Washington, D.C. and Florida – 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 and LaToya Sheals have joined the firm as lobbyists in the Government Law and Lobbying practice.
Mr. Lopez joins as a Senior Corporate and Government Relations Consultant in Becker’s Federal Lobbying practice in Washington, D.C. He currently 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.
Ms. Sheals joins Becker’s State Legislative Lobbying team as a Government Relations Consultant based in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. She was most recently the chief of staff and legislative assistant to Florida Senator Victor Torres, who represents the 15th district, encompassing Osceola County and southern Orange County. She received her JD from Thomas M. Cooley Law School and her B.A. and M.P.A. from Florida A&M University.
Becker’s Government Law and Lobbying Practice Chair Bernie Friedman said, “We are thrilled to welcome Alfonso and LaToya to our bipartisan, diverse practice. It’s been an exciting time as Becker has been in growth mode with the addition of Mike Grissom as a Senior Government Relations Director in Tallahassee and Steven Blattner as a Government Relations Consultant in D.C. earlier this year.”
Prior, 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 Kaine’s Director of the Virginia 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 received his undergraduate degree from Vassar College and his J.D. from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Ms. Sheals said, “I look forward to collaborating and advocating with Becker’s experienced, bipartisan lobbying practice and assisting clients across Florida.”
Mr. Lopez added, “I know and have worked with several of the lobbyists in Becker’s DC office. They have an excellent client base and enjoy a stellar reputation.”
Government Law and Lobbying has been a core practice for Becker since its founding in 1973. The firm’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