Greg Lestini remembers working on his first political campaigns when he was about 10 years old.  Growing up in Appalachian Ohio, he would sit at the local party headquarters, handing out yard signs and literature.  Too young to knock on doors yet, he would save those times for his college and post-law school years, where he helped more than a few brave souls achieve their dreams in local, state and federal elections.

Today, Greg Lestini draws on that early political experience and more than 18 years in private practice to service clients and advocate on issues. As an attorney and registered lobbyist, he helps clients navigate complex legal, legislative, and regulatory structures. A member of the firm’s government relations team, Greg represents all manner of entities, including non-profits, insurance companies, public corporations, trade associations, and private businesses.

Greg is also Chair of the Financial Services & Insurance Practice and leads the firm's Energy & Regulated Industries Group, helping shape the firm's strategy and client service approach across some of the most highly regulated sectors of the economy. In his personal practice, he represents insurers, from small mutuals to large stock companies in a variety of corporate and regulatory matters.

Greg has served as a legislative aide in the Ohio Legislature and at Columbus City Council. He later served as chief of staff for the Ohio Senate Minority Caucus, helping lead strategy, talent development, public policy, and other critical initiatives for the minority leader and caucus. In addition, he worked with the AmeriCorps Legal Service Corps following law school, representing low/no-income renters in eviction defense and conditions cases in Toledo and throughout northwest Ohio.

Greg is an active community leader, participating on many boards throughout Central and Southeast Ohio. He serves on the firm Executive Committee and is the executive sponsor for the firm’s LGBTQ+ affinity group. He is vice-chair of the board for Greater Columbus Sister Cities International and helps coordinate their yearly fundraising events.  He also regularly contributes to updates on legal and business developments through various publications and podcasts.

When not serving clients or the community, he can be found spending time with his family and enjoying various hobbies.  He is an avid, albeit average, fly-fisherman.  He also plays drums in a “dad band” in which, to paraphrase Patrick Carney of the Black Keys, he was never the best drummer…just the worst guitar player of his friends.  This minor rock-star status impresses neither his beloved wife of 20 years nor his two teenage daughters.

Education

The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law J.D. (2002); Moot Court Chief Justice

The Ohio State University, B.A., political science and international peace studies, magna cum laude (1999)

Distinctions

Listed, The Best Lawyers in America® – Administrative/Regulatory Law; Government Relations Practice; Insurance Law (2022–2027)

Ranked, Chambers USA – Insurance: Band 3 (2022–2026); Band 2 (2021)

Listed, Columbus CEO’s Top Lawyers – Government Relations Practice (2025)

Rising Star, Super Lawyers®, part of Thomson Reuters® – Ohio, Government Relations; Legislative & Governmental Affairs; Land Use/Zoning; Administrative Law (2018)

Professional Activities

Member, Federation of Regulatory Counsel (FORC)

Member, Board of Trustees, Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (Franklin County At-Large), Executive Committee

Member, Ohio State Bar Association

Member, American Bar Association

Board Member, Greater Columbus Sister Cities International

Member, Advocacy Committee, YWCA Columbus

Member, Board of Trustees, iBelieve Foundation

Secretary/Treasurer, iBelieve Foundation

Member, Bricker Graydon Wyatt's Southeast Ohio Team

Immediate Past Chair, Insurance Regulation Committee, American Bar Association (ABA) - Tort Trial & Insurance Practice (TIPS)

News

Resource Centers

Blog Posts

Podcasts

Speaking Engagements

Past Events

Publications