From crisis management situations to the nuts-and-bolts of regulatory issues, our Government Relations team provides knowledgeable advice and assistance at the state and local level. Our experienced attorneys draw on their decades of experience – including many years in public service – to address the needs of our clients.
We counsel clients facing difficult situations, including high-profile public matters involving the public, regulatory agencies or legislative bodies. We also provide effective representation before regulators and other public administrators, negotiate on behalf of our clients, and develop strategies to avoid potential litigation and enforcement actions. If legal proceedings do occur, our team possesses the experience and knowledge to protect our clients’ interests.
Our Governmental Relations attorneys advise private-sector clients in a wide range of matters, including:
- Corporate ethics audits
- Corporate integrity audits
- Compliance and regulatory audits
- Crisis management
- Rebuilding trust with key stakeholders
- Mitigating regulatory risks
- State regulatory issues
- Local administrative and regulatory issues
- Governmental relations
- Assistance with government contracts
Our team includes former Florida Attorney General Robert A “Bob” Butterworth, who enjoys a national reputation from his leadership in multi-state litigation against the tobacco industry and was once voted the top attorney general in the nation by his peers. Butterworth was responsible for the passage of numerous Florida statutes and pushed for amendments to Florida's Constitution expanding open government to all three branches of government and reforming the state's antiquated Cabinet system.
Known as a troubleshooter in the public sector, Butterworth turned around the Florida Department of Children and Families within a year after his appointment by Gov. Charlie Crist. Acting at the request of other government leaders, Butterworth also reformed the Florida Highway Patrol and served as interim mayor of Sunrise when that city in Broward County had leadership challenges.
Another senior member of our Government Practice team is the firm’s founder, Wilson C. Atkinson, III, who focuses his practice on land-use and administrative law. His knowledge of zoning and planning enable him to guide clients through the lengthy, complicated and often cumbersome processes for project approval and preservation of property rights.
He has worked with local agencies in Broward County for more than four decades. Through his service on numerous government boards, he has created strong ties with leaders in the public sector. As a result, Atkinson is known for his ability to bring parties together and to resolve challenging situations.
Rounding out the Government Affairs team is longtime firm shareholder and commercial litigator David B. Mankuta. His role is focused on land use, zoning and administrative matters working closely with Wilson Atkinson. Over the years he has represented clients in land use and zoning disputes before Florida municipalities, counties and planning and zoning boards. He also has significant experience representing clients involved in bid disputes against city and county commissions and other public entities. These matters include bid protests where the rules and processes were not properly followed, suspect bid scoring challenges and other improprieties concerning public bids.