The firm's holistic approach to government relations and lobbying encompasses both the legislative and executive branches, as well as an adjunct to the traditional role of lawyers within the judicial branch. As attorney lobbyists, lawyers offer legal expertise and have the ability to appear before administrative agencies and courts. Steptoe & Johnson represents clients before state agencies, legislative committees and the WV Legislature, and provides government relations services on issues such as economic development, energy, environmental, and health care. The group's work includes issue advocacy, bill drafting and in-depth review. Lawyers have significant experience in dealing with government officials at the local, state and federal levels. The firm's government relations work conforms to the highest ethical standards as defined by the West Virginia Governmental Ethics Act and is sensitive to conflicts of interest.
Team members include:
Coalition Building
The group uses our extensive contacts with various business and economic development organizations to build additional support for clients' positions in the Legislature.
Media Relations
The group's team members help clients write op eds and place stories in strategic media to build support for their positions before the Administration and Legislature.
Representative Experience
- Leading National Amusement Association
After the WV Legislature passed a bill that over-regulated members of an amusement industry, its national association asked Steptoe & Johnson to help get the law changed. The firm's review uncovered a flaw which made the law unenforceable. Lawyers went to the Governor's Office and Labor Department, pointed out the flaw, and asked the Administration to work with the firm on a better bill. Together the groups fashioned a reasonable bill, for which lawyers lobbied, that was passed by the Legislature in the next session. - State Professional Association
After the Legislature passed a bill that would severely harm members of a licensed profession, its state association asked for the firm's help. Lawyers determined the bill had been enacted unconstitutionally. The group advised the client to request that the Governor veto the bill on these grounds, which he did.
Law Enforcement
Steptoe & Johnson represented a county sheriff in federal court, where prisoners demanded that the sheriff follow regulations specifying square feet per cell - a costly, wasteful prospect since the state was constructing regional jails to replace county jails. Firm lawyers believed the rule was unenforceable because the underlying statute had been promulgated unconstitutionally, and asked the federal judge to pose the question to the WV Supreme Court. The court agreed in principle and struck down the rulemaking process by which the rule had been promulgated. Because the decision would strike down 25 year’s worth of rules, the Supreme Court made the decision prospective only, which did not help the firm's client. At the same time, the issue was in court, however, Steptoe & Johnson had assisted the sheriff in going to the Legislature to have the rule changed, so when the court handed down its decision, the rule had already been changed to make it clear that current county jails did not have to retrofit. - State Health-Related Association
For this longstanding client, the firm routinely works with the Department of Health to develop rules and bills that will benefit the Association, then lobby for them when they are introduced. - Steptoe & Johnson's Public Service Experience
The firm's experience in government and public service offers unparalleled access to local and national business leaders and assists with government relations on all levels.
Registered Lobbyists
George E. Carenbauer has extensive experience in governmental matters. After working two years as an attorney for the Legislature, he served from 1977-1985 as legal counsel to Governor John D. Rockefeller, IV. Subsequently, he moved to Washington, D.C. where he served as counsel to Majority Leader Robert C. Byrd on the U. S. Senate Judiciary Committee from 1987 to 1989. He later served as counsel to Majority Leader George J. Mitchell on the U. S. Senate Democratic Policy Committee from 1989 to 1991. After returning to West Virginia and joining Steptoe & Johnson, he chaired the state campaigns in 1992 and 1996 for President Clinton, and was Chair of the state Democratic Party from 1994-1996. He is the current Chair of the Administrative and Legislative Committee of the West Virginia State Bar.
John H. Johnston served in various capacities with the Department of Environmental Protection including: Chief of the Office of Air Quality; Chief of Abandoned Mine Lands and Reclamation; Chief of the Office of Oil and Gas; and Deputy Director. Johnston has experience providing oral and written testimony to state and federal committees and agencies on oil and gas and air quality related issues. He has assisted in drafting and rendering legal opinions on legislation.
