As a government law attorney who is also involved in politics, Alexander Heckler is often recognized for his ability to strategically assist clients at the local, state and national levels. Mr. Heckler currently serves as counsel for several large, high-growth clients in various industries and assists them in identifying strategic opportunities with both private and public sector partners in South Florida. For several clients, Mr. Heckler serves as national government law counsel.
Mr. Heckler is an attorney 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
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. Mr. Heckler and his clients are currently redeveloping several general aviation airports. He also assists developers of affordable, attainable and workforce housing identify projects and obtain funds from local, county and state governments and agencies. In addition, Mr. Heckler works closely with airport, seaport and transit agencies throughout the country. Finally, Mr. Heckler regularly lectures on Government Contracting for a Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education program.
Additionally, Mr. Heckler is one of Florida’s most respected elections lawyers, having represented candidates on nearly all of the hand recounts performed since the inception of touch screen voting equipment. With the recent enactment of HB 257 requiring the re-introduction of paper ballots, Mr. Heckler has taken a leadership role in the certification and recount procedures for the new machines. His election law experience involves referenda and ballot questions, statewide constitutional amendments, municipal redistricting and other issues.
Professional, Political & Community Activities
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 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.
• Democratic National Committee Convention Rules Committee
Education
- University of Miami, J.D., 2001
- Brandeis University, with honors, B.A., Politics, 1998
Bar Admissions
- Florida Bar