Ryan RayGunster Yoakley & Stewart is the oldest commercial law firm in Palm Beach County, in operation since 1925. The firm’s government affairs team represents clients in a broad range of industries such as telecommunications, transportation, and energy, as well as regulated industries like gaming and alcohol.
In the final quarter of 2014, the firm had a roster of seven legislative lobbyists, with eight executive lobbyists (counting utility company expert Beth Keating).
Among them, the firm posted about $389,982 in legislative and $228,981 executive lobbying earnings — bringing the total to as much as $619,663 — according to recently released lobbying compensation reports. They represented an eclectic slate of 26 executive and 31 legislative clients.
Gunster’s biggest checks in Q4 2014 came from staffing consultancy Geographic Solutions Inc. and tobacco giant RAI Services Co., each providing a maximum of $39,999 in legislative advocacy fees.
Beyond those firms, a diverse group of businesses delivered Gunster up to $29,999 each for legislative services: Churchill Downs Inc.; Coalition of Affordable House Providers; Florida Goodwill Association; and the Town of Oakland, a small municipality in Orange County.
The top-paying executive client who retained Gunster’s services was Geographic Solutions, followed by PNC Financial Services and Floridian Natural Gas Storage Co., which paid up to $19,999 and $9,999 respectively.
