Holland & Knight is adding former senior congressional adviser Christopher Jaarda to its Public Policy & Regulation Practice Group in Washington.
Jaarda joins the firm as a partner after serving as a senior policy adviser and counsel in the office of U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson. At Holland & Knight, he’ll advise clients on legislative strategy and advocacy with a focus on technology, data privacy, telecommunications and consumer protection.
“As the top policy advisor in Speaker Johnson’s office, Chris brings exceptional Capitol Hill experience and deep relationships with Congressional leadership in both houses, as well as with the Trump administration,” said Chris DeLacy, co-leader of Holland & Knight’s Federal Government Affairs Practice. “Having recently worked on the 2025 budget reconciliation, Chris brings incredible knowledge of the process, key issues and decision makers as we head into 2026.”
During his tenure with Johnson, Jaarda advised on privacy, IT, homeland security, foreign intelligence, supply chain and economic issues. He helped shepherd more than 100 bills through Congress, including the Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act — an extension of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act — and multiple continuing resolutions. He also led legislative and oversight strategies before committees, including Energy and Commerce, Oversight and Reform, Judiciary and Homeland Security.
“Chris has been a trusted advisor whose humility, expertise, and nearly 15 years of service on Capitol Hill have meaningfully advanced the work and priorities of the Speaker’s office and the Republican Conference,” Johnson said.
“He has a wealth of policy knowledge from his experience in both chambers, and a deep understanding of the legislative process that has bolstered our efforts in countless ways. I am profoundly grateful for his service, and I am confident that his extraordinary talent will continue to benefit any team fortunate enough to have him.”
Jaarda previously served as deputy chief of staff and legislative director to U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, now Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. His Capitol Hill résumé also includes roles as counsel to U.S. Rep. Ken Buck, chief counsel to the Senate Republican Policy Committee and legislative counsel to former U.S. Sen. John Ensign.
“Holland & Knight has an outstanding reputation for its government relations practice, and I’m thrilled to join this talented team,” Jaarda said. “The rules of Washington are changing, and legislative strategies need to change as well. I’m excited to leverage my recent experience working at the highest levels of Congress to help corporate and institutional clients adapt to this new environment and shape future policy.”
Jaarda holds a law degree from Villanova University School of Law and a bachelor’s degree from Furman University. He is admitted to practice in Michigan.
