WASHINGTON, Jan. 12 -- Holland & Knight LLP strengthens its legislative and regulatory practice with the arrival of former U.S. Representative Jim Davis (D-FL). Davis joins the firm's Tampa, Fla., and Washington, D.C., offices, and will play a major role providing strategic counsel to clients in the District of Columbia and across the country. The firm also welcomes Karl Koch, Davis' former Chief of Staff, who will be resident in the firm's Tampa and Washington, D.C., offices.

"Former Congressman Davis' experience will be a valuable asset to our clients now that the new majority in Congress has convened," said Holland & Knight Managing Partner Howell W. Melton, Jr. "Karl's extensive knowledge of federal and state governments as well as the private sector enhances the firm's advocacy strengths on all levels."

Davis and Koch join former Congressman Gerry Sikorski (D-MN), who heads the firm's Government Section, and former Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R- CO) to strengthen the team's capacity on Capitol Hill. Earlier this week, Holland & Knight welcomed former Florida Governor Bob Martinez, who joined the firm's Tampa and Tallahassee offices as senior policy advisor. "The arrival of these highly respected government leaders demonstrates our firm's commitment to growing our existing base of outstanding lawyers and government consultants to create a preeminent, bipartisan team that can effectively serve our clients inside and outside the Beltway," Sikorski said.

"It is an honor to join Holland & Knight, one of the top law firms in the country," said Davis. "I have known lawyers and lobbyists from the firm for many years now and have tremendous respect for their integrity, experience and ability to serve clients. It's time for me to begin a new chapter in my career and put the problem-solving skills I've developed in my years of public service to use for clients in Tampa, throughout Florida, and in Washington, D.C. I'm looking forward to building my law practice, assisting the firm with its business development efforts and advising clients on D.C. matters."

U.S. Representative Jim Davis

Jim Davis served as the U.S. Representative for Florida's 11th Congressional District since 1996, recently leaving Congress to seek the office of Governor of the state of Florida in 2007. He was a member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, the House Budget Committee and the Committee on International Relations. Davis was a member of the Florida House of Representatives from 1988 - 1996. From 1982 - 1996, Davis was an attorney in private practice with a Tampa law firm. He received his B.A. from Washington & Lee University and his J.D. from the University of Florida College of Law.

Karl Koch

Karl Koch brings significant experience in both federal and state governments, including the executive and legislative branches. His career in public service began in 1988 with his work for former U.S. Representative Buddy MacKay. In the 1990s he worked on both campaigns for the late Gov. Lawton Chiles and served as chief of staff to Lt. Gov. Buddy MacKay. Koch gained national exposure as the Florida Director for the Clinton/Gore presidential reelection campaign in 1996. From 1997-2002 he served as vice- president and principal of Dewey Square Group, a national public affairs firm, before serving as chief of staff to Davis. He earned his BA from the University of South Florida and his JD from Stetson University College of Law.

About Holland & Knight LLP: Holland & Knight is a global law firm with more than 1,150 lawyers in 17 U.S. offices. Other offices around the world are located in Mexico City, Tokyo and Beijing, with representative offices in Caracas, Helsinki and Tel Aviv. Holland & Knight is among the world's 15 largest firms, providing representation in litigation, business, real estate and governmental law. Our interdisciplinary practice groups and industry-based teams ensure clients have access to attorneys with the best expertise, regardless of location.

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