, and local government experience, which lends itself to them providing workable, realistic solutions to problems.

Chambers USA client quote

Jump to Page