Peter Schorsch
Today’s installment of the “4th Floor Files” talks with Joshua Aubuchon of the Tallahassee office Holland & Knight. Josh’s specialties include advocacy for alcoholic beverages, property and automobile insurance, tort reform, and healthcare.
Clients include Florida Chamber of Commerce, State Farm Florida, Shands HealthCare and the Florida Brewers Guild, which puts Josh in the thick of the legislative battle to legalize 64-oz. “growlers” in 2015.
Here’s the file on Josh Aubuchon:
Significant other? Children? Grand kids?
I am married to my best friend and love of my life, Allie. We have one child (so far), a one-year old boy named JD. I’m pretty sure my wife thinks he’s my mini-me.
In 25 words or less, explain what you do.
Advocate for my clients with honesty and convince legislators that my argument is better than yours.
Without using the words Democrat, Independent or Republican, conservative or liberal, describe your political persuasion.
The government should get out of the way of the free market. Don’t let the safety net become a hammock.
If you have one, what is your motto?
Everything is a game. You’ve just got to learn how to play.
During your career, have you had a favorite pro bono client?
Be The Solution Inc. It’s a terrific cause and Gerry Phipps is a tireless advocate. Her enthusiasm is infectious!
Three favorite charities.
The Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend.
Phi Kappa Tau — Hole in the Wall Camp
Legal Aid Foundation Tallahassee
Any last-day-of-Session traditions?
Sipping Maker’s Mark as the handkerchiefs drop.
What are you most looking forward to during the 2015 Legislative Session.
Freeing the Growlers!
If you could have another lobbyist’s client list, it would be…
I hear Mark Delegal has a pretty good client list …
Professional accomplishment of which you are most proud?
To date, I have never been thrown out of Senator Latvala‘s office.
Lobbyists are often accused of wearing Gucci loafers; do you own a pair of Gucci loafers? If not, why not?
Well, I suppose lobbyists are also accused of much worse things, but Gucci is not really my style. If I could get away with it at the Capitol, I’d go with Topsiders or Rainbow flip-flops.
Who is your favorite Florida Capitol Press Corps reporter and why?
Besides you? It would have to be Brendan Farrington. He’s a good man and he works hard to be fair and present all sides of an issue … and I enjoy his writing on fine Florida drinking establishments.
Other than SaintPetersBlog.com, your reading list includes …
Sayfie Review; The Drudge Report; The Wall Street Journal; FloridaBarTab.com; Hodinkee; Fark.com.
What swear word do you use most often?
With a 1-year-old, I’ve been trying to cut back, but when I do slip up I follow it quickly with “Only daddy talks like that!”
What is your most treasured possession?
A small brass telescope given to me for stargazing.
The best hotel in Florida is …
Not even a question — The Breakers.
You’ve just learned that you will be hosting a morning talk show about Florida politics. Who are the first four guests you’d invite to appear?
Governors Rick Scott, Jeb Bush and Bob Martinez, along with Mac Stipanovich. But only if I can expand the discussion beyond Florida politics. Give these men a few hours together and I think they can have the U.S. back on track.
Favorite movie.
The Sting.
When you pig out, what do you eat?
Whenever I find myself home in Gator County, I’m at the Bento Café for a spicy tuna don and taro milk tea. If there was a Bento in Tallahassee (please?!), I don’t think I would eat anywhere else.
If you could have dinner with a historical figure no longer living, who would it be?
Niccolo Machiavelli. I’d bet there are some gems locked away that he didn’t want to hand out in The Prince.
