Press Release

Bradley is pleased to announce that J. Lucas Adair, Ph.D., has joined as a senior advisor in the firm’s Governmental Affairs Practice Group in Huntsville, bringing more than a decade of experience in local, state, and federal policy and politics.

“Lucas’s deep understanding of policy and decision-making processes and his extensive network of contacts will greatly help shape our client strategy regarding government relations services, and we are pleased to welcome him to Bradley,” said Bradley Huntsville Office Managing Partner Benjamin W. Hutton. “In addition to his impressive lobbying work, Lucas is also adding grant services to the firm and his grant strategy and writing experience will be a tremendous resource for nonprofit and for-profit clients seeking funding.”

“We are very excited to have Lucas join Bradley. We are especially excited to be able to now offer a full range of grant strategy and writing services to complement our existing federal and state appropriations practice. Very few firms offer this range of services, and we are looking forward to having Lucas’s unique expertise and skillset as part of our practice group,” added David Stewart, chair of Bradley’s Governmental Affairs Practice Group.

Prior to joining Bradley, Dr. Adair worked at Keller Partners & Company, a full-service government relations and strategic development firm in Washington, D.C., where he spearheaded advocacy efforts at the federal level, consistently delivering results for his clients through his adept lobbying for federal appropriations and policy changes. He also has significant experience writing and lobbying for competitive grants and in securing funding across various projects, as well as establishing long-term relationships with key administrative officials and Hill staffers. In 2023, Dr. Adair was recognized in The Hill’s annual list of “Top Lobbyists,” which highlights impactful advocates who have distinguished themselves by delivering results for their clients.

Dr. Adair also served as a policy advisor to the U.S. Under Secretary of Education, where he advised on important issues related to higher education. This role provided him with invaluable experience in drafting federal policy rules and regulations, while providing strategic advice and coordinating with the White House, Capitol Hill and other federal agencies. He gained valuable insight into effectively communicating policy initiatives by regularly interfacing with universities, public companies, associations, government affair groups and the public, as well as preparing for congressional committee hearings and testimonies.

A native of Alabama, Dr. Adair began his career working as a policy analyst and advisor at the University of Alabama’s Education Policy Center, serving as a grant evaluator for the Alabama State Department of Education, while also working on several political campaigns throughout the Southeast. He earned his Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Alabama, as well as his M.P.A. and B.S.

Bradley’s Governmental Affairs Practice Group partners with clients to develop and execute results-oriented government relations strategies, understanding that clients often interact with some level or branch of government to achieve their legal and business objectives. The team is comprised of veteran local, state, and federal policymakers, so they understand how to navigate the complexities, opportunities, and risks associated with working with governments and government officials. Attorneys and senior advisors in the Governmental Affairs Practice Group effectively evaluate and address client needs with a full range of services focused on strategic advocacy and compliance.