Darren Patz

Darren is a distinguished government affairs counsel and regulatory lawyer who serves as a trusted advisor to private equity firms and their portfolio companies across multiple industries. With extensive experience navigating complex legislative and regulatory landscapes, he helps businesses identify, analyze, and resolve critical issues affecting their operations and growth strategies at both state and federal levels.

As a senior partner at DLA Piper, Darren leverages his deep network of relationships with policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders across the country to advance his clients' interests. His practice encompasses strategic government affairs counsel, regulatory compliance, and crisis management across various sectors including healthcare, technology, financial services, and manufacturing. He has been particularly instrumental in helping private equity portfolio companies navigate regulatory hurdles, secure favorable policy outcomes, and optimize their government affairs strategies post-acquisition.

Prior to joining DLA Piper, Darren served as SVP & Chief Government Affairs Officer at South Florida's largest publicly traded healthcare company, where he built and led a federal and state Government Affairs department that generated hundreds of millions in additional revenue through strategic advocacy. This experience informs his current work advising private equity firms on regulatory due diligence and post-acquisition compliance strategies.

Throughout his career, Darren has shaped landmark federal legislation including the Affordable Care Act, CARES Act, and No Surprises Act. His regulatory practice helps companies navigate complex compliance requirements across multiple areas including healthcare regulations, employment law, antitrust matters, and industry-specific regulatory frameworks. He maintains an active government affairs practice in Florida, Washington DC, and numerous other state capitals, where he helps clients protect and advance their business interests through strategic advocacy and relationship building.

Darren is frequently sought after as a speaker on government affairs strategy, regulatory compliance, and the intersection of private equity and public policy. His unique combination of legal acumen, government affairs expertise, and business strategy makes him a valuable partner to private equity firms seeking to maximize value and minimize risk across their portfolios.