Washington, D.C. – September 9, 2019 – Becker, a multi-practice commercial law firm with attorneys, lobbyists, and other professionals at offices throughout the East Coast, announced today that Alfonso Lopez has joined the firm as a Senior Corporate and Government Relations Consultant in the firm’s Federal Lobbying Practice. He brings extensive experience to the firm, serving municipalities and corporations in the areas of Federal Government Relations and Interstate and Regional Organization Advocacy.
Omar Franco, Managing Director of Becker’s Federal Practice, said, “Alfonso is a well-respected leader with over 27 years of federal and state legislative experience. He will bring substantial government experience to our practice, which will help us service the full spectrum of our clients’ needs at the highest level.”
Prior to joining Becker, Mr. Lopez served as the Assistant Administrator for Congressional and Legislative Affairs of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) in the Obama administration where he helped lead the effort to pass the Small Business Jobs Act. He was also then-Governor Tim Kaine’s Director of the Virginia Congressional and Federal Relations Liaison Office in Washington, D.C. He also served as the Governor’s representative to the National Governors Association, Democratic Governors Association, and the Southern Governors Association. Mr. Lopez was the highest ranking Latino in the Kaine Administration and also served as the Deputy Policy Director on Governor-Elect Kaine’s Transition Team.
Mr. Lopez said, “I’ve known and worked closely with several of the lobbyists in Becker’s D.C. office over the years. They have an excellent client base and enjoy a stellar reputation. I’m excited about the opportunity to join their outstanding team.”
Mr. Lopez also represents the 49th District in the Virginia House of Delegates and serves as the Whip of the Virginia House Democratic Caucus. He has successfully championed legislation creating the Virginia Affordable Housing Trust Fund, established the Small Business Investment Grant Fund, expanded Medicaid coverage to immigrant mothers and children, and raised the cap on nonresidential solar net metering in Virginia.
In 2018, Mr. Lopez created the first Virginia Latino Caucus, which deals with issues within the Latino, immigrant, and New American communities. He serves as the Caucus Co-Chair. In 2015, he founded the Virginia Environment and Renewable Energy Caucus in the Virginia General Assembly and currently serves as its chair.
In addition, Lopez serves as the Chair of the Broadband and Technology Task Force of the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators. In this role he works closely with national corporations in the areas of cybersecurity, privacy, and improving access to broadband in rural and low-income areas. He is also a Member of the national Board of Hispanic Caucus Chairs. Mr. Lopez received his undergraduate degree from Vassar College and his JD from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Government Law and Lobbying has been a core practice for Becker since its founding in 1973. Becker’s team of lawyers and lobbyists includes several who have served in high-level government positions and distinguished themselves in the political and legislative arenas and in state, local, and federal government. The group’s first-hand working knowledge of government, at every level, provides clients with valuable insights, unparalleled access and a deep understanding of the legislative, administrative, and regulatory processes to help navigate the maze of government.
About Becker
Becker, with headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., is a multi-practice commercial law firm with attorneys, lobbyists, and other professionals at offices throughout the East Coast. More information is available at www.beckerlawyers.com.