Steve Merksamer is a partner in one of California's most influential firms -- Nielsen, Merksamer, Parrinello, Mueller & Naylor. The sixteen-lawyer firm serves mainly corporate and government clients in California and across the nation.

Merksamer describes the firm as the only one in Sacramento that combines a full range of political and government services, including government and administrative law, lobbying, political and initiative law, and litigation. "The practice is rewarding" Merksamer says, "because our firm has the opportunity to have a dynamic impact on public policy." Merksamer notes that the firm is involved in most every major initiative in the state. As examples, Merksamer points to two recent initiatives-one which reduced the two-thirds vote required for passage of local school bonds, and one which eased rules for contracting out government projects. Merksamer also notes that the firm is often on the forefront of emerging issues, assisting clients in formulating public policies and developing strategies for implementing them.

Of course, having an impact on public policy is nothing new to Merksamer, who served as Chief of Staff to Governor George Deukmejian and whom The Daily Journal described in 1982 as a political whiz kid.

Merksamer began working on political campaigns while attending Claremont McKenna College in Southern California. His rapid rise in politics got its start when he was tapped by then Assembly Speaker Robert Monagan to work in the Capitol. Merksamer soon joined the staff of Lieutenant Governor Ed Reineke. At the time, redistricting lines were to be drawn by a commission chaired by the Lt. Governor. Although the system was later found unconstitutional, Merksamer's work with the redistricting commission introduced him to representatives of other state agencies, including the Attorney General's Office. Many of those around him, including Ed Meese, Governor Reagan's Chief of Staff, and Charles Barrett, the Attorney General's Chief Deputy, encouraged Merksamer to attend law school.

Never particularly wanting to be a lawyer nor wanting to leave the excitement of the political/government arena, Merksamer reluctantly agreed and enrolled at McGeorge. During law school, Merksamer clerked with the Attorney General's Office. He enjoyed the work, and after graduation, became a deputy attorney general working in the government and administrative law sections. There Merksamer represented most state agencies at every level and was part of the team of lawyers who defended Proposition 13, the property tax initiative.

After a few years as a deputy attorney general, Merksamer decided it was time to enter private practice. He was excited about the prospect of developing a government law practice which could draw on his experience. George Deukmejian had just been elected Attorney General, but Merksamer had not met Deukmejian, nor had he worked on the campaign. However, Merksamer provided the incoming A.G. some briefings about the office during the transition.

Deukmejian was so impressed with Merksamer's legal knowledge and keen political sense that he made an offer that Merksamer couldn't refuse. Delaying his entry into private practice Merksamer took on the newly-created post of Special Assistant Attorney General, in which he oversaw all sensitive litigation in the office to insure that positions taken reflected the policies of the A.G.

Acknowledging that he and Merksamer think alike on most issues, Deukmejian describes Merksamer as "extremely bright, an invaluable advisor, and unwavering in his loyalty." It was little surprise then that Merksamer had to again postpone is move into private practice when Deukmejian asked him to take an active role in the gubernatorial campaign and, after the election, appointed Merksamer his chief of staff.

Two of those who worked closely with Merksamer in the AG's Office and on the Governor's staff are Court of Appeal Justice Vance Raye and Presiding Justice Arthur Scotland. Scotland says that "Steve's shock of premature gray hair befits his wisdom, not his age. He is one of the most brilliant political analysts and strategists that I know." Raye, Deukmejian 's Legal Affairs Secretary, says Merksamer is "focused, well organized, intelligent and brings tremendous energy to every task he's confronted with."

Merksamer brought these attributes to private practice in 1987 when he teamed up with the firm of Nielsen, Hodgson, Parrinello and Mueller, to form the Nielsen Merksamer firm. Although Merksamer continues to be a key advisor to Republican leaders, and those who aspire to be, he does not view the firm as a "Republican" firm. He notes that his partners include Democrats and that the firm often works with Democrats on issues of common concern and represents clients with a variety of perspectives, including labor unions and public entities.