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Alexander P. Heckler, Government Law Attorney; Ft. Lauderdale and Miami, Florida

Alexander P. Heckler

Of Counsel

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Office:
Fort Lauderdale
Direct:
954-847-3858
Office:
Miami

Biography

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

A nationally recognized Democratic party activist and fundraiser, Mr. Heckler is the Treasurer (Finance Director) of the Democratic Governors Association.  Mr. Heckler also served as a National Finance Committee Member for the Obama Victory Fund, was the Florida Finance Chair for Hillary Rodham Clinton and served as National Finance Co-Chair for Kerry-Edwards Victory 2004 Trustee Trailblazer (40 and under) program.  Mr. Heckler is a board member of Scheidt & Bachmann USA, the world's leading Automated Fare Collection Systems provider. 
Mr. Heckler’s approach to government relations and his clients’ business development is about much more than simply reacting to procurement opportunities.  Instead, Mr. Heckler proactively educates government officials and private companies about new ideas, products and better ways to operate key projects. From high growth companies pursuing government contracts to public agencies seeking counsel, Mr. Heckler helps clients in all aspects of government law, including legislation, procurement solicitations and contracts, bid protests, government franchises, cable and telecommunications regulations, and minority and small business certification. Mr. Heckler's experience working with government agencies, cities, counties, and the state legislatures 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. 

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.

Mr. Heckler is active in civic and community organizations. He is a current or former Board Member of:
• Democratic National Committee Convention Rules Committee
• Greater Miami Jewish Federation, Network Board Member
• Broward County Supervisor of Elections Neighborhood Partnership Committee, Former  Board Member
• Broward County United Way Mayor's Gala Committee, Board Member
• City of Fort Lauderdale Code Advisory Committee, Former Board Member
• Nova Southeastern University 2004 Distinguished Alumni Award
• Broward Young Democrats' 2004 Democrat of the Year

 

Education

  • University of Miami, J.D.,  2001
  • Brandeis University, with honors, B.A., Politics, 1998

Bar Admissions

  • Florida Bar