Best Best & Krieger LLP is pleased to announce that Director of Governmental Affairs Syrus Devers has joined the firm — augmenting the firm’s unique advocacy support service. Working from the firm’s Sacramento office, Devers brings more than 20 years of experience in state government affairs as both legislative staff and a lobbyist.
Prior to joining BB&K, Syrus served as executive director of government affairs for Verizon and lobbied on behalf of the California Medical Association. He began his water and environmental government affairs work while he was a student at McGeorge School of Law and working for then state Sen. Sheila Kuehl. His academic and professional focus shifted then, as he worked on a broad range of issues including groundwater contamination, drinking water standards, stormwater runoff and endangered species legislation. A major achievement of his was the multiyear effort to pass what became SB 221 in 2001, which required a verifiable water supply for residential developments of 500 or more units.
With the addition of Devers, the firm can provide both federal and state advocacy services. Along with Senior Director of Governmental Affairs John Freshman and Partner Gerard Lederer in Washington, D.C. and the attorneys in the firm’s Municipal Law, Special Districts and Environmental Law and Natural Resources practice groups, Devers will work to ensure that BB&K’s clients’ voices are heard by lawmakers. Whether it be before state or federal legislative bodies or regulatory agencies, the firm’s public agency and private company clients will be fully supported by a team of BB&K attorneys and advocates.
Syrus was raised on a Central Valley almond farm, which is still in his family, and now resides in Sacramento with his wife.