Warner’s Government Affairs Practice Group, situated on Michigan’s political pulse in Lansing, has forged solid relationships with legislators, state officials, government agencies and political action committees. Unlike mere consulting and lobbying firms, we have the knowledge and experience to propose legislative and administrative language that will withstand legal challenges. We are also bound by a code of conduct and steadfastly avoid conflicts of interest. In sum, we have the expertise, ethics and the political access to best serve your legal needs.
We’ve successfully advocated for clients on both sides of the aisle, delivering sound policy advice and a solid base of knowledge on state law and guidance. The Michigan Tax Tribunal, Liquor Control Commission and departments of Treasury, Environmental Quality and Community Health are among the agencies we work with on behalf of clients.
Practice Group Chair Jim Cavanagh has spent more than two decades in government relations and advocacy. His work earned him recognition as a top Michigan lobbyist, both by the Michigan Information Research Service (MIRS) and Inside Michigan Politics.
Government affairs attorney Troy Cumings served as legislative aide to a former Senate Majority Leader. In addition to lobbying, Troy conducts an active campaign finance and environmental law practice. He was appointed to lead the transition team for Attorney General Bill Schuette, a former Warner attorney, after Schuette’s 2010 victory.
Schuette isn’t our only connection to state government. Michigan Solicitor General John Bursch also is a former Warner attorney. William Fulkerson, who serves in an of counsel position at Warner, was Chief Administrative Law Judge for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for more than 20 years.
Our attorneys serve on state regulatory boards, too. Christian Meyer, who specializes in real estate law, was appointed to serve on Gov. Rick Snyder’s inaugural State of Michigan Electronic Recording Commission. Similarly, Troy Cumings is on the state’s Environmental Advisory Rules Committee.
Here are a few recent accomplishments of our Government Affairs attorneys:
- Helped create and advocate for a coalition of likeminded groups who succeeded in blocking legislative changes proposed by a politically powerful and well-funded insurance company
- Assisted businesses with budgetary language to ensure fair and timely payment by a health care provider
- Regularly advise political action committees, candidates and office holders on compliance with campaign finance laws
- Helped a client secure a $250,000 government grant for a new construction project
- Met with key legislators from both parties, achieved consensus, then crafted an amendment to environmental legislation for a manufacturer client
- Added boilerplate language to an executive budget bill and lobbied legislators for passage, allowing a client to remain competitive