Legislative & Regulatory

Legislative & Regulatory

Poyner & Spruill's Legislative and Regulatory Group is a part of the Government Section and is headed by Marvin D. Musselwhite, Jr. The attorneys practicing in the group combine numerous years of experience in the area of governmental relations having served as legislative agents and lobbyists for clients in the North Carolina General Assembly. In addition to traditional lobbying efforts, legislative representation includes strategy formulation, drafting of legislation, preparation of testimony and appearance before legislative committees, formation of lobbying coalitions, grassroots efforts and direct mail and media campaigns.

Marvin Musselwhite serves as lobbyist for most of the firm's legislative clients and has consistently ranked among the top ten most effective lobbyists before the North Carolina General Assembly in a biennial survey of legislators, lobbyists and reporters. David M. Barnes also serves many of the firm's legislative and governmental relations clients as a lobbyist. Steven M. Shaber also serves as a lobbyist for certain clients.

With specific issues, other attorneys assist in lobbying. Specifically, H. Glenn Dunn and Timothy P. Sullivan assist with environmental issues, Robin T. Morris assists with local government and zoning issue, Joseph B. Dempster assists with corporate and general issues, John L. Shaw with construction issues, William R. Shenton with healthcare and human service issues, Michael S. Colo with energy issues and Thomas R. West with health and administrative law issues. Sandra J. Chrisawn serves as legislative assistant.

Marvin Musselwhite is the North Carolina Editor of Lobbying, PAC's, Campaign Finance 50 State Handbook, published by West Publishing Company.

Through its relationship with the State Capital Global Law Firm Group, the group's attorneys have strong ties with lobbyists in the fifty state capitals and several foreign countries. (Member firms of the State Capital Global Law Firm Group practice independently and are not in a relationship for the joint practice of law.)

The Group also has substantial experience in dealing with federal and state administrative departments and agencies on a wide range of regulatory issues. Several of our attorneys were previously employed by state administrative agencies.

2005 Legislative Clients Include:

Eckerd Youth Alternatives, Inc.

ElectriCities of North Carolina

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ING American Insurance Holdings, Inc.

Johnson Controls, Inc.

Lexmark International, Inc.

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.

Merck Medco Managed Care, LLC

Multi-State Associates on behalf of Community Financial Services Association

Multi-State Associates on behalf of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company

North Carolina Association of Nonprofit Homes for the Aging