Industries & Practices
Government Relations
We provide strategic public policy advice in all areas of local, state and federal government.
Our team blends firsthand knowledge of public policy, election, ethics, regulatory and contracting law with notable government experience and relationships to guide our clients. And we work on a bipartisan basis to ensure that their interests are known and respected by elected and appointed officials of both parties.
Not only does our team of lawyer/lobbyists work on behalf of more than 30 clients before the Ohio General Assembly, state agencies and local governmental entities, we also zealously represent clients without conflict of interest. All communication is protected by the attorney-client privilege, allowing us to provide the highest degree of ethical compliance.
Types of clients we represent:
- Trade associations and business alliances
- Construction companies
- Corporations
- Financial institutions
- Health care entities
- Insurance companies
- Nonprofit organizations
- Political action committees (PACs)
- Political candidates
- Private businesses
- Public officials
- Publicly held entities
- School districts
Campaign finance compliance
Provide guidance to a variety of clients related to forming and operating their PACs, hosting candidate events, ballot issue activity or independent election activity.
MoreTestimony before the Ohio Senate
Testified before the Ohio Senate on behalf of the National Federation of Independent Businesses regarding House Bill 308, which impacts workers’ compensation benefits for first responders dia...
MoreEnergy generation facility counsel
Represent Apex Power Group before the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) for the proposed Guernsey Power Station, a 1650-megawatt, natural gas-fired energy generation facility. In 2017, the projec...
MoreUnanimous ruling against controversial ballot issu...
Represented the Ohio Renal Association in an original action brought in the Ohio Supreme Court resulting in a favorable 7-0 ruling. At issue was a controversial ballot issue related to the pr...
MoreAPI government affairs and lobbying activities
Represent API-Ohio, a state affiliate office of the American Petroleum Institute in governmental affairs and policy work before the Ohio General Assembly, the Governor’s Office and related st...
MoreLegislative counsel
Actively represent more than 30 clients before the Ohio General Assembly, state agencies and local government entities. Longtime clients include the Association of Ohio Life Insurance Companie...
MoreInsurance regulations
Actively assist several insurance companies, including multiple Fortune 500 companies, with questions regarding Ohio Department of Insurance regulations. Combining our knowledge of both the State D...
MoreElections representation
Represented a client before the Federal and Ohio Elections Commissions on a variety of election and campaign finance matters.
MoreGovernment procurement
Assisted a client in understanding state procurement, bid protests and contract requirements.
MorePublic records disclosures
Advise public hospitals regarding responses to requests for a large number of public records.
MoreAreas of Focus
Lobbying & Public Policy
Our registered in-house lawyer/lobbyists have a track record of building clients’ “brands” on Capitol Square by monitoring and analyzing legislation, drafting bills and amendments, and communicating firsthand with legislators and executive branch officials to advance clients’ objectives.
Election Law & Campaign Finance
Participation in the political process demands compliance with election and campaign finance laws. From suggesting best practices to preparing reports, we work with corporations, political action committees (PACs), issue committees and candidates to ensure compliant and effective campaigns.
MoreEthics & Lobbying Compliance
Every company that does business with or is regulated by the government must be aware of conflict of interest, gift and entertainment, travel and revolving door laws. We help our clients build relationships without compromising the law, and we educate them on these laws and methods of compliance, ensuring that all interactions with public officials are authorized.
Executive Agency Advocacy & Compliance
Whether directed by administrative agencies, executive officials and special purpose boards, we help clients in any industry maintain regulatory compliance. Our attorneys engage in rulemaking advocacy, administrative adjudication and compliance program development to help clients both fulfill and influence these requirements.
Statewide Ballot Initiatives
Since 2004, our team has been involved in nearly 50 Ohio ballot issues. From reviewing petitions to drafting ballot language to engaging in full strategic campaign planning, we help our clients influence voters.
Public Records & Open Meetings Act
We actively represent clients regarding public records and open meeting laws (the Sunshine Laws), ensuring public records requests are fulfilled promptly, meetings are held legally and violations are resolved when necessary.
Public Policy Litigation
We inspect the unique attributes of each public policy case to identify and carry out the best solution for our clients.
MoreGovernment Contracting & Procurement
For clients looking to win, keeping or amend a public contract, we help companies evaluate public contracting opportunities and work through any hurdles they might face.
Crisis Communications & Media Relations
In the midst of newsworthy occurrences, media inquiries and circumstances in which the public becomes involved, we help craft a strategic and proactive response plan that maintains a polished reputation and upholds the ethical standards of our client.
People
Matthew R. Koppitch
Senior Associate
Gregory J. Lestini
Partner & Financial Services/Insurance Chair
Rachael N. Mains
Associate
William D. Mason
Of Counsel
Brock A. Miskimen
Of Counsel
Christopher N. Slagle
Partner & Government Relations Chair
Elisabeth A. Squeglia
Partner