Overview
Whitt’s practice focuses on government affairs and lobbying. Whitt, who helped establish the firm’s state government relations practice group, represents a variety of business and industry interests before the legislative and executive branches of state government in Virginia on a broad range of matters including: developing and implementing public policy strategies, drafting legislation, testifying before legislative committees and subcommittees, lobbying state policy makers, monitoring legislation, advising and administering clients’ political action committees and campaign contributions. Formerly, Whitt was a principal at Clement & Wheatley, LLC and served as Law Clerk for The Honorable John A. MacKenzie, US District Court, Norfolk, Virginia.
Experience
- Co-chair, Governor-Elect McAuliffe’s Transition Team, November 2013
- Virginia Secretary of Transportation, 2002 - 2005
- Member, Virginia House of Delegates, 1988-2002
- Former Member, House Appropriations Committee
- Former Chair, Commerce and Trade, Transportation and Capital Outlay Subcommittees of House Appropriations Committee
- Former Member, House Committee on Commerce and Labor
- Former Member, House Transportation Committee
Accolades
Honors & Recognitions
- Selected as a Best Lawyer for Government Relations, Virginia, The Best Lawyers in America, 1995-2024
- Recognized in “The Power List” as one of Virginia’s 500 “Most Powerful Leaders,” Virginia Business, 2022
- Named among the 50 Most Influential Virginians by Virginia Business magazine, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
- AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
- Named among the Legal Elite for Legislative/Regulatory/Administrative, Virginia Business magazine, 2010-2015 and 2017-2019
- Selected for inclusion in Top 25 People You Need to Know by Virginia Business magazine, March 2011
Affiliations
Professional
- Rector, Board of Visitors, University of Virginia and Affiliated Schools, 2021
- Member, Board of Visitors, University of Virginia and Affiliated Schools, 2015-Present
- Past President, Virginia Bar Association, 1993
- Past Chair, Board of Directors, LEAD Virginia, 2013
- Past Chair, Board of Directors, Virginia Chamber of Commerce, 2011
- Past President, Board of Directors, Virginia Law Foundation, 2010
- Past Member, Board of Directors, Virginia FREE
- Past Chair, State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV)
Insights
Events & Speaking Engagements
Publications
News
Education
JD, University of Virginia School of Law
BA, University of Virginia
Admissions
Virginia
Clerkships
- US District Court, Eastern District of Virginia