Syrus Devers

Director of Governmental Affairs

Syrus Devers helps clients navigate the complicated world of California state government. He has more than 20 years of experience in state government affairs, including 10 as legislative staff holding senior positions in both houses of the Legislature. His last legislative post prior to joining Best Best & Krieger LLP’s Sacramento office, was as the principal consultant for the Senate Natural Resources Committee. He left that position and public service to become a lobbyist. As a lobbyist, he has more than 10 years of experience representing both corporate and association interests, most recently as the executive director of Government Affairs for Verizon, where he managed all aspects of Verizon's state political operations.

Although Syrus' governmental affairs experience spans a broad range of issues, the majority of his work, and the primary focus of his legal education, is in the areas of natural resources and water. He has worked on legislation dealing with groundwater contamination, leaking underground fuel tanks, drinking water standards, stormwater runoff, low-level radioactive waste disposal, endangered species, open space preservation, fisheries, abandoned mines, Salton Sea restoration and CEQA. A major achievement was the multiyear effort to pass what became SB 221 in 2001, which required a verifiable water supply for residential developments of 500 or more units.

Syrus' extensive background both inside and outside of the legislative process allows him to provide highly effective representation and advice to his clients. He also has experience in grant writing and reviewing, as well as extensive political campaign experience.

Syrus was raised in the Central Valley on an almond farm, which is still in his family, and now resides in Sacramento with his wife where he has lived for the past 30 years. He enjoys working in his metal shop and spending time in the outdoors.

Education

• University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, J.D.