The role of companies in our political process is rapidly changing. In some cases, corporate leaders are facing calls to participate more actively in public debates. In others, companies must defend their legal interests in politically charged environments.
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Publications
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04.12.2021A Checklist for Companies Considering Whether to Speak on Political IssuesUpdatesCurrent events have sparked a significant change in private businesses' political behavior, as companies and their executives shift from nonpartisan observers to leaders taking on political and social causes. While companies may face pressure from some stakeholders to speak out on every issue of the day, that level of engagement may not be feasible or productive. In this update, we provide a road map for companies and their executives to follow when deciding whether and how to engage in political and social issues.
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01.21.2021Biden Executive Order Significantly Broadens Ethics Requirements for AppointeesUpdatesIn one of his first official acts, President Biden signed an executive order that sets stringent ethics rules for incoming executive branch appointees. The Executive Order on Ethics Commitments by Executive Branch Personnel reinstates and further expands ethics standards from previous administrations.
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2020Political Participation in 2020: Top Legal Concerns for Your CompanyLawyer PublicationsChange has come to Washington, D.C. and state legislatures around the country. The fast pace of political changes can create both challenges and opportunities when it comes to complying with the rules governing corporate participation in the political process. Review our list of key areas to focus on when reviewing company practices and ways to navigate the most common issues that can arise.
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04.02.2019Changes to Lobbying Disclosure Act Registration and Reporting FormsUpdatesAs of March 29, 2019, the Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) online reporting forms comply with the disclosure requirements of the Justice Against Corruption on K Street Act of 2018 (JACK Act).
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01.17.2019Reminder for Lobbying Disclosure Act RegistrantsUpdatesThe fourth quarter federal lobbying activity reports, covering the period from October 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018, are due on Tuesday, January 22, 2019.
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06.18.2018Taking Stock of Newly Released FARA Advisory OpinionsUpdates
In this update, we detail some of the opinions and share the conclusion that overall, the opinions confirm that DOJ’s application of FARA tends to be extremely fact-specific, particularly where the foreign principal is directed, controlled or funded by a foreign government or political party.
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12.08.2017Top Considerations for Companies Engaging in Political ExpressionUpdatesWe all know to avoid the topic of politics with family and friends at the holidays, but in recent months, American companies and the CEOs who lead them have spoken publicly on social and political issues like never before.
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11.06.2017Proposed Legislation Boosts Enforcement of Foreign Agents Registration ActUpdatesU.S. Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley introduced the “Disclosing Foreign Influence Act” last week, a Senate bill which would amend the Foreign Agents Registration Act, to remove an exemption from registration and boost enforcement by the DOJ.
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09.05.2017CEOs, Politics and the Law: Guidelines for a New Era in Corporate Social SpeechUpdatesIn recent weeks, America’s CEOs have spoken out on social issues like never before, placing the business community firmly within the national debate.
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07.12.2017U.S. House Considering Change to Enforcement of Trade Association PAC RulesUpdates
A bill currently being considered by the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations could significantly alter the way trade associations may solicit contributions for their political action committees (PACs) in fiscal year 2018.
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03.2017New Ethics and Campaign Contribution Rules Enacted in San FranciscoUpdatesSan Francisco voters enacted Proposition T by an overwhelming majority in the November 2016 election; the measure was placed on the ballot by a unanimous vote of the San Francisco Ethics Commission.
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03.10.2017Department of Justice Posts Foreign Agent Informational Materials OnlineUpdatesThe Foreign Agents Registration Unit of the U.S. Department of Justice has updated its website to make available to the public searchable and downloadable informational materials filed by foreign agents. Informational materials are documents or other communications distributed on behalf of a foreign principal to two or more people.
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02.02.2017A Guide to Executive Branch Gift Rules for 2017UpdatesIn this update, we summarize the current rules on providing gifts to federal executive branch officials and employees, including amendments to those rules effective January 1, 2017.
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01.30.2017Executive Order Adds Ethics Commitments for Executive Branch AppointeesUpdatesOn January 28, 2017, President Trump signed an executive order setting new ethics commitments for incoming executive branch appointees.
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05.2016The Lobbying Manual: A Complete Guide to Federal Lobbying Law and PracticeLawyer PublicationsThis updated fifth edition provides detailed guidance for compliance with the suite of laws that impact federal government relations professionals. It provides practical examples of how to be compliant, and covers all of the major federal statutes and regulations that govern the practice of federal government relations work.
Presentations
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04.26.2021How Companies Can Meet the Current Political Moment–A Panel DiscussionSpeaking EngagementsWebinarsAddressed voting legislation pending nationwide and discussed the ways companies and organizations can engage on voting rights and other political issues that continue to dominate the national conversation.
