Gardere Ranked Among Top Firms in Capitol Inside Texas Lobby Power Rankings

AUSTIN, TX, February 03, 2013 (Press-News.org) Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP is ranked among Texas' elite law firm lobby teams in Capitol Inside's 10th Annual Texas Lobby Power Rankings. The 2013 listing marks the second consecutive time that Gardere has been named as one of the two most powerful law firm lobby teams in the state by Austin-based Capitol Inside, the go-to website for Texas political and legislative news. Gardere has earned a place on the coveted listing each year since the list debuted in 2003.

"We have one of the best, most experienced and influential legal lobbying teams in the state," says Gardere Managing Partner Steve Good. "Advocating for our clients before lawmakers is a responsibility we take very seriously, and we're honored to be recognized for our hard work and dedication to our clients at the Texas State Capitol."

In addition to the Firm's overall ranking, Gardere partner Mark Vane made his debut appearance in the top 30 of Capitol Inside's "Hired Guns" list, which identifies the top lobbyists in the state. Capitol Inside describes Mr. Vane as "the most highly visible lobbyist at the statehouse for [the] Gardere team."

Gardere's nationally recognized Government Affairs Practice Group is led by the Austin office's Executive Partner Kimberly Yelkin, who represents clients in government affairs, insurance and health care issues. Chambers USA has ranked Ms. Yelkin among the best attorneys in the country each year since 2008. The Firm's Government Affairs group also includes Val Perkins, Dewey Brackin, Nanette Beaird and Leslie Robnett.

"Our team has a well-earned reputation for integrity and working hard for our clients," says Ms. Yelkin. "The most effective lobbying involves educating all stakeholders and developing trusting relationships with legislators by providing them with timely and accurate information."

Gardere's Government Affairs Practice Group provides legislative and regulatory services to private corporations and public entities that are facing issues before state governments. The team focuses on administrative and regulatory matters, issues involving attorneys general, economic development, government contracts, insurance regulatory issues, legislative matters, litigation and litigation avoidance, and Medicaid fraud. The team's attorneys have worked both inside and outside government, including extensive experience managing major state agencies and holding top litigation, legislative and public policy positions. Gardere's government relations practice consistently earns first-tier honors in the "Best Law Firms" rankings compiled by the U.S. News Media Group and Best Lawyers . The group also has been ranked by Texas Lawyer newspaper among the top-grossing lawyer-lobbyists in Texas.

Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP, an Am Law 200 firm founded in 1909 and one of the Southwest's largest full-service law firms, has offices in Austin, Dallas, Houston and Mexico City. Gardere provides legal services to private and public companies and individuals in areas of corporate, litigation, energy, tax, real estate, financial services, government affairs, hospitality, intellectual property, labor and employment, and environmental. For more information, contact Kristin Aveille at 214.999.4843 or kaveille@gardere.com.