James T. Clark

Attorney

St. Paul

651-556-9209

jclark@messerlikramer.com

Profile

James Clark is a lobbyist in Messerli Kramer’s Government Relations group. Prior to joining the firm in 2002, James was a county prosecutor and a three-term member of the Minnesota House of Representatives. His unique background enables him to help clients navigate an often unfamiliar setting at the Capitol, and tell their stories to decision-makers in a persuasive fashion. Having the perspective of both a legislator and a lobbyist also allows James to cut through the clutter and communicate what matters most.

James conducts much of his work within the health and transportation fields, and focuses on representing and advising his clients before the Minnesota Legislature and state agencies. Taking a keen interest in his clients’ issues, James strives to learn an extensive amount about his clients and their goals in order to identify the best approach and craft a solution. Clients appreciate his access to decision-makers within the Legislature and his ability to conduct impactful meetings within his network.

Representative Experience
  • Secured passage of three stadium proposals, creating thousands of jobs and millions in economic development for the state of Minnesota.

  • Represented the Minnesota Twins in securing legislation to enable the construction of Target Field.

  • Represented the City of St. Paul in their successful bids to build CHS Field for the St. Paul Saints and Allianz Field, for the Minnesota United Soccer team.

  • Represented Minnesotans for Lawsuit Reform in securing legislation including Joint and Several Liability tort reform.

  • Represented the Animal Humane Society in securing commercial Dog & Cat Breeder legislation requiring licensing and inspection of breeding facilities.

  • Represented the Minnesota Zoo, Children’s Theater, and the City of Lake Elmo in securing major capital investment appropriations.

  • Represented the Suburban Transit Association in securing legislation for the suburb-to-suburb demonstration project funding.

  • Represented Pediatric Home Service in securing funding to adequately reimburse costs associated with services and ventilators for children with complex medical issues.

Professional & Community

Admissions

  • Minnesota

Associations

  • Minnesota State Bar Association, Member

  • Ramsey County Bar Association, Member

  • Minnesota Governmental Relations Council, Member

Community Involvement

  • Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Law Review, Assistant Editor and Scholastic Review Board

  • Wanda State Bank, Board of Directors

Honors & Distinctions
  • Lobbyist of the Year (team), Politics in Minnesota and the St. Paul Legal Ledger Capitol Report, 2014

  • Lobbyist with the Mostest, “Early Handicapping: the GOP lobbyists with the mostest” – Politics in Minnesota, February 2011

  • Distinguished Student Award, Thomas Cooley Law School Alumni Association

  • Distinguished Service Award, Thomas Cooley Law School Student Bar Association