Government Ethics & Compliance
The rules regarding lobbying, campaign fundraising and other interaction with government officials can seem daunting. How can you best develop connections with relevant entities and officials while ensuring compliance? We know government ethics, and Washington, from the inside out. We provide you with clarity and the confidence to deepen your relationships and achieve your business objectives.
Companies and individuals are increasingly recognizing the importance of engaging in the political process to help shape public policy. Alston & Bird’s Government Ethics & Compliance team counsels clients on federal laws and regulations applicable to all facets of our clients’ relationships with federal government entities and officials. Alston & Bird counsels clients on issues related to the Federal Election Campaign Act, the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act, the Lobbying Disclosure Act, congressional and executive branch gift and travel rules, the Foreign Agents Registration Act, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and related laws and regulations. The team includes experienced practitioners with both public sector and in-house experience in various capacities applicable to government ethics and compliance. We leverage our experience and substantive knowledge of applicable laws to help clients achieve their objectives while ensuring compliance.
Experience
The Government Ethics and Compliance team advises corporations, trade associations, political entities, political action committees (PACs), foreign principals and individuals on compliance with the laws regulating political activity, lobbying, federal campaign fundraising and contributions, gifts, travel and entertainment in connection with government officials.
The team represents clients before government enforcement entities and regulators, including the Federal Election Commission, the Department of Justice, congressional committees and the Government Accountability Office.
- Provide advice and counsel to clients engaging with federal government entities and officials to help ensure compliance with reporting obligations and all relevant rules and regulations.
- Counsel clients as they work through federal government investigations or inquiries, penalty proceedings and testimony before congressional hearings.
- Perform in-depth compliance audits and assist clients in developing and implementing political activity compliance policies and procedures.
- Advise clients on the disclosure of potential violations to relevant federal officials.
- Advise clients on mechanisms for personal and corporate contributions to federal elections, including the establishment and administration of various types of PACs and political entities.
