Kelley Cawthorne

Dennis O. Cawthorne. Mr. Cawthorne's reputation as Michigan's leading lawyer/lobbyist was recently confirmed by the respected newsletter Inside Michigan Politics which named him Michigan's single most effective lobbyist in a survey of capitol insiders, journalists, legislators and staff.

As one respondent in the IMP survey said,

"[Dennis Cawthorne] knows more details of the Legislature and how it operates than anyone in town."...

Cawthorne's vast knowledge of government and politics stems from first-hand experience. He served twelve (12) years as a Republican member of the Michigan House of Representatives, including four (4) years as House Republican Leader.

Upon leaving the Legislature, Dennis Cawthorne established his own law and government relations practice which culminated in the formation of Kelley Cawthorne in 1999. In a few short years, the firm has been recognized by Inside Michigan Politics as one of the five (5) most effective lobbying organizations in Michigan.

He remains active in government and political circles as Chairman of the prestigious Mackinac Island State Park Commission, to which he was appointed by Michigan Governor John Engler. He is the longest-serving chairman in the 107-year history of the Commission. Cawthorne also served on Governor Engler's original transition team.

In addition to his legislative experience, he has served as a member of both the Michigan Law Revision Commission and the National Commission on Uniform State Laws and is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court.

Mr. Cawthorne graduated from Harvard Law School and has over twenty years of experience in counseling individuals, corporations, trade associations and public bodies on all aspects of government affairs. Mr. Cawthorne is also a successful entrepreneur and a counselor to non-profit organizations.

GOVERNMENT/POLITICAL EXPERIENCE

Chairman of Mackinac Island State Park Commission, twelve (12) years

Served four (4) years as Michigan House Republican Leader

Served twelve (12) years in Michigan House of Representatives

Legislative Aide, former U.S. Rep. Robert P. Griffin (R-MI)

Past Chairman, Michigan Republican State Convention

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Member of Michigan Bar for 36 years

Admitted to practice before U.S. Supreme Court

EDUCATION

Albion College (B.A.), Phi Beta Kappa honors

Harvard Law School