The law firm Seyfarth Shaw is moving to bolster its lobbying services, with top recruits from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and a new government affairs group that will focus on federal and state policy.

Randy Johnson, former senior vice president for labor, immigration and employee benefits at the U.S. Chamber, joined Seyfarth last week to build the firm's new government relations and policy practice group in Washington. Walter Mullon also joined the firm the Chamber, where he was manager of operations for labor, immigration and employee benefits.

Seyfarth Shaw's new practice group was formally announced within the firm last week, said Laura Maechtlen, national chair of the firm's labor and employment department. Maechtlen said part of the new effort is expanding lobbying. Two or three key members will form the core, and in total 25 attorneys with different policy backgrounds around the country will be a part of the group.

Maechtlen said there's been an uptick in client interest about changes to federal immigration regulations, new state and local government laws such as paid sick leave and how to grapple with the future of work. “We are increasingly seeing work that is different than responding to litigation that is filed,” she said. “We are looking around the corner to solve current problems.”

On the local level, the firm wants to work more with coalitions and local governments to influence policy as its being drafted. She said she expects the team to grow, including in the Washington office.

Randy Johnson

“With this new policy team, we will grow capabilities in having a different lens on how these things happen,” Maechtlen said. “This new direction will hopefully influence and provide guidance. It's not just guidance of how to respond but guidance to legislative officials.”

Johnson brings 20-plus years of experience on Capitol Hill to Seyfarth Shaw. In his role at the Chamber, Johnson was responsible for labor, immigration and employee benefits issues before Congress and federal agencies. He regularly testified before Congress.

Johnson said Thursday the new Seyfarth practice group will likely mean more regular trips to the Capitol and to agencies to meet with lawmakers and leaders. In his new role, he said he'll work with attorneys who have extensive backgrounds in labor and management law, including the National Labor Relations Act and Title VII, to help advocate for clients.

He said the Chamber focused on big issues, but some of the issues clients want to address may be smaller scale, influencing a specific company or agency. But he said he would like to grow the team in D.C. “Obviously, there is no silver bullet,” Johnson said. “Within our client base, they wanted more ears on the ground in D.C.”

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