Bio

Clifford (Cliff) Webster joined Carney Badley Spellman in 1983. He has represented businesses and business and professional trade associations before the state legislature and a variety of state agencies on matters related to taxation, liability, health care, communications, insurance, transportation, environmental regulation, government procurement, business regulation and professional licensing. Mr. Webster has been called one of a handful of “lobbyists to call to get things done” in the state capital by Washington Law & Politics. The magazine profiled him as one of five lobbyists “whose high levels of integrity, know-how and people skills have garnered [him] respect and influence on both sides of the aisle.” Ten times Webster was named a Super Lawyer in legislative and governmental affairs. No attorney-lobbyist has been recognized as a Super Lawyer more often. Seattle Business Monthly identified him as “one of Olympia’s elite lobbyists” who has “become one of Washington’s most sought after and successful lobbyists.” The News Tribune (Tacoma) said “Webster is charismatic and clearly enjoys his job.” The Seattle Weekly has added “Webster is a high-powered lobbyist.” The Olympian has written: “[Carney’s] best-known face among lobbyists is Cliff Webster, who has played prominent roles on behalf of pharmaceutical companies on such issues as limiting liability in malpractice and product damage cases.” Mr. Webster also has worked on a number of ballot measures – Initiative 330 (Medical Malpractice Reform); Referendum 67 (Insurance); Initiative 1107 (Food & Beverage Taxes); Initiative 522 (GMO Labeling); Initiative 1631 (Carbon Tax). Mr. Webster is chairman of the Washington Liability Reform Coalition and served on the board of directors of the American Tort Reform Association. In 2004, he served a one-year term as chairman of SCG Legal. He serves on the Washington State University Foundation board of trustees. Mr. Webster authors the Washington chapter of Lobbying, PACs and Campaign Finance: 50 State Handbook, published by WEST/Thomson Reuters. Mr. Webster previously worked for U.S. Senator Slade Gorton (R-WA), and was chief deputy prosecuting attorney in Chelan County, Washington. To see a list of clients for whom Carney Badley Spellman, P.S. is registered with, please visit the Washington Public Disclosure Commission. Education: JD, Gonzaga University School of Law, 1977, BA, Political Science, Washington State University, 1974.