Smith, Costello & Crawford takes over the late Phil Johnston's lobbying business
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Bob Johnston was hopeful to ensure his father's clients continued to get good representation on state lobbying matters, and to find some financial benefit for his mom, Beverly.
A few lobbying firms in Boston pursued the deal, but Smith, Costello & Crawford successfully made the case that it would be the best advocate for Johnston's clients. Smith said he hopes to take on all of Johnston's dozen lobbying clients except one who has a conflict with one of the firm's preexisting clients.
'It's been a sprint to talk to everybody, meet with everybody, and hopefully have them feel comfortable joining up,' Smith said. 'So far there's been a great response. ... We're not looking to expand. This is not manifest destiny. We're already big, frankly. ... It just kind of came together.'
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This is an installment of our weekly Bold Types column about the movers and shakers on Boston's business scene.
Jon Chesto can be reached at
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