Veteran federal lobbyist Omar Franco appointed chair of Becker’s Government Law and Lobbying practice starting January 2026

Fort Lauderdale, Florida – Becker, a leading multi-practice commercial law firm with offices across the East Coast and in Italy, has announced that veteran federal lobbyist Omar Franco will assume the role of Chair of its Government Law and Lobbying practice, effective January 1, 2026. Franco succeeds Bernie Friedman, a longtime leader who remains an active shareholder and continues representing numerous clients before local governments throughout South Florida.

Franco has been a cornerstone of Becker’s Washington, D.C., office since its founding 15 years ago, leading the firm’s Federal Lobbying team. Under his leadership, the office has seen significant growth in both revenue and staffing, while also expanding its client base to include major public and private organizations across the United States and internationally. Notable clients include global corporations such as Hitachi Ltd., The Walt Disney Co., Bacardi North America Corporation, iHeartMedia, Johnson & Johnson, and Paramount Global. Franco also represents trade associations, municipal governments, and non-profit organizations, including the Virginia Port Authority, Hennepin County in Minnesota, Palm Beach County in Florida, the Society for Human Resources Management, and Italy’s Associazione Industriali delle Carni e dei Salumi (ASSICA).

“With deep roots in Florida and DC, Omar is the firm’s natural choice to chair the Law and Lobbying team,” said Becker’s Managing Shareholder Gary C. Rosen. “I am confident Omar will steer the vision, strategy and execution of the group’s goals as we grow. We appreciate Bernie Friedman, who has been a fantastic leader, and look forward to Bernie’s continued work with his large, active client base while mentoring the next generation of lobbyists.”

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Franco acknowledged the contributions of his predecessor, emphasizing the firm’s commitment to client service and collaboration. “We extend our deepest gratitude to Bernie for his leadership and dedication during his 36 years as chair. As I step into this role, we cannot thank him enough for all he has done for the firm and its clients. He has made Becker’s lobbying group a dynamic, collaborative and bipartisan team providing the top-tier client service that Becker is recognized for, and I am honored to carry this forward.”

A highly regarded figure in the lobbying community, Franco has received numerous accolades. He was named the 2025 Top Lobbyist of the Year by the Hispanic Lobbyists Association and has also been recognized as a “Top Lobbyist” by the National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics (NILE) in both 2024 and 2020. The Hill has featured Franco on its annual “Hired Gun” list of Top Lobbyists every year since 2018. Franco is also the first non-lawyer at Becker to receive the title of Senior Director, a position that places him on par with the firm’s equity shareholders.

Becker’s Government Law and Lobbying practice has been a central component of the firm since its founding in 1973, assisting clients in achieving legislative and regulatory goals in both Florida and Washington, D.C. The team combines legal expertise with deep knowledge of government processes, including former legislators, legislative aides, chiefs of staff, former high-ranking agency officials, and campaign managers for elected officials. This mix of experience allows the firm to provide clients with a strategic advantage in navigating complex legislative landscapes.

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Franco’s appointment represents a continuation of Becker’s commitment to building a bipartisan, client-focused lobbying team capable of addressing diverse federal and state-level challenges. His extensive experience, national recognition, and leadership in growing the D.C. office position him to guide the practice through the evolving demands of government relations.

Through this leadership transition, Becker maintains its focus on delivering top-tier service, strategic insight, and legislative guidance for a wide array of clients. As Franco assumes his new role, the firm’s Government Law and Lobbying practice is expected to continue expanding its influence, forging partnerships, and providing innovative solutions to complex legislative challenges.

Franco’s leadership marks both a continuation of Becker’s long-standing legacy and a forward-looking vision for the future of government law and lobbying, combining deep expertise, strategic foresight, and a commitment to excellence that has defined the firm for nearly five decades.