Government Relations

HJ LLC has earned a reputation for aggressively advocating its clients’ positions with various state and local governing bodies. Through its Managing Member, Lisa Harris Jones’ 16 years of experience, HJ LLC has built excellent relationships with state and local legislators and agency heads. It is through these relationships that HJ LLC has been able to provide positive results for its clients.

HJ LLC’s clients are ensured that the firm will produce:

• Access to qualified government relations specialist
• High levels of government relations expertise in both the executive and legislative branches of the State of Maryland and local governments
• Practical solutions which appropriately take into account all relevant business risks and benefits specific to each client
• A superior work product and results which consistently surpass our clients’ expectations

HJ LLC’s lobbying services include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Monitoring and advocating legislation that directly affects our clients’ legislative agendas
• Drafting letters to legislative committees to further advocate our clients’ legislative agendas
• Drafting and presenting testimony on behalf of our clients in front of legislative committees
• Arranging meetings with members of the Maryland General Assembly, local legislators, and appropriate agency representatives to advocate our clients’ position
• Drafting and/or amending legislation on behalf of our clients

Affiliation

In September 2006, HJ LLC became affiliated with the law firm of Semmes, Bowen & Semmes to better serve the diverse legal needs of its clients. Founded in 1887, Semmes is one of the largest full-service law firms in the State of Maryland. Through five offices in key locations in Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Northern Virginia, more than 70 attorneys provide comprehensive legal representation in an extensive range of practice areas.

HJ LLC works closely with American Joe Miedusiewski, one of Semmes’ key lobbyists. American Joe Miedusiewski is known for building and maintaining relationships with government decision makers. Prior to running for Governor in 1994, American Joe Miedusiewski served in the House of Delegates and State Senate for 20 years and has excellent relationships with key legislators. American Joe Miedusiewski’s relationships extend to local jurisdictions such as Baltimore City, Anne Arundel County and Baltimore County.

Franklin Goldstein, a premier lobbyist in the state for many years, is part of the Semmes' lobbying and government relations practice. Franklin Goldstein served in the Attorney General's Office as Chief of the Civil Division prior to beginning his lobbying practice in 1968.

For more information about Semmes, Bowen & Semmes, please visit www.semmes.com.