Office Managing Partner
Background
Known for thoughtful counsel, strategic judgment and collaborative leadership style. Equally comfortable in the boardroom or legislative hearing room. Recognized for building coalitions, fostering productive relationships and delivering results.
Melissa Kuipers Blake is a nationally recognized government relations attorney, political strategist and trusted advisor who helps clients navigate the intersection of business, law and public policy.
For more than 25 years, she has represented a diverse portfolio of state and federal clients across all 50 states and industries, providing strategic political counsel on legislative advocacy, stakeholder engagement and bipartisan solutions to complex business challenges. She advises domestic and international corporations, trade associations, investors, local governments, non-profits and emerging technology companies on high-stakes legislative and agency-driven matters in state capitols nationwide and in Washington, D.C.
Melissa serves as the firm’s Tampa Office Managing Partner. Her deep roots in her home state of Florida have positioned her at the epicenter of one of the country’s most consequential political and economic power centers. She maintains a significant national state lobbying practice in Florida and across all 50 states, representing clients before governors, attorneys general and state legislatures.
Additionally, Melissa maintains a robust federal lobbying practice in Washington, D.C., where she works closely with the White House, federal policymakers, congressional offices, executive agencies and national industry organizations. She brings a practical understanding of how federal decisions impact businesses, helping clients develop effective advocacy strategies and navigate evolving policy challenges.
A recognized political advisor, Melissa’s thought leadership and advocacy work have earned recognition by numerous professional organizations and publications, including Bloomberg, Best Lawyers in America, Tampa Bay Business Journal, Denver Business Journal, 5280 Magazine, Colorado Biz Magazine, and Law Week Colorado. She is frequently invited to share her insights at major domestic and international conferences and events.
Representative Matters
- Nationally-recognized authority on automotive and transportation policy. Advisor to manufacturers, dealers, technology companies and suppliers on the most consequential policy and regulatory issues facing the global auto industry.
- National political and strategic counsel to Fortune 500 global payments and financial services company, which is also a premium lifestyle and luxury brand.
- State and local counsel to Fortune 500 American tobacco and nicotine corporation, advising on all matters related to production, retail sales and consumer consumption.
- State and federal counsel to the world’s largest premium wine and spirits manufacturer on all matters impacting its global parent company and 250 individual brands.
- National political and strategic counsel to prominent publicly-traded financial technology company and leading digital network that provides BNPL and point-of-sale financing services.
- State and local counsel to privately held multinational hospitality, entertainment, dining and gaming conglomerate with over 600 properties in its portfolio.
- National counsel to a global outdoor apparel manufacturer related to environmental regulation, supply chain vulnerabilities, sustainability and trade.
- Counsel to federally recognized sovereign Native American nation based in South Florida’s Everglades.
- Lead counsel to Colorado’s film and television industry; successfully secured a $5 million state-based incentive package for production of Quentin Tarantino’s western The Hateful Eight in Telluride.
- Trusted advisor to the City of Colorado Springs and its mayor and city council on all state and federal policy matters related to military affairs, transportation, infrastructure and economic development.
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
Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce, 2023 – present
AMPLIFY Clearwater, 2026 – present
Florida Bar Association, 2006 – present
Colorado Bar Association, 2013 – present
District of Columbia Bar Association, 2012 – present
National Association of Dealer Counsel, 2009 – present
Community Involvement
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Pro Bono Counsel, Indian Rocks Christian Church & School, 2024 – present
Tampa Jewish Community Centers & Federation, Pro Bono Counsel, 2025 – present
Board of Directors, Colorado Chamber of Commerce, 2023 – present
Republican National Convention Chair (Colorado), Tampa, FL, 2012
Private Sector Co-Chair, American Legislative Exchange Council, 2013–2015
Chair, Colorado Republican Party Independent Expenditure Committee, 2017–2019
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
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
Lawyers of the Year, Law Week Colorado, 2020
Top Women Lawyers, Law Week Colorado, 2020
5280 Top Lawyers, 2016-2026
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
