David Whitestone Named Leader of Holland & Knight’s Government Section
WASHINGTON (March 6, 2017) – Holland & Knight managing partner Steven Sonberg has appointed David Whitestone to be the new head of the firm’s Government Section. He succeeds Gerry Sikorski, former congressman from Minnesota and leader of the group for more than a decade, who will continue to serve the firm as chair emeritus of the section.
Mr. Whitestone is a partner in Holland & Knight’s Washington office. He joined the firm’s Public Policy & Regulation Practice Group from Capitol Hill in 1999 and represents corporations, nonprofits and municipal entities before the legislative and executive branches of the federal government. Prior to joining the firm, he served on the staff of Rep. Frank Wolf (R-Va.) and also was an associate staff member on the House Appropriations Committee. Mr. Whitestone has been a member of Holland & Knight’s Directors Committee and the chair of the Partnership Subcommittee. He currently serves as the firm’s hiring partner and is the former chair of the Transportation Industry Group.
"Over the years I've known him, David has proven to be a thoughtful and fair lawyer. He's a good friend and someone that my colleagues and I trust. I commend Holland & Knight for making a wise choice," said Rep. Hal Rogers (R-Ky.)
"I've seen a lot of good leaders during the course of my career and I would count David among them. He's got the mix of vision, honesty and energy that allow him to serve his colleagues and clients well,” said Rep. James E. Clyburn (D-S.C.).
"David is a key member of the firm’s management team and highly regarded by our clients for his legal and legislative counsel," said Mr. Sonberg. "I am confident that under his leadership our Government Section will continue to enjoy great success."
"Gerry is a hard act to follow,” said Mr. Whitestone. "During his tenure, he built a leading bipartisan team of lawyers and policy professionals and the firm has been consistently ranked as one of the top 10 federal lobbying and law firms in Washington. I deeply appreciate his friendship and support and look forward to working with him to ensure a smooth leadership transition. It’s gratifying to know that clients with high-value challenges and opportunities alike continue to turn to Holland & Knight’s Government practices for guidance and counsel."
"David is great. I can think of no one better qualified to lead our government group at this critical time," said Mr. Sikorski. "His years of experience on Capitol Hill and strong relationships with Republicans and Democrats alike will be a tremendous asset as we help our clients, both large and small, with their pressing needs."
Holland & Knight’s Government Section includes almost 150 attorneys and policy professionals engaged in matters before federal, state, local and tribal government entities. They provide a broad range of legal and professional services throughout the United States, often working with colleagues in other sections, to find solutions in all three branches of government. In 2015, Holland & Knight was named Government/Government Relations “Law Firm of the Year” by Legal 500.