Office Managing Partner
Background
Accomplished legal and political strategist. More than 25 years advocating at the federal, state and local levels of government. Robust experience representing clients in highly regulated industries and successfully navigating their legal, political and business interests.
Melissa Kuipers Blake leads negotiations for her clients with policymakers in Washington, D.C., and in state capitols nationwide, with strong political relationships in the firm’s home state of Colorado, as well as Florida and the entire Southeastern U.S. She brings the dynamic combination of long-standing federal, state and local relationships with an unmatched talent for deal-making. Described as a “power lobbyist” by Colorado Politics, Melissa is a hard-charging advocate and political tactician in Congress and with governors, attorneys general, policymakers and mayors throughout the U.S. She’s sought out for her subject matter expertise and ability to craft successful political strategies from start to finish with her creative approaches that lead to successful client outcomes.
No stranger to high-stakes issues, Melissa has built a large-scale national automotive practice with vast experience lobbying for the industry in state governments and Washington, D.C. She previously served as vice president of government relations and communications for the Colorado Automobile Dealers Association in Denver and still represents the association.
Melissa’s dedicated work ethic also extends to her personal life. She serves as the CEO of Baking for the Troops, a nonprofit that sends homemade care packages to U.S. military members deployed worldwide.
Representative Matters
- Led a successful federal strategy on behalf of the City of Colorado Springs to reverse the Trump Administration’s decision to relocate Space Command to Huntsville, AL from Colorado Springs, CO.
- On behalf of Cresco and Curaleaf, successful passage of the SAFER Banking Bill, S.2860, out of the Senate Banking Committee. Passage of this bill signifies the historical first ever cannabis financial services bill to be voted out of a senate committee.
- During the height of COVID-19 shutdowns, represented Cars.com to work with the White House and Department of Homeland Security to deem “automotive sales and leasing” an “essential business” federally. Successfully made the case to regulators and the White House as to why auto sales were critical, specifically for first responders, health care workers and consumers at large.
Insights & Publications
Insights & Publications
News
News
Credentials
Education
- J.D., 2005, University of Miami School of Law
- B.S., 2002, Florida State University, with honors
Admissions
- Colorado
- Florida
- District of Columbia
Memberships
Government and Public Policy Advocacy Committee, The Florida Bar, 2017- present
Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce, 2023 – present
District of Columbia Bar, 2012 – present
National Association of Dealer Counsel, 2009 – present
American Bar Association. 2011 – present
Florida Bar Association, 2006 – present
Colorado Women’s Bar Association, 2011 – 2014
Community Involvement
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Board of Directors, Colorado Chamber of Commerce, present
Government Affairs Council, present
President, Board of Directors, Colorado Civil Justice League, 2018 – 2019
Board of Directors, Colorado Civil Justice League, 2010 – present
Colorado Association of Commerce and Industry, 2008 – 2018
Vice President, Colorado Civil Justice League, 2017 – 2018
Colorado Business Committee for the Arts, 2012 – 2014
Founder, Baking for the Troops, 2009 – present
Recognition
AWARDS
The Best Lawyers in America, 2026
Outstanding Women in Business, Denver Business Journal, 2022
Barrister’s Best “Best Marijuana Lawyer”, Law Week Colorado, 2021, 2023
Lawyers of the Year, Law Week Colorado, 2020
Top Women Lawyers, Law Week Colorado, 2020
5280 Top Lawyers, 2016-2025
Top 25 Young Professional, Colorado Biz Magazine, 2015
Most Powerful People, Rising Star, 5280 Magazine
Private Sector Co-Chair, American Legislative Exchange Council, 2013 – 2015
Colorado Convention Chair, 2012 Republican National Convention in Tampa, FL
Top 40 under 40, Denver Business Journal, 2010
University of Miami School of Law Alumni Spotlight, 2010
Editor in Chief, University of Miami School of Law Res Ipsa Loquitur
