Former Florida Governor and presidential candidate Jeb Bush has joined the Pittsburgh-based law firm Buchanan, Ingersoll & Rooney as a strategic consultant. The firm’s clients include fantasy sports giant DraftKing and several large pharmaceutical and energy companies and sugar advocacy groups. Bush will focus on the firm’s efforts in Tallahassee, officials said.
John McKager “Mac” Stipanovich, chair of Buchanan’s Florida government relations department, stated, “Those of us who have had the pleasure of working with the Governor in the past now have the opportunity to do so again, and those who haven’t can look forward to a truly rewarding experience. This is an exciting development for the firm and for our clients.”
Buchanan Chief Executive Officer Joseph Dougherty said hiring Bush “adds to our firm’s distinguished reputation as a leader in providing strategic advice on government, regulatory and business matters. There are very few people that have the breadth of experience that Governor Bush has both in the public and private sector. We believe his insight will be a tremendous asset to our attorneys and clients.”
Bush noted, “Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney is an outstanding advisor to its clients, and I look forward to collaborating with them. We live in a complex business and political environment, and I believe that putting my knowledge and experience together with Buchanan’s professional acumen will help Buchanan’s clients grow and prosper.”
The firm has long-term connections with the Bush era. In 1984, Stipanovich advised Bush on his gubernatorial campaign and managed Florida operations for President Ronald Reagan’s campaign. Jim Magill, a principal for government relations at the firm, directed legislative affairs for then-Governor Bush’s administration; he currently represents the U.S. Sugar Corporation and DraftKings.
Buchanan has a significant lobbying presence in Washington, D.C. It recently lobbied on behalf of Turing Pharmaceuticals, formerly headed by the controversial Martin Shkreli.
