OUR TEAM
Leah Barros is an experienced lobbyist with a strong history advocating on energy, healthcare, and civil rights issues. She has also worked on matters related to labor and employment, banking and finance, and represented victims of discrimination, sexual assault, and health disparities. With over 10 years of experience, she drives successful advocacy strategies for clients at the California State Capitol and tackles complex issues with thorough policy analysis and powerful coalition building.
Leah began her legislative career in Sacramento, working for the California State Assembly. She credits her unique approach to advancing clients’ policy goals and strengthening their political brands to her experience working as both a Capitol legislative and local district staffer. Having experience working in a district office helped her develop a keen understanding of how legislation voted on in the Capitol translates to realities in the district. Policy and politics determine success; therefore, having strong insight into potential district impact is critical when asking Legislators to make a tough vote.
Among her most notable wins was leading the lobbying effort to enact The CROWN Act: the first statewide law in the country to prohibit racial discrimination on the basis of natural hairstyles in the workplace and schools. Similar legislation has since been enacted in 27 states with local and international efforts underway. A summa cum laude graduate from California State University, Sacramento, Leah holds a Master of Social Work degree with an emphasis in Social Welfare Policy. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Institute of Governmental Advocates, California’s leading Lobbyist Association.
Delilah Clay is an experienced advocate with over 10 years in government relations, holding roles as a legislative staffer, policy analyst, contract lobbyist, and in-house corporate government relations expert. Most recently, she served as Assistant Vice President of Legislative Advocacy for AT&T California. She has now partnered with Leah Barros to establish a firm offering tailored, strategic advice and direct, boots-on-the-ground legislative advocacy.
Delilah has represented Fortune 500 companies, municipal clients, and community organizations on a range of policy issues, including transportation, housing, consumer privacy, and healthcare. Her extensive policy advocacy experience provides her with a unique perspective on strategy development and creative problem-solving.
She was part of the advocacy team that successfully passed the CROWN Act in California, making discrimination against natural hairstyles—such as braids, locs, and twists—illegal. This groundbreaking law spurred a national movement, leading to similar legislation in over 20 states. Delilah remains passionate about pro bono lobbying when the time and opportunity align.
Delilah began her career practicing labor and employment law at Jones Day in Chicago. She is a member of the bar in California and Illinois. She earned her law degree from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law and her bachelor’s degree from UCLA, graduating with honors from both institutions.