We counsel a wide array of individuals and corporations actively participating in the political process. Our experience encompasses all facets of political campaign finance, lobbying compliance, gifts-entertainment-travel requirements, required disclosures, and election law litigation. For more than 40 years, we have developed a reputation as a favored firm in this specialized area and are intensely aware of our clients’ risks and challenges.
Our focus is on the representation of corporations, trade associations, and their political action committees (PACs) at both the federal and state levels. We do this work for some of the largest corporate PACs in America and have provided legal guidance in many states across the U.S. Our attorneys have particular experience counseling corporate clients in industries that are subject to the most extensive regulations in this area, specifically public utilities, national banks, government contractors, and international companies (foreign nationals), including their U.S. subsidiaries. We often provide guidance on the federal limitations governing the use of corporate facilities for political campaign purposes and the federal prohibition against "corporate facilitation" of political contributions. Working closely with the firm’s consultants in exempt organizations law, our attorneys additionally counsel 501(c)(4) social welfare organizations, 501(c)(6) business leagues, such as chambers of commerce, and 527 political organizations to comply with Federal Election Commission (FEC), and IRS rules. We have advised various referendum and candidate committees and independent expenditure organizations.
We have substantial experience assisting our clients in the formation of both federal and state PACs, their governance (including drafting of articles and bylaws), and their ongoing administration (including the implementation of payroll deduction systems to receive contributions). Our attorneys develop compliance programs, conduct and oversee annual audits of corporate and PAC contributions and expenditures, provide guidance on "pay-to-play" prohibitions, and assist clients in responding to investigations and enforcement matters from federal and state regulators, including election and ethics commissions, the IRS, and the U.S. Department of Justice. Our attorneys have drafted corporate governance policies regarding contributions and political participation, and we assist corporations in addressing and responding to interest groups’ annual meeting proxy proposals related to corporate political donations and their disclosure.
We advise numerous large corporations and other business entities nationwide regarding how to comply with the federal, state, local, and international requirements that apply to government relations activities throughout the U.S. Every day we assist clients in the areas of lobbyist registration and reporting; limitations on and prohibitions against gifts, entertainment, travel, and gratuities for public officials and employees; "revolving door" and other post-government employment restrictions; and enforcement matters before federal, state, and local ethics officials. Our attorneys work with clients to analyze and provide practical advice on their federal and multistate legal issues; assist with the filing of federal, state, and local disclosure reports; conduct and oversee compliance audits; and provide compliance training sessions for their employees and consultants. We have extensive knowledge of the federal Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995, the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007, and the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as well as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and state lobbying and gift laws across the nation.