Best Lawyers in America for Government Relations Practice
State
Ivan M. Lui-Kwan was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii. He has practiced law for over 55 years, focusing on Hawaii’s land use, administrative and real estate law. Mr. Lui-Kwan is highly involved in the community, bringing his legal experience to further goals which support Hawaii’s future. Mr. Lui-Kwan is a Director of the law firm. He is recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® in the practice areas of Real Estate Law, Leisure & Hospitality Law, Land Use & Zoning Law,...
J. Mark Adkins is a partner in the Charleston office of Bowles Rice and a member of the Business Litigation Practice Group. His primary areas of practice include business litigation, commercial and contract disputes, financial services/banking litigation, energy litigation, construction litigation, election law and products liability litigation. A native of Salt Rock, West Virginia, Mr. Adkins received his J.D. in 1997 from the West Virginia University College of Law, where he was a member of...
John N. (Nick) Fountain is one of the most experienced attorneys in North Carolina handling professional licensure issues and occupational licensing boards. He has appeared before dozens of the numerous boards and commissions in Raleigh, including the Real Estate Commission, the Appraisal Board, the Banking Commission, the CPA Examiners, N.C. Medical Board, the Dental Board, the Psychology Board, Licensed Professional Counselors and others. He is General Counsel to the State Board of Examiner...
Kate works where the law, the Legislature, the governor and politics meet. Among the most highly regarded lobbyists and election law attorneys in Maine, she helps navigate the complex reality of elections and public policy. No challenge is too big, no campaign impossible. Kate takes on the tough – some might say, impossible – work that can change the world. With Kate, there’s no quit. She keeps working until she wins. Period. Kate has lobbied in Augusta for nearly 20 years, ...
Spencer J. Flatgard is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Administrative / Regulatory Law and Government Relations Practice. Spencer J. practices law in Jackson, Mississippi Best Lawyers has recognized Spencer J. Flatgard since 2020. 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 Spencer J. Flatgard is held by other lawyers.
Christopher Plumlee is a trial lawyer and partner at RMP LLP in Springdale, Arkansas, where he has practiced since joining the firm in 2019. He co-leads the firm’s Investigations and Corporate Compliance practice and advises clients on matters involving governmental investigations, corporate compliance, white-collar criminal matters, complex tax issues, and antitrust investigations. His practice includes representing individuals and organizations in matters involving the U.S. Department...
Marc S. Lampkin is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Government Relations Practice. Marc S. practices law in Washington, District of Columbia Best Lawyers has recognized Marc S. Lampkin 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 Marc S. Lampkin is held by other lawyers.
Heather Willey advises clients in the areas of government services, government finance, and education and healthcare law. Practical and analytical, Heather is an ardent team player who is able to create synergy among even the most diverse parties, working through issues collaboratively while realizing her client’s goals. Heather focuses her practice on broad governmental and municipal law issues for cities, towns and counties. A registered Indiana lobbyist, Heather has been involved in ...
Tom Heywood has significant experience in health care, banking and corporate/commercial law, and is frequently called upon by clients and community leaders for advice on business matters related to acquisitions, divestitures and other transactional matters. An experienced facilitator, he regularly assists businesses and organizations in the strategic planning process. As a former Chief of Staff to the Honorable Gaston Caperton, Governor of the State of West Virginia, Tom has extensive experie...
John represents both plaintiffs and defendants in state and federal court and has frequently argued before the South Carolina Supreme Court. He has a diverse litigation and appellate practice, handling matters related to the False Claims Act, health care, personal injury, and business litigation. He also represents governmental clients, such as county and state governments, and private clients before governmental bodies. John has been certified as a mediator since 2005 and serves by appointme...
Cynthia K. Trimmer is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Government Relations Practice, Land Use and Zoning Law, Litigation - Land Use and Zoning and Real Estate Law. Cynthia K. practices law in Jacksonville, Florida Best Lawyers has recognized Cynthia K. Trimmer since 2021. 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 Cynthia K...
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.
