Peter Schorsch
Longtime Tallahassee lobbyist Patrick Bell, one of the few experts in the claim bill process, has joined The Legis Group, the firm created by former Republican lawmakers Doug Holder and Rob Schenck.
Bell has lobbied Florida state government for over two decades, with experience representing local governments, community colleges and private businesses.
“I have been impressed with how fast the business has grown,” Bell said of The Legis Group. “I have known Rob and Doug since they were first elected into the Florida House, and have always respected their work ethic and integrity.
“I look forward to the challenge of helping to grow the firm.”
Schenck said, “It’s a huge honor for Patrick to join our firm. He brings a tremendous amount of experience and expertise that will be invaluable as the Legis Group continues to grow.
“As a member, I always enjoyed working with Patrick,” Schenck added.
With the addition of Bell, the Legis Group now represents more than two dozen clients both at the state and local level.
Clients include interests in health care, criminal justice, transportation and other areas. Those clients include publicly traded companies, local governments, and many privately-held Florida businesses.
Bell passed his first claim bill passed in 1997, and many more subsequently. Florida law limits local governments and other public bodies to pay no more than $200,000 per person in damages unless lawmakers pass a claim bill, also known as a relief act, for any extra money.
