Alexander P. Heckler

Mr. Heckler is a partner in the firm's Government Law Practice Group and is based in the Fort Lauderdale and Miami offices, where he focuses on government and administrative law, lobbying, election law, bid protests, land use and zoning.

Experience

Mr. Heckler's experience working with government agencies, cities, counties, and the state Legislature has benefited clients in the public and private sector.  From companies pursuing a government contract to public agencies seeking counsel, he helps clients in all government business areas.  This also includes legislation and regulation, procurement solicitations, requests for proposals, contracts and subcontracts, bid protests, local cable franchise and telecommunications regulations, and minority and small business certification.

Additionally, Mr. Heckler is an experienced counsel to political candidates on election law.  He recently served as co-counsel on the 2006 election recount in Florida’s District 13 (Sarasota, Florida). Representing Christine Jennings, a candidate for U.S. Representative, Mr. Heckler helped manage the manual vote recount process. His election law experience involves referenda and ballot questions, statewide constitutional amendments, municipal redistricting and other issues.

In his work with real estate developers, Mr. Heckler handles all aspects of land development and permitting, including land use plan amendments, platting, zoning, site plan approval, variances and land use due diligence. He also helps developers of affordable, attainable and workforce housing obtain funds from local, county and state governments and agencies.

Professional, Political & Community Activities

Mr. Heckler has taken a leadership role in numerous professional and political activities, ranging in scope from national to local. They include serving in the Office of the White House Press Secretary, the Office of Senator Edward Kennedy, the Office of Congressman Peter Deutsch, and as Finance Co-Chair on the Rod Smith for Governor campaign. He served as Broward County Co-Chair for John Kerry for President in 2004, and was recognized nationally for his fundraising efforts as a National Finance Co-Chair for Kerry Edwards Victory 2004 and Co-Chair of the Trustee Trailblazer Program.

Mr. Heckler is active in civic and community organizations. He is a Board Member of: the Broward County Supervisor of Elections Neighborhood Partnership Committee; Broward County United Jewish Communities, Community Relations Committee; Broward County United Way Mayor's Gala Committee; and is a past Board Member of the City of Fort Lauderdale Code Advisory Committee.  In 2004, Mr. Heckler was honored by his former high school, Nova Southeastern University, with the 2004 Distinguished Alumni Award. That same year, he was named 2004 Democrat of the Year by Broward Young Democrats.

Background

Before joining Shutts & Bowen, Mr. Heckler practiced government law as an associate at two large national law firms in South Florida and as a sole practitioner. Mr. Heckler graduated with a J.D. from the University of Miami School of Law in 2001 and with a B.A. from Brandeis University in 1998. He received honors for his thesis: The Effect of the "Information Age" Media on the Decision-Making Process of the Clinton Administration.