As part of our mission of working to protect the rights of all dog owners, the AKC has maintained a federal advocate in Washington for over 15 years.

Our first consultant, Dr. James Holt, passed away in spring 2008. After a several-month search, the AKC hired the firm of Greenberg Traurig.

Greenberg Traurig is a large, national law firm elected as the 2007 USA Law Firm of the Year by Chambers and Partners, a prestigious international legal research and reference organization. The firm serves as AKC’s liaison to the federal government and advises and updates AKC on any pending legislation or federal regulatory matters.

AKC’s interests in the U.S. Congress are represented by a team of four advocates at Greenberg Traurig:

Alan Slomowitz has extensive state and federal political experience. Prior to joining Greenberg Traurig, Alan served as Chief of Staff to Representative Robert Borski (D-PA). He has also served as a senior campaign advisor on numerous presidential and congressional elections. He has a J.D. from Hofstra University School of Law.

Montserrat Miller has extensive advocacy and Capitol Hill experience. She served in the U.S. Senate as Judiciary Committee Counsel to Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) prior to joining Greenberg Traurig. Before her work at the Capitol, Montserrat worked in private practice leading international advocacy and legislative efforts and also served as a Trial Attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice. She has a J.D. from the American University Washington College of Law.

Michael Williams contributes extensive federal advocacy experience. Prior to joining Greenberg Traurig, he served as the Senior Lobbyist for the National Rifle Association, where he managed all advocacy, grassroots, and political action committee activities. He has also served as a Legislative Director in the Virginia General Assembly and a campaign manager for a state legislative race. He has a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Richmond.

Diane Blagman has over 20 years experience working on Capitol Hill, serving as a chief of staff for various members of Congress for almost two decades, as well as associate staff in the House Appropriations Committee for almost 10 years. She has worked on many presidential and congressional campaigns and served as a congressional liaison to the European Union. She has a M.A. in Legislative Affairs from George Washington University.