Texas Government Advocacy

Holland & Knight's Texas Government Advocacy Team brings decades of experience and a deep understanding of the Texas government to help our clients navigate the complex landscape of legislative and regulatory affairs. As one of the first major law firms to establish a dedicated public law practice, we have long been leaders in government advocacy. Our lawyers and policy advisors are distinctly positioned to represent clients before governors, legislatures, regulatory agencies and local governments – not only in Texas, but across the country – offering insight, access and results in an ever-evolving political landscape.

Proven Experience, Trusted Relationships

Navigating the legislative and regulatory processes that directly impact the course of business for all types of entities requires constant evolution and daily practice. Our government relations team is a strong lobbying force before the Texas executive branch, Texas Legislature, and the many regulatory boards and agencies of state and local government.

Our Texas-based attorneys and professionals are experienced advocates in legislative and strategic initiatives, agency hearings, and regulatory and compliance matters. In addition to appearing frequently before the Texas Legislature, we regularly represent client interests before the Public Utility Commission of Texas, Railroad Commission of Texas, Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

Building and Enhancing Legislative and Executive Branch Relationships

Our advocates are at the Texas Capitol every day during the legislative session covering House of Representatives and Senate committees, as well as attending interim study committee meetings. We also engage regularly with state agencies on municipal and policy issues.

Holland & Knight maintains strong, bipartisan relationships with officials across Texas state government, including the Governor and Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House, State Comptroller, Attorney General and Secretary of State.

These relationships are foundational to our ability to effectively represent clients and help influence outcomes at every level of state government.

Texas Leadership

Holland & Knight's Austin office comprises professionals with deep experience in Texas government, including those who have served in elected or appointed positions or represented clients before state agencies and the legislature.

• Senior Policy Advisor Mike Warner served as chief of staff to former Rep. Joe Pickett (D-El Paso). He also worked for former Houston Mayor and Rep. Sylvester Turner (D-Houston), as well as former Texas Gov. George W. Bush.
• Senior Public Affairs Advisor Brian Thornton served as deputy committee director of the Senate Local Government Committee under Chairman Paul Bettencourt, chief of staff to former Austin City Council Member Ellen Troxclair, legislative director to now-Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows and senior policy advisor at the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.

Comprehensive Government Affairs Services

Our team is adept at identifying opportunities, navigating political dynamics and building bipartisan support to help move client agendas forward. We offer a full spectrum of government relations services tailored to client needs, including:

• strategic legislative and regulatory advocacy
• policy development and legislative drafting
• appropriations and budget strategy
• testimony preparation and committee engagement
• coalition-building and stakeholder coordination
• grassroots and public affairs campaigns
• monitoring and reporting on legislative and administrative developments

A Strategic, Collaborative Approach

Our advocacy begins with a strategic planning session to define your policy and funding priorities. We assess the political landscape, identify champions and potential opposition, and develop a dynamic, actionable advocacy plan that includes clear goals, timelines, deliverables and metrics for success, ensuring alignment and accountability throughout the process.

We maintain constant communication with our clients, adapting strategies in real time as legislative and political conditions evolve. Our goal is to function as a seamless extension of your team and provide the insight, access and execution needed to succeed in Texas government.

Local Presence, National Reach

Our strong focus in Texas is an extension of our nationwide capabilities. With professionals who have served in key roles and maintain relationships at all levels of government, our bipartisan Public Policy & Regulation Group provides clients strategic counsel and advocacy in Washington, D.C., and across the U.S.