Bradley is an attorney and Co-Chair of RWL's Government Relations Division. He has advocated successfully for a diverse group of clients with complicated and nuanced issues before legislative, regulatory and procurement decision makers. Mr. Rifkin works closely with clients to develop strategic plans to meet long-term and short-term goals and he helps execute those plans through effective stakeholder networking, preparation of supplemental documentation, oral testimony on behalf of the client and high stakes negotiation.

6-10 years

The Daily Record's 40 Under 40 VIP List (2021)

Maryland Rising Star - Legislative & Governmental Affairs (2021)

Maryland Rising Star - Legislative & Governmental Affairs (2020)

Maryland Matters List of "Winners" from the Legislative Session (2019)

Maryland State Baseball Coaches Association CRCBL Executive of the Year (2018)

RWL is the go-to firm for businesses and individuals with complex matters in need of resolution. With a team of attorneys that thrive on pursuing the most challenging cases, lobbying matters and procurements on behalf of its clients, our attorneys have represented scores of clients, including: major-league sports franchises; name-brand companies such as Google, Uber, Facebook and FedEx; whistleblowers in false claims cases; and millions of consumers in national class action suits.

With offices located in Baltimore, the state capital of Annapolis and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, Rifkin Weiner Livingston LLC (RWL) provides an important link to Maryland's principal business, commercial and government centers.

  • Brad Rifkin's adept strategy was further bolstered by the firm's team-oriented approach. RWL, a staple in Annapolis' political circle and across the state of Maryland, has helped achieve high profile legislative changes for well over a decade by successfully navigating an intensely difficult environment. - Kevin Atticks, Executive Director - Brewers Association of Maryland, Maryland Wineries Association & Maryland Distillers Guild
  • RWL's government relations group consistently ranks among Maryland's top lobbyists for good reason. Their team approach, in-depth understanding of their clients' interests, relationships at all levels of government and superb strategies are second to none. - Joseph De Francis, Former President and CEO, Maryland Jockey Club
  • Bradley Rifkin co-chairs RWL's Government Relations and Lobbying practice.

    Bradley effectively advocates for a diverse group of clients with complicated and nuanced issues before the Maryland General Assembly, local county jurisdictions and state agencies. Mr. Rifkin works closely with clients to develop strategic plans to meet long-term and short-term goals and he helps execute those plans through effective stakeholder networking, preparation of supplemental documentation, oral testimony on behalf of the client and high stakes negotiation. In his practice, he has a history of delivering impactful results for clients in a fast-paced environment.

    Bradley has successfully represented clients with a wide array of statutory, regulatory, funding and procurement interests in the areas of alcoholic beverage manufacturing, casino-gaming, franchise law, innovative technology, insurance, medical cannabis, non-profit organizations, satellite radio, telecommunications, and transportation.

    Prior to joining the firm Bradley attended Brown University where he majored in Political Science and graduated in 2009 (with honors from that Department). He then attended the University of Maryland School of Law and graduated in 2013.

    Since 2013, Bradley has served as President of the Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League in his spare time.

    I currently represent clients in the areas of healthcare, healthcare financing, health reform, health certificate of need (CON), casino gaming, lottery, horse racing, transportation, motor vehicles, rental cars, insurance, state and local taxes, franchises, business regulation, IT - information technology, environmental regulation, procurement, state contracting, bid protests, and acquisition of public funds for private programs and projects. Additionally, I advise clients on state and local ethics laws, election laws and lobbying rules.

    I previously served as the former staff counsel to the Maryland Senate Budget and Taxation Committee and the Department of Fiscal Services.

    My clients range from the CBAC Gaming (Horseshoe Casino Baltimore), Education Affiliates/Fortis College, Enterprise/Alamo/National Rental Cars, Maryland Physicians Care MCO, and Washington Area New Auto Dealers Association.

