Michael Williams focuses his practice on coalition building and integrating legislative, regulatory, grass tops, grass roots and public relations strategies on behalf of his clients to affect positive legislative and regulatory outcomes. Michael's 25 years of experience on Capitol Hill has allowed him to develop a deep understanding of the interaction of policy issues and politics, as well as a wide-ranging bipartisan network of contacts within all areas of the federal government including Members of Congress, Congressional staff, the Administration and various governmental agencies.
Michael is a member of the Greenberg Political Contribution Committee which reviews and approves contributions and political activities of the Greenberg Traurig Political Action Committee. He also serves as a government affairs team representative to the Greenberg Traurig Commitment to Excellence Committee (CTE). The CTE works to ensure that the firm preserves and enhances the core values crucial to our brand: integrity, quality, service and accountability.
Prior to joining the firm in 2001, Michael Williams was a Senior Lobbyist for the National Rifle Association (NRA), the number one rated Association lobbyist team for 2001, according to Fortunemagazine. For more than 11 years, as a Federal liaison for the NRA, he promoted legislative and political objectives on Capitol Hill. Michael was one of the major architects of the NRA legislative strategy to derail the 1997-1998 Clinton Gun Control legislation.
Areas of Concentration
· Defense
· Appropriations
· Resources
· Transportation
· Homeland security
· Foreign affairs
· Financial services
· Firearms policy
Professional & Community Involvement
· Coach, Great Falls Little League Baseball (2009-Present)
· Member, FORE Duchene Muscular Dystrophy Fundraising Committee (2005-Present)
· Member, Golf Digest National Course Rating Panel (1995-Present)
· Member, University of Richmond, Class Alumni Committee (2011-2012)
· Volunteer on numerous political campaigns
· Member, Foxvale Farms, Home Owners Association Board (2001-2003)
· Committee Member, Muscular Sclerosis Society of Washington, D.C. (1992-1995)
Professional Experience
Significant Representations
· Developed and led a coalition effort of manufacturers seeking small business exemptions for manufacturers under major FDA legislation.
· Managed client activities related to passage of legislation protecting small arms manufacturers from frivolous law suits.
· Assisted large multi-national chemical company in obtaining a $128 million Advanced Energy Manufacturing Tax Credit to construct a new hyperpure polycrystalline silicon manufacturing facility.
· Helped a large automotive equipment manufacturer obtain a $60 million DOE Advanced Technical Vehicles Manufacturing Incentive grant.
· Assisted clients in navigating the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) process.
· Obtained passage of provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act allowing American small arms manufacturing client the ability to compete for small arms contracts in Iraq and Afghanistan and eliminating barriers to competition for small arms repair parts sold to the United States military.
· Assisted numerous clients in obtaining funding for road, parks and recreation, research, and other projects through the appropriations process.
· Helped client in obtaining funding for DOD program to purchase biometric recognition devices.
· Worked with secure printing company to recover a $20 million contract to provide security seals to the Transportation Safety Administration.
· Assisted client in defeating legislation to impose unnecessary and costly airline fee ticketing disclosure requirements.
· Worked with large consumer products manufacturer to obtain passage of duty suspension bills and in winning an International Trade Administration anti-dumping case.
· Represented a large, nonprofit association advocating responsible pet owner rights and legislation. Assisted the group in forming a coalition to successfully oppose expansion of onerous regulations under the of the Animal Welfare Act.
Noteworthy Experience
· Federal Liaison, National Rifle Association, 1992-2001
- Promoted NRA legislative and political objectives on Capitol Hill and with NRA member organizations.
- Established and maintained a network of contacts with House and Senate leadership, members and staff.
- Managed and coordinated PAC contributions, membership communications and grassroots activism.
- Conceptualized and directed independent expenditure campaigns, acted as liaison with political parties, and formed coalitions with organizations who share similar election goals.
· State and Local Liaison, National Rifle Association, 1989-92
- Directed NRA's state and local legislative and political affairs in 13-state region.
- Analyzed legislation, testified before legislative committees, drafted amendments, fact sheets, legislative alerts, testimony and committee questions.
- Conducted media interviews.
- Coordinated grassroots involvement and directed PAC activities within the assigned area.
· River Basin Committee Coordinator, Virginia Council on the Environment, July 1988 - December 1989
· Legislative Coordinator, Virginia Council on the Environment, 1989 Session of the General Assembly
· Legislative Director, Delegate Vic Thomas, 1987 and 1988 Sessions of the Virginia General Assembly
· Campaign Manager, Carter for House of Delegates Campaign, 1987
· Legislative Assistant, Delegate Watkins M. Abbitt, Jr., 1986 Session of the Virginia General Assembly
· Legal Assistant, Thomas W. Lawson, Commonwealth Attorney, Appomattox, VA, Summer 1985 and 1986
