Ft. Lauderdale, FL, July 12, 2021 — Becker, a multi-practice commercial law firm with attorneys, lobbyists and other professionals at offices throughout the East Coast, today announced that Chris Berardini has joined the firm as a Senior International and Government Relations Director in its Federal Lobbying practice based in Washington, D.C.
He was most recently with Iron Bridge Strategies, LLC, a D.C.-based boutique international government affairs and political intelligence firm that he founded.
Mr. Berardini has over thirteen years of experience as Chief of Staff in the United States Congress. While serving on Capitol Hill, his legislative portfolio included Foreign Affairs, Financial Services, FinTech, Insurance, Housing, Tax, International Trade, Energy and Environment, Appropriations, Commerce, Transportation and Infrastructure, Agriculture and Organized Labor.
Mr. Berardini formed extensive strategic coalitions with the diplomatic community and was responsible for Congressional country caucuses from the Middle East, Europe and Africa. Mr. Berardini has specialized relationships within the Executive Branch including working with the Millennium Challenge Corporation, the Export-Import Bank and USAID.
Specific legislation that Mr. Berardini was responsible for that was enacted into law includes The Terrorism Risk Insurance Act Reauthorization Act; The Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014; and The Multinational Species Conservation Funds Semipostal Stamp Act.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, Mr. Berardini worked in collaboration with the New York and New Jersey congressional delegations to pass the 2013 Disaster Relief Appropriations Act which secured over $50 billion in disaster aid for coastal communities in New York and New Jersey.
Head of Becker’s Federal Lobbying Practice Omar Franco said, “We are very excited that Chris has joined our team. We know that our clients will greatly benefit from his international, legislative, and corporate experience.”
Mr. Berardini added, “I am proud to become a part of Becker’s lobbying practice, which has a strong reputation. I know I can contribute and collaborate with Becker’s group of top-tier, skilled lobbyists who have served at high levels of federal government.”
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.