Lobbying and Legislative Affairs
Our clients often seek our assistance when particular proposed legislation or administrative pronouncements threaten their economic well-being. In this regard, our experience and well-known presence in state capitols assists us with access to key decision-makers. When it comes to lobbying, some of our clients desire a high public profile while others prefer low-key involvement in the political process. Thus, we accommodate the desires of each individual client and develop a strategy uniquely tailored to resolve each client’s problem.
Lobbying
Our attorneys provide a broad array of advocacy on behalf of clients seeking to preserve or change an existing statute, legislative proposal, or regulation. Drawing on our resources and experience, we develop and implement strategies to achieve clients’ public policy objectives. From legislative monitoring to complex negotiations with government officials, we address the full range of client needs, regardless of the complexity or scope, and tailor our services to each individual project. In addition to lobbying Federal, state, and local officials, the firm engages in issue analysis, identification of policy options, strategy development, client representation before government agencies, monitoring and reporting on legislative hearings, and participating in policy coalitions on behalf of clients.
Legislative Drafting
Our legislative affairs attorneys combine our contacts and experience with a thorough understanding of the technical aspects of a legislative or regulatory proposal. Our attorneys are experienced in drafting proposed legislation, ruling requests, formal position papers, and technical comments. In addition, we keep our clients informed on legislative and regulatory developments on these issues and provide innovative strategies tailored to their particular needs. When appropriate, we will represent clients called to testify before legislative committees and file comments on behalf of our clients in ongoing government rule-making proceedings.
Lobbying Act Compliance
The federal Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) and Honest Leadership and Open Government Act (HLOGA) require extensive compliance efforts by corporations, trade associations, and individuals who communicate with members of Congress and their staffs, the executive branch, and certain regulatory agencies. We not only assist our clients in complying with reporting requirements under these Acts, but can design internal compliance systems to track reportable lobbying activities. Additionally, our attorneys assist clients in complying with the widely divergent lobbying laws and regulations across various western states.
Government Ethics
Various federal and state ethics and gifts laws restrict both the permissible forms and extent of gift-giving to public officials. They also restrict employees’ revolving door relationships between the government and private sectors. We can also represent clients before Congressional Ethics Committees, the Federal Office of Government Ethics, and related state and city agencies and boards. Additionally, we can provide specific advice regarding proposed activity that implicates ethics issues.
