Maryland native son and noted statehouse lawyer, Stierhoff was counsel to Md. State Senate; brings impressive list of legislative clients, including CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield and Abbott Laboratories
BALTIMORE (August 23, 2007) - Venable LLP announced that prominent government affairs attorney and lobbyist John R. Stierhoff, who served as counsel in the Maryland State House for more than a dozen years before entering the private sector, will join the firm's Baltimore office as a partner in its State and Local Government practice.
Mr. Stierhoff comes to Venable from the Baltimore office of Funk & Bolton, PA. He starts at Venable on September 1.
Mr. Stierhoff previously served as counsel to State Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. and was instrumental in the passage of critical statewide legislation regarding tort, education, health care and election law reform. He began his government service career in 1983 as counsel to the Maryland State Senate's Judicial Proceedings Committee. He also served as director of government relations for the Medical and Chirurgical Faculty of the State of Maryland, the State Medical Society.
"Few know Maryland government better than John Stierhoff," said Venable Chairman James Shea. "Over the past two decades, he has built a reputation as the go-to government affairs attorney in the state, and the stellar list of clients he represents speaks to his record of success. I am proud to welcome John to Venable and look forward to working closely with him as we provide an expanded set of services to our clients and welcome new clients to the firm."
As a lobbyist, Mr. Stierhoff brings with him a deep client list that spans both the business and political spectrum, including General Electric, the State Law Enforcement Officers' Labor Alliance, T-Mobile Wireless, Medco, Friends of the Family, the Maryland Defense Council, the Investment Company Institute, and Beretta USA, among many others.
During his years in private practice, Mr. Stierhoff has been recognized for his integrity as a lobbyist. In 1998, he was appointed by the President of the State Senate and Speaker of the House to serve on the Special Study Commission on the Maryland Public Ethics Law. In 2000, he was appointed to the Study Commission on Lobbyist Ethics.
"Venable has a fantastic reputation as one of the most distinguished law firms in Maryland, with a national profile in government affairs, litigation and business transactions," said Mr. Stierhoff. He noted that several of his clients are already represented by Venable in a variety of matters. "Venable is an ideal environment to build on my client base and contribute to the firm's robust government and legislative practices."
Mr. Stierhoff is active in civic and charitable causes and has contributed to the completion or renovation of Baltimore landmarks including the Convention Center, Memorial Stadium and the Performing Arts Center at the University of Maryland's College Park campus.
Mr. Stierhoff received his J.D. from the University of Baltimore School of Law in 1982 and his B.A. from Loyola College in 1977.
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