Best Lawyers in America for Government Relations Practice
State
Nicola T. Coleman is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Government Relations Practice. Nicola T. practices law in Albany, New York Best Lawyers has recognized Nicola T. Coleman since 2025. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Nicola T. Coleman is held by other lawyers.
Gary Hunter is a partner at Holtzman Vogel, where he maintains a broad governmental law practice with emphasis on state government affairs, land use entitlements, property rights advocacy and environmental issues. In over three decades of practice in Florida, Gary has represented Florida’s largest landowners in complex land use strategic development, litigation, and large area planning. He has been equally privileged to represent everyday landowners in protecting property rights from re...
Samuel K. Skinner has had a career in both the governmental and private sectors. As Of Counsel to the firm, he consults with clients in a variety of areas, including strategizing on complex litigation matters, state and federal regulatory matters, governmental matters, transportation issues, and corporate governance. Mr. Skinner is the retired Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of USF Corporation, one of the nation's leading transportation and logistics companies. During each yea...
Mr. Fahleson serves as an attorney and advisor to businesses, organizations, insurers, governmental bodies/officials, and individuals, providing strategic advice and practical counsel on the issues they face. When litigation becomes unavoidable, Mr. Fahleson’s zealous yet cost-effective representation has resulted in numerous successful verdicts from federal and state court judges and juries. Whether it involves employment law, agriculture or government relations, Fahleson’s exper...
Chris L. Connelly is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Government Relations Practice and Public Finance Law. Chris L. practices law in Columbus, Ohio Best Lawyers has recognized Chris L. Connelly since 2024. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Chris L. Connelly is held by other lawyers.
Brad Robertson works with clients facing government investigations and litigations, dealing with whistleblower allegations and qui tam actions, and planning compliance programs to prevent these occurrences in the first place. He helps his clients navigate compliance and potential liability under the False Claims Act, Anti-Kickback Statute and FIRREA, in addition to other areas of healthcare fraud and abuse, financial/mortgage fraud, and white collar criminal law. Whether necessitated by an em...
Benjamin Powell is widely recognized as one of the country's top authorities on handling cybersecurity, data breach and related investigation matters. He has advised companies on major cybersecurity incidents and incident preparedness across virtually every sector of the economy, including the banking, investment management, software, retail, energy, defense and intelligence, media and entertainment, pharmaceutical, cloud services, government contracting, aerospace, information technology, ma...
Douglas J. Friednash is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Government Relations Practice. Douglas J. practices law in Denver, Colorado Best Lawyers has recognized Douglas J. Friednash since 2026. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Douglas J. Friednash is held by other lawyers.
George M. Teague is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Government Relations Practice and Insurance Law. George M. practices law in Raleigh, North Carolina Best Lawyers has recognized George M. Teague since 2008. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which George M. Teague is held by other lawyers.
Gregory W. Stype is a partner in the Columbus office of Barnes & Thornburg, where he is a member of the Government Services and Finance Department. With more than 30 years of experience, Gregory devotes his practice to public and infrastructure finance and economic development. Gregory has served as counsel to state government entities, including the Ohio Public Facilities Commission, the Ohio Office of Budget and Management, and the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission, as well as...
Melissa Kuipers Blake is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Government Relations Practice. Melissa Kuipers practices law in Tampa, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Melissa Kuipers Blake since 2026. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Melissa Kuipers Blake is held by other lawyers.
Our Methodology
Recognition by Best Lawyers is based entirely on peer review. Our methodology is designed to capture, as accurately as possible, the consensus opinion of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same geographical area and legal practice area.
The Process
Best Lawyers employs a sophisticated, conscientious, rational, and transparent survey process designed to elicit meaningful and substantive evaluations of the quality of legal services. Our belief has always been that the quality of a peer review survey is directly related to the quality of the voters.
