Christopher M. Jaarda

Christopher M. Jaarda is an attorney in Holland & Knight's Washington, D.C., office and a member of the Public Policy & Regulation Group. Mr. Jaarda focuses his practice on legislative strategy, regulatory advocacy and public policy counsel for corporate and institutional clients navigating the federal policy environment.

With nearly 15 years on Capitol Hill, Mr. Jaarda brings a wealth of experience and has developed strong relationships with key staff in the U.S. Congress, White House, Cabinet leadership and other agencies to shape policy and build consensus. He has shepherded more than 100 bills through the legislative process to secure their enactment into law, including the reauthorization of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA).

Mr. Jaarda has experience leading legislative and oversight strategies across several U.S. Senate committees, including Energy and Commerce, Oversight and Reform, Judiciary and Homeland Security. He also has worked with a number of U.S. House of Representatives committees, guiding them through the legislative process to pass a reconciliation bill.

Additionally, Mr. Jaarda advises clients regarding congressional investigations and subpoenas and helps them prepare for and participate in hearings and briefings. He also offers insights into election-related risk scenarios and provides strategies to engage in executive branch policy impact.

Prior to joining Holland & Knight, Mr. Jaarda served as senior policy advisor and counsel to the Office of the Speaker of the House, where he advised on issues including privacy, information technology, homeland security, foreign intelligence, economic policy, supply chain and production issues, and innovation. Previously, he served as deputy chief of staff and legislative director to Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and counsel for Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.).

In addition to his public sector experience, Mr. Jaarda worked as chief legal officer and senior vice president for a small tech company in Southern California and engaged in private legal practice, focused on business guidance and transactional work, for a mid-size law firm in West Michigan.

Not admitted to District of Columbia Bar; admitted to Michigan Bar only and practicing under supervision of lawyers licensed to practice in District of Columbia.