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When it comes to longevity and stability, Michigan Legislative Consultants (MLC) has few peers in
Lansing. MLC was established by Tom Cleary in 1965, several years
before any other multi-client firm.
Cleary started Michigan Legislative Consultants firm after serving as a
top official in the
Department of Treasury. His first clients included the Michigan Ophthalmology Society and
Michigan County Social Services Association. Those clients continue to be represented by MLC,
testimony to the firm’s reputation for stability and solid client service. More than half of MLC
clients have been on board for over 15 years.
MLC’s business practices are designed so that we have the lowest client to lobbyist ratio in
Lansing, allowing us to continue reputation for top notch service to clients.
In 1979, Charles “Fritz” Benson joined Cleary. Benson, a Jackson
native, was special assistant to the Majority Leader of the Michigan Senate for five years
before joining MLC. Fritz is a former teacher and coach who also counseled emotionally handicapped
and delinquent youth.
In 1986 J. Michael Busch joined the firm after serving 12 years in the House of Representatives, the
final four as House Republican leader. Busch developed a solid reputation in the legislature and was
described by the Detroit Free Press as, “having earned a high measure of respect for his diligence,
his intelligence and his willingness to try to be a part of the solution to problems.”
In 2002, Benson and Busch returned to the three partner format with the addition of Tim Ward,
an attorney who managed Governor John Engler’s 1998 re-election campaign. Ward had established
his own lobbying firm, but decided to merge his operations with Benson and Busch to leverage the
strengths of both firms.
Then in 2004, the firm saw two other changes, this time adding the talents of Brendan Ringlever in
April, and at year’s end, with Busch scaling back his role from partner to being of counsel. Ringlever had an 11 year career in House and Senate staff positions.
His last position was Deputy Chief
of Staff and Legislative Director for the Senate Majority Leader.
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