Campbell Law 50th Anniversary Spotlight: D. Bowen ‘Bo’ Heath ’09
D. Bowen “Bo” Heath ‘09 has extensive experience in developing and implementing comprehensive government and public affairs strategies that include drafting, monitoring and lobbying legislation and regulatory rules. He represents a diverse group of clients on a range of issues including energy, manufacturing, health insurance, education, gaming, health care and tax. He has assisted numerous Fortune 500 companies in implementing wide-ranging public affairs campaigns. His practice focuses on assisting businesses and manufacturers navigate government regulation and drive policy that allows companies to fulfill their business and community objectives. In addition to representing clients before state government, Heath is well versed in representing clients before the State Board of Elections and Ethics Enforcement and the Secretary of State on campaign finance and ethics compliance issues. He has been named to the 2026 and 2027 editions of The Best Lawyers in America.
Current role: Senior Vice President and Director, State Government Relations, McGuireWoods Consulting; Partner, McGuireWoods LLP
Why Campbell Law?
When I was deciding if I wanted to go to law school, many of the lawyers I knew and respected were Campbell Law graduates. I wanted to stay in North Carolina and close to Raleigh. I knew Campbell had an excellent reputation for preparing “practice ready” lawyers and its location would allow me to seek internships and future jobs in the Raleigh market.
On practice
Government Affairs and Consulting. As my career has progressed, I have practiced less and less law, but my legal training prepared me well for the work I do now. Prior to starting law school, I did an internship at the North Carolina General Assembly as a policy and research assistant to a senior legislator. I quickly developed an interest in diving deep into complex policy issues and was fascinated by navigating the political process. Every day was different and posed unique challenges; my objectives were constantly changing. It was fast paced and exciting. My practice now blends law, policy and politics.
A lesson that stuck
Most people are not immersed in the legal world. When a client or potential client reaches out to you, it is usually going to be the most important thing in the world to them. It may have profound effects on their life or business. While, as a lawyer, it may be routine to you, you should remember that it is not routine to them and treat it with the same degree of respect and urgency.
People who shaped you
I’ll always remember Professor Richard Bowser’s lectures and how clearly he was able to articulate difficult and sometimes esoteric concepts. And of course, how he would patiently work you through being stood up in class until you got it, even if he did put his head down and rub his temples a few times. He also went out of his way to get to know you on a personal level. I always enjoyed running into him at Keith Hills and playing a few holes and not having to talk about Con Law.
Advice to current students
You have three years with brilliant professors and peers. Make the most of your time there. Collaborate, network and learn from them all.
Next 50 years
Campbell Law should take full advantage of being in a growing city with abundant job opportunities. It must continue evolving its programs to match the employment landscape without losing sight of its roots in providing a practical legal education that produces career-ready graduates.
Sidebar
What are you reading/listening to: Listening to a lot of The Revivalist and Eric Church at the moment and reading “The Wolves of K Street: The Secret History of How Big Money Took Over Big Government,” by Brody Mullins and Luke Mullins.
Most adventurous thing: Raising a teenage daughter.
Favorite Raleigh spot: Stanbury or Northside Bistro for dinner, Haymaker for drink and the nearest golf course or N.C. State sporting events for fun.