Josh works on legislative, agency, and executive projects for a number of Fortune 500 companies as well as emerging biotech. His experience is varied and includes working with the Department of Commerce to obtain liquor permits and obtaining funds and complex state revisions in the state budget.
Josh has extensive legislative experience in the areas of alcohol, tobacco, transportation, gaming, pharmaceuticals, biotech, construction, energy, labor, telecommunications, and education.
Josh also has directed a number of grass-roots projects aimed at both state and federal elected officials while also working directly on campaigns for numerous candidates. Josh lobbied throughout the Midwest for both the largest smokeless tobacco manufacturer and the world’s leading premium drinks business. This combination of state government knowledge and corporate culture understanding allows Josh to produce results for his clients.
Josh started his career as a Legislative Service Commission Fellow learning the ways of the Ohio Senate. He then furthered his state government knowledge as a legislative liaison for the Ohio Department of Commerce. This firsthand experience allows Josh to help clients navigate the complexities and hurdles found in the legislative and agency arenas.
Josh also brings an in-depth understanding of the needs and responsibilities of his corporate clients in the government relations field and especially to those handling a multi-state region.
Chambers USA recognized Josh as a USA-Nationwide Band 1-ranked lawyer in Government Relations: State & Local in 2023. A client providing feedback to Chambers USA stated, "Josh Sanders is a premier government relations attorney. He understands the intersection of law and policy better than most and leads a team that is highly connected in Ohio politics and always delivers exceptional client outcomes."
He has been a presenter at the Crain’s Cleveland Business Breakfast Series as well as at the Ohio State Bar Association’s Leadership Academy. Josh has also presented at the International Council of Shopping Centers Retail Development & Law Symposium.
Josh serves as chair of the Calfee Jewish Lawyers affinity group, and he is a member of the firm's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. Josh joined Calfee in February 2011 and was elected Partner in 2013. He began serving as Vice Chair of the Government Relations and Legislation practice group in 2020.
J.D., summa cum laude, Capital University Law School, Order of the Curia, 2003
B.A., summa cum laude, Ohio Wesleyan University, 1997
"Josh Sanders is a premier government relations attorney. He understands the intersection of law and policy better than most and leads a team that is highly connected in Ohio politics and always delivers exceptional client outcomes."
Chambers USA 2023 client quote
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