Kelley Cawthorne

Bi-Partisan Professionals

    Our bi-partisan political experience is unmatched by any law or lobbying firm in Michigan.  Four (4) of our government relations professionals have primarily Republican backgrounds and three (3) have primarily Democratic backgrounds. Because of our deep roots in both parties and in elective politics, we have access to the highest levels of leadership in both the legislative and executive branches of state government.

     This is especially important in an era of split control of state government.  No matter what party is in control, our firm has access to the information, political intelligence and the decision-makers who affect your bottom line.   

Legal Skills Provide a Competitive Edge

    Kelley Cawthorne is the only major law firm in Michigan which focuses primarily on the making and shaping of public policy.  As lawyers, we have the legal training and experience which enables us to quickly analyze complex legislation and also to recognize bills which affect our clients in ways not immediately apparent to a non-lawyer.   

    Moreover, our legal training provides us with advanced skills in legislative drafting and procedural issues which often must be outsourced at a stand-alone lobbying firm, a practice which adds to the client’s overall costs.  As lawyers we must adhere to the highest ethical standards of our profession, including the avoidance of conflicts of interest.

Young Professionals on the Cutting Edge of Term Limits

    Another advantage of Kelley Cawthorne is our unique mix of youth and experience.  Term limits changes everything. The average age of elected officials is decreasing and staff relationships are more important than ever.   

    Kelley Cawthorne is on the leading edge of the changing nature of lobbying.  Our young professionals such as Melissa Yutzey, Rob Elhenicky, David Gregory, and David Ladd have ensured that our political and legislative contacts and relationships have kept pace with the times.  On the other hand, our more experienced professionals provide our clients with sage advice and political counsel based on their proven track record of political and legislative success.    

Lobbying More Than Just the Legislature

    Another Kelley Cawthorne advantage is our unique mix of legislative and executive branch experience.  A successful government relations program requires more than just getting to know legislators; it requires the ability to deal effectively with regulators, administrators, department heads, and the governor’s office.  After-the-fact interpretation and enforcement (or non-enforcement) of a law can be even more critical to a client than the original content of a law. Our professionals have strong experience working in and with the executive branch of government.  

    For example, Frank J. Kelley served as legal counsel to all state agencies and department during his tenure as attorney general.  Dennis Cawthorne works closely with multiple branches of the executive branch as a gubernatorial appointee and David Gregory and Dave Ladd have recent executive branch experience working in the Engler administration.  We know how to get the job done with legislators and executive branch officials because our professionals have served in both capacities.