Legal counsel to Gov. Granholm returns to Dykema's Lansing office

Dykema announced this week the return of Steven C. Liedel, former legal counsel to Gov. Jennifer Granholm, to the firm's Regulated Industries Department. The move comes a month after Dykema added former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox to the firm. Liedel, who joins Dykema as Senior Counsel, will be based in the firm's Lansing office. Liedel served as Legal Counsel to Governor Granholm for three years, during which time he was chair of the State Administrative Board, Chief Privacy Officer for the State of Michigan, Executive Committee member of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and Transition Liaison to the incoming Snyder Administration. "It's no coincidence that we have been able to attract the state of Michigan's top public lawyers from both the Republican and Democratic sides of the political aisle which recognizes the strength and bi-partisan credentials of our Government practice," said Rex Schlaybaugh, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Dykema. "We want our Government practice to attract the best lawyers from both sides of the aisle. The additions of Mike Cox and Steve Liedel add new depth to our existing practice and further complement our ability to counsel our clients on issues at the intersection of business and government. There is no firm better situated to handle these matters." At Dykema, Liedel will advise clients on navigating the complex issues associated with government reorganization and restructuring, economic development and tax policy. He also will provide counsel on legislative drafting, strategy and interpretation; elections, campaign finance and compliance; government contracts; government policy; public finance; administrative law; and casino gaming, among other areas. "As both a government and private attorney, Steve has developed a professional reputation as an individual who can effectively navigate complex governmental terrain and processes to produce results for clients," said Len Wolfe, Director of Dykema's Government Policy & Lobbying practice. "His leadership experience, extensive relationships resulting from high-level service in state government, and comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of government structure will broaden and deepen the firm's diverse Government practice." "Dykema has developed a clear leadership position in the Michigan regulatory and government practice areas, and I have already enjoyed the opportunity to work closely with many of the firm's highly-respected professionals," said Liedel. "I am eager to enter this new phase of my career and to support the continued growth of the practice while providing an expanded range of governmental services to Dykema's clients." "This year, state government is likely to engage in an intensive effort to change state law and encourage governments at all levels to consolidate and reduce spending," added Wolfe. "Steve is a unique asset that we can offer to our clients as governments and other business entities seek advice and counsel on how to follow these changes and to take advantage of new state laws." He received a J.D. from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law and a B.A. from James Madison College at Michigan State University. Published: Fri, Feb 11, 2011