Best Lawyers in America for Government Relations Practice

Kevin Stanek brings nearly a decade of experience working in the executive and legislative branches of Ohio state government, including as Gov. John R. Kasich's assistant director of policy for asset management and assistant chief counsel. Kevin’s hands-on government experience supports him in providing practical solutions and comprehensive plans of action for clients. Kevin represents governmental clients on policy matters and other legal issues before the Ohio General Assembly, execut...

Richard "Richie" Heath, Jr. concentrates his practice in the area of government relations and serves as leader of the firm's Government Relations team. Richie's practice also includes work in the hospitality, gaming and tourism industry, industrial hemp and medical cannabis fields, as well as the state's burgeoning renewable energy industry. Prior to joining the firm, he was Chief Legal Counsel and Chief of Staff for West Virginia Senate Presidents Mitch B. Carmichael and William P. Cole. He ...

Steve Roberts is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Government Relations Practice. Steve, who practices law in Washington, District of Columbia, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Steve is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Chris L. Connelly is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Government Relations Practice and Public Finance Law. Chris L., who practices law in Columbus, Ohio, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Chris L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Michael D. Bopp is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Government Relations Practice. Michael D., who practices law in Washington, District of Columbia, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michael D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Bruce Wyche Bannister is a partner of Bannister, Wyatt, & Stalvey, LLC and a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives. Mr. Bannister graduated from Davidson College in 1995 and went on to earn his law degree from the University of South Carolina in 1998. Mr. Bannister focuses on Family Law, Eminent Domain, and Real Estate Law. He has tried cases involving Personal Injury, Premises Liability, Eminent Domain, Education Law, Residential Real Estate, Commercial Real Estate, Gover...

L. Kelly Frels is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Education Law and Government Relations Practice. L. Kelly, who practices law in Houston, Texas, has been recognized since 2008. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which L. Kelly is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

Donald Scarinci is the Founding Partner of Scarinci Hollenbeck. He writes and lectures extensively about Constitutional Law and edits the award-winning, The Constitutional Law Reporter . His practice focuses on representing public institutions and businesses that interact with government. Mr. Scarinci is well known for his work in Municipal Law , School Law , Business and Health Care law . He has represented some of the largest municipalities and counties in New Jersey, as well as numerous pl...

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 top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Government Relations Practice, Land Use and Zoning Law, Litigation - Land Use and Zoning and Real Estate Law. Cynthia K., who practices law in Jacksonville, Florida, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Cynthia K. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Mark R. Ustin is a regulatory attorney and lobbyist. Mark has extensive experience assisting health and human services providers and related entities navigate the complicated statutory, regulatory, and policy landscape surrounding service delivery and payment. He assists clients with promoting and responding to legislation, regulation, and other government actions impacting their interests. He also steers clients through state processes to secure millions of dollars in government grants and o...

John R. Hammond IV is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Government Relations Practice. John R., who practices law in Indianapolis, Indiana, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jim Hatem focuses his practices on general corporate counseling, mergers, acquisitions and real estate. As leader of Nixon Peabody’s Insurance Regulatory practice, he represents insurers before insurance regulators throughout the country. What do you focus on? Business counseling and transactional I counsel most of my clients regarding major initiatives, including formation, financing, contracting, compliance, tax planning, leasing, disputes, acquisitions and divestitures. For one clien...

Chad A. Pilcher is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Government Relations Practice. Chad A., who practices law in Birmingham, Alabama, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Chad A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Robin G. Laurie is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation, Government Relations Practice and Litigation - Environmental. Robin G., who practices law in Montgomery, Alabama, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Robin G. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.