    20+ years

    Former staff counsel to Maryland Senate Budget and Taxation Committee handling matters related to state & local taxes, retirement, and agency budgets

    Experienced lobbyist on health care delivery systems, health insurance, and health occupations, including managed care, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, dental plans, and pharmaceuticals

    Team leader on multi-firm effort to preserve the Preakness Stakes in Maryland and to enact a statutory framework for a nearly $400 million capital redevelopment effort for Maryland's racetracks

    Counsel for automotive industries including new automobile dealers and rental car agencies

    Lead lobbyist on legislation to authorize transportation network companies

    Experienced gaming lobbyist representing lottery, casino, racetrack, and sports wagering interests

    Procurement counsel assisting entities on RFPs, bids and other offers of goods, services, and construction to state & local governments

    Counsels clients on state and local ethics laws, gift laws, campaign contribution compliance, election laws, and lobbying rules

    Fiscal Analyst, Department of Fiscal Services (1988)
    Committee Staff, Maryland Senate Budget & Taxation Committee (1989 - 1990)

  • RWL's government relations group consistently ranks among Maryland's top lobbyists for good reason. Their team approach, in-depth understanding of their clients' interests, relationships at all levels of government and superb strategies are second to none. - Joseph De Francis, Former President and CEO, Maryland Jockey Club
  • Michael V. Johansen is the Administrative Partner at Rifkin Weiner Livingston LLC and the Chair of the firm's Administrative Law and Regulatory Compliance practice. Mike has nearly 30 years of experience in lobbying and legal matters before the General Assembly, executive agencies, and local/municipal governments in the state of Maryland. As a registered lobbyist, he has represented clients in the areas of healthcare, healthcare financing, health reform, health certificate of need (CON), casino gaming, lottery, horse racing, transportation, motor vehicles, rental cars, insurance, state and local taxes, franchises, business regulation, IT - information technology, environmental regulation, procurement, state contracting, bid protests, and acquisition of public funds for private programs and projects. Mike also advises clients on state and local ethics laws, gift laws, campaign contribution compliance, election laws and lobbying rules.

    Prior to joining the firm, Mike was legislative staff to the Maryland General Assembly, the Senate Budget & Taxation Committee, and the Department of Fiscal Services. He is a member of the board of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation - Maryland Chapter and a board member of the Indian Creek School.

    Chief Operating Office and Registered Lobbyist, J.R. is an experienced business development and government affairs professional with an expertise in bringing people together in Maryland to create business opportunities and to solve political problems.

    6-10 years

    RWL is the go-to firm when businesses and individuals have a complex legal problem, with a team of attorneys that thrive on pursuing the most challenging cases on behalf of its clients. Our attorneys have represented scores of clients, including: major-league sports franchises; name-brand companies such as Google, Uber, Facebook and FedEx; whistleblowers in false claims cases; and millions of consumers in national class action suits.

    With offices located in Baltimore, the state capital of Annapolis and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, Rifkin Weiner Livingston LLC (RWL) provides an important link to Maryland's principal business, commercial and government centers.

    John C. "JR" Reith is the Chief Operating Officer at Rifkin Weiner Livingston LLC. He also a Registered Lobbyist in the firm's extensive Government Relations and Lobbying practice. He served as Finance Director for all three of former Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr.'s gubernatorial campaigns and was co-chairman of his campaign committees. Mr. Reith served on the Inaugural Committee for Governor Larry Hogan, and has been active in the National Republican Party since 1996. In 2016, Mr. Reith served as the co-chairman for the Inaugural Committee for Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh. He currently sits on the board of directors for The Canton Group, ThinkBig Networks, and on the alumni board for the Boys' Latin School of Maryland. Previously, Mr. Reith served as an advisor for Compass Marketing, Inc. and as an advisor for Brown Advisory in Baltimore. He is also a former board member of the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House and the GBMC Philanthropy Committee board of directors.

    • 410-269-5066

    • 225 Duke of Gloucester StreetAnnapolisMD21401

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