Department profile
Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP

Government Relations: State & Local

USA Guide 2026 : USA - Nationwide

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Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP

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About

Provided by Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP

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 is continuously strengthening relationships with key decision makers, from legislative aides to top lawmakers and officials, to advocate for clients and provide sophisticated solutions for their business needs.

Many of Calfee's lawyers and lobbyists have formerly served in governmental positions, including capacities such as the director of a state cabinet-level agency and director of special counsel for the Ohio Attorney General. The team's collective knowledge and experiences allow them 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 who provide a variety of specialized services. The team is able to analyze the law for clients, anticipate how it may impact their business, and strategize and execute a plan of action. 

Services Include:

  • Liquor and Alcohol Licensing and Regulation
  • Public/Private Partnership Law
  • State Government Relations and Policy

Industries (21)

  • Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance
  • Construction
  • Education
  • Entertainment, Media, and the Arts
  • Entrepreneurs and Emerging Companies
  • Food and Beverage
  • Gaming and Hospitality
  • Government
  • Health Care
  • International
  • Manufacturing and Industrial
  • Medical Devices, Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences
  • Nonprofit Organizations
  • Partnerships, LLCs, and Joint Ventures
  • Private and Family-Owned Businesses
  • Public Companies
  • Real Estate
  • Retail and Consumer Products
  • Satellite and Space Technology
  • Software and Information Technology
  • Trade Associations

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Government Relations: State & Local - USA - Nationwide

Band 1

What the Team is Known For
Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP has a highly sought-out government relations offering in Ohio. The firm houses a deep bench of attorneys and lobbyists across its offices in Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati. The team has a wealth of experience guiding corporate clients and trade associations through procurement processes as well as steering legislative and policy efforts at the state and local level.
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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The team understands how to shape messaging and strategic approaches on complicated policy matters.

    Government Relations: State & Local respondentUSA

  • Calfee is knowledgeable and responsive.

    Government Relations: State & Local respondentUSA

  • The team at Calfee is incredibly experienced and has a great understanding of the nuances of government relations.

    Government Relations: State & Local respondentUSA

  • The team has a broad awareness and sensitivity to business issues related to my company.

    Government Relations: State & Local respondentUSA

  • Calfee knows the ins and outs of what is happening politically inside the State Capitol.

    Government Relations: State & Local respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Joshua Sanders
    Joshua Sanders

    Joshua Sanders

    Joshua Sanders is highly regarded for his vast government relations experience and wealth of connections in Ohio. He counsels clients from a range of sectors including life sciences and education.

    • Joshua knows our company portfolio well and quickly gets up to speed on emerging policy issues impacting our company in order to advise us on the best strategy.

      Government Relations: State & Local respondentUSA

    • Joshua Sanders is savvy, smart and great to work with.

      Government Relations: State & Local respondentUSA

    • Joshua is consistently available to provide timely and cogent advice. He leverages his relationships to help us make needed connections.

      Government Relations: State & Local respondentUSA

    • Joshua is strategic and thorough.

      Government Relations: State & Local respondentUSA
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  • Leah Pappas Porner
    Leah Pappas Porner

    Leah Pappas Porner

    Leah Pappas Porner leads the firm's government relations and legislation practice. She has a wealth of experience advising clients on legislative and policy issues in Ohio and Washington, DC.

    • Leah is smart, savvy and experienced.

      Government Relations: State & Local respondentUSA

    • Leah keeps us abreast of government and state issues.

      Government Relations: State & Local respondentUSA

    • Leah is excellent in all areas.

      Government Relations: State & Local respondentUSA
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  • Michael Bowen
    Michael Bowen

    Michael Bowen

    Michael Bowen is noted for his strategic advice to clients regarding corporate governance and regulatory compliance as well as broader government relations in Ohio.

    • Michael is extremely effective.

      Government Relations: State & Local respondentUSA

    • Michael is great to work with. His skills are incredible and he has a vast knowledge of lobbying and legal services.

      Government Relations: State & Local respondentUSA

    • Michael is always responsive, attentive and goes above expectations.

      Government Relations: State & Local respondentUSA
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Ranked Individuals at Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP (3)

USA - Nationwide

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