Veteran federal lobbyist Omar Franco named chair of Becker’s government law and lobbying practice effective January 2026

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida – Becker, the multi-practice commercial law firm with offices across the East Coast and Italy, has announced that veteran federal lobbyist Omar Franco has been named Chair of the firm’s Government Law and Lobbying practice, effective January 1, 2026. Franco takes over from Bernie Friedman, who remains an active shareholder and continues to represent a robust client portfolio before local governments in 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 efforts with notable success. Under his guidance, the office has grown significantly in both revenue and staffing, attracting a diverse roster of clients from across the public and private sectors. These include major corporations such as Hitachi Ltd., The Walt Disney Co., Bacardi North America, iHeartMedia, Johnson & Johnson, and Paramount Global, alongside non-profit organizations, trade associations like the Society for Human Resource Management, and international clients such as Associazione Industriali delle Carni e dei Salumi (ASSICA). Franco’s team has also represented governmental entities, including the Virginia Port Authority, Hennepin County, MN, and Palm Beach County, FL.

“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.”

Franco expressed his gratitude to Friedman and acknowledged the foundation laid by his predecessor. “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,” Franco said.

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A recognized leader in the lobbying profession, Franco represents a broad spectrum of clients, including Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, higher education institutions, trade associations, non-profits, and municipal governments. His accomplishments have earned him national recognition. He was named the 2025 Top Lobbyist of the Year by the Hispanic Lobbyists Association and has also been honored as a “Top Lobbyist” by the National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics (NILE) in 2020 and 2024. The Hill has consistently featured him on its annual “Hired Gun” list of top lobbyists since 2018. Notably, Franco became the first nonlawyer at Becker to receive the title of Senior Director, a designation equivalent to an equity shareholder.

Becker’s government law and lobbying practice has been integral to the firm since its founding in 1973. The practice assists clients in advancing legislative priorities at both the state and federal level, offering strategic guidance for navigating complex regulatory and political environments. Its team includes lawyers and lobbyists with deep experience in public service, including current and former legislators, legislative aides, chiefs of staff to congressional members, former high-ranking agency officials, and campaign managers for numerous elected officials.

Franco’s appointment underscores Becker’s commitment to providing clients with experienced, results-driven representation in government law and lobbying. By leveraging his deep understanding of federal and state legislative processes, Franco is expected to further strengthen the firm’s influence and reach, ensuring that clients’ objectives are met efficiently and strategically.

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Becker, headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., operates offices throughout the East Coast and in Italy, offering a multi-practice platform that combines legal services with government relations and lobbying expertise. For more information about the firm and its services, visit www.beckerlawyers.com.

As Franco assumes his new role, clients and colleagues alike are looking to a future in which Becker’s Government Law and Lobbying practice continues to expand its national and international footprint, building on decades of experience while embracing innovative approaches to advocacy and legislative strategy.