Block Clabes, LLC
Government Affairs - Public Policy - Media Relations
L. Thomas Block

Tom Block served as Head of Government Relations for JP Morgan Chase and created a Washington Research product for the firm.  For 17 years he served as the senior lobbyist responsible for managing political relationships with the US government, state and local governments, and the EU and its member states.  He created the bank’s EU Government Relations program.

During his years managing Government Relations Tom guided JPMorgan Chase and its predecessors through four large mergers without significant protest or controversy from any unit of government.  He was responsible for the coordination of bank policy and strategy related to government and public policy.  In his role as chief lobbyist, he secured passage of legislation that created business opportunities for the firm and worked to defeat legislation that would have increased business risk.

In 2005, Tom developed a new position as U.S. Government Policy Strategist.  Working with the firm’s analysts, bankers and clients he helps them to understand the direction of US Government policy and how it can impact capital markets.

Prior to joining the Bank in July 1987, Mr. Block was a vice president at Irving Trust Company where he started the Government Relations program for one of the nation’s 20 largest banks. Previously, Mr. Block held several positions with members of the House and Senate, serving as Legislative Assistant and Chief of Staff in the House, and Legislative Staff Director in the Senate. Responsibilities included representing the Congressmen and Senator in negotiations with their colleagues, writing legislation, developing policy, representing the Member with constituent groups and steering the Member’s legislation through the Congressional process. He has also worked on political campaigns both as a strategist and speech writer.

Tom served as a member and Vice Chairman of the Advisory Committee on International Economic Policy of the U.S. Department of State. Mr. Block is a trustee of Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest and holds a B.A degree in Political Science from The American University.
Tom Block, senior partner, was head of Government Relations at JP Morgan Chase.  Tom developed an international government relations program for the bank that focused on Europe.  Pictured is Tom leaving No. 10 Downing Street after a meeting with Prime Minister Tony Blair's chief of staff.

As head of Government Relations Tom not only worked on global issues but also was the firm's senior Federal lobbyist and coordinated activities in the states. Tom served on various committees within the bank that worked on strategy and dealing with crisis management, all experience he brings to Block Clabes.
4033 Palomar Blvd.  Lexington, KY 40513
Phone (859) 825-8409 - Fax (859) 523-1063