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 our clients on federal and state laws and regulations that apply to all facets of their relationships with federal government entities and officials. We advise clients on issues related to the Federal Election Campaign Act, Honest Leadership and Open Government Act, Lobbying Disclosure Act, congressional and Executive Branch gift and travel rules, Foreign Agents Registration Act, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, related laws and regulations, and analogous state laws. The team includes experienced practitioners who apply their public and private sector experience in various capacities to guide your government ethics and compliance programs. We leverage our experience and substantive knowledge of applicable laws to help you achieve your objectives while ensuring compliance.
Experience
Our Government Ethics & 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, Department of Justice, Government Accountability Office, and congressional committees.
- Providing 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.
- Counseling clients as they work through federal government investigations or inquiries, penalty proceedings, and testimony before congressional hearings.
- Performing in-depth compliance audits and assisting clients in developing and implementing political activity compliance policies and procedures.
- Advising clients on the disclosure of potential violations to relevant federal officials.
- Advising clients on mechanisms for personal and corporate contributions to federal elections, including the establishment and administration of various types of PACs and political entities.
- Advising nonprofits and businesses on lobbying compliance with the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act and advocacy for political and ballot initiatives.