Karen D. Walker

Karen D. Walker: Leading Florida Administrative and Public Utility Attorney

Karen D. Walker is an executive partner of the Tallahassee office and a dedicated public policy & regulation attorney. With extensive experience navigating the complexities of Florida’s legal landscape, Ms. Walker specializes in providing comprehensive legal counsel across a diverse range of sectors, including government procurement, public utilities, ethics, and election law. She consistently represents clients before critical state bodies, including the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings, the Florida Legislature, various state agencies, local governments, and appellate courts, demonstrating a profound understanding of the intricacies of Florida’s legal and regulatory environment.

Ms. Walker’s practice is built upon a strong foundation of expertise in administrative law, encompassing all aspects of Florida’s complex regulatory framework. Her deep understanding of state and local government procurement matters allows her to effectively guide clients through the entire process, from preparing responses to invitations to bid and requests for proposals, to protesting specifications and negotiating contracts with state agencies and local governments. She possesses a proven track record in assisting clients with navigating these procedures, ensuring their rights and interests are fully protected. Her work extends beyond procurement to include strategic counsel on Florida ethics and election law issues, encompassing campaign finance, gift laws, and lobbying regulations.

Notably, Ms. Walker is a recognized authority in public utility law, frequently representing clients before the Florida Public Service Commission in complex matters impacting the energy sector. Her experience encompasses telecommunications, electric, gas, water, and wastewater regulatory issues, demonstrating a mastery of the legal frameworks governing these vital industries. She has successfully represented utility clients in certification proceedings, rulemaking proceedings, enforcement proceedings, and administrative litigation and appellate proceedings, showcasing her strategic thinking and courtroom prowess. Her expertise in this area includes a deep understanding of certification processes, regulatory compliance, and advocating for clients’ positions within the commission’s decision-making process.

Ms. Walker’s commitment to her clients extends beyond legal expertise. She diligently advises clients on Florida ethics and election law issues, providing strategic guidance in proceedings before the Florida Elections Commission and the Florida Commission on Ethics. This proactive approach, combined with her extensive trial and appellate experience, makes her a trusted legal partner for businesses and organizations operating within the state.

Practice Areas:

• Administrative/Regulatory Law
• Government Contracts
• Government Relations
• Public Utility Law
• Commercial Litigation
• Elections Law
• Energy Law

Education & Credentials:

• Order of the Coif (Florida Law Review)
• Senior Managing Editor, Florida Law Review
• Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated
• Who's Who in America, Corporate Counsel Edition
• Florida Legal Elite (2009-2011, 2013)
• Super Lawyers magazine (2009-2013)
• Women of Distinction Award, Girl Scout Council of the Florida Panhandle, Inc. (2012)

Awards & Recognition:

• Lawyer of the Year: Government Relations Practice (2023, 2022, 2017)
• Lawyer of the Year: Administrative / Regulatory Law (2017)
• Recognized: Administrative / Regulatory Law, Commercial Litigation, Government Contracts, Government Relations Practice
• Recognized Since: Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2006

Affiliations: Holland & Knight