Government Strategies
Legislative and regulatory options to resolve business issues are increasingly important in a world where national economies are interdependent. Decision makers in Washington set policies that affect the course of business in the United States and around the world. Traditional legal remedies, such as litigation, are clearly the best course of action in some instances. But in other cases, needs are best addressed by a change in government policy brought about by the enactment of legislation or an administrative policy pronouncement.
In today’s intricate political environment, protecting and advancing a client’s interest in Washington requires experienced and creative advocates with knowledge of, and direct experience working for, the federal government. To that effect, McDermott Will & Emery has maintained a highly respected Government Strategies Practice Group based in our Washington, D.C. office since 1978. Our Group, which is fully integrated with the Firm’s other practice areas and world-wide offices, includes a significant number of lawyers and professionals with prior experience as senior decision-makers in the executive and legislative branches of the federal government. Members of the group have experience in dealing with federal, state and foreign governments. Our Government Strategies Group not only knows the formalities such as Congressional committee structure and rules of debate, but also recognizes and understands the intangibles. The effectiveness of our practice is based upon the competence and credibility of our lawyers and professionals, which has allowed us to forge and maintain strong and trusting relationships with elected officials.
We maintain close ties to the leadership and key decision-makers in Congress, the White House, and federal regulatory agencies and departments. In Congress, we work on issues with Senators and Representatives from nearly every state and with virtually every committee - from tax, trade and health care matters before the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Committee on Finance to issues before congressional panels on agriculture, banking, commerce, energy, the environment, the judiciary and labor. We also are active in the appropriations process as it affects clients.
Our Group represents many of the United States' leading corporations and trade associations. Our services on behalf of clients range from intensive lobbying and issue monitoring to targeted assistance in a discrete area. We also assist clients by drafting legislation, testimonies and briefs, representation in hearings and adjudicatory proceedings, the development of strategy and formation of lobbying coalitions, grassroots efforts and representation at federal agencies, Congress and the Administration.
Some of our clients enjoy a high public profile, while others prefer low-key involvement in the political process. We accommodate the desires of each individual client in this regard.
Other clients maintain their own governmental affairs presence in Washington or in their corporate headquarters. For these clients, our Government Strategies Group augments their existing operations by providing special political and legal counsel.
Some clients seek our assistance when particular proposed legislation or administrative pronouncements threaten their economic well-being. Our experience and well-known presence in Washington provides quick access to key decision makers even for clients who do not actively participate in the policy making process.
When issues of special interest arise, we develop a strategy uniquely tailored to resolve each client's problem. This may involve enactment of legislation or action through administrative means before federal agencies or departments.
Our Government Strategies Group allows you to be proactive rather than reactive. Thus, we often seek legislative or administrative change on behalf of clients rather than simply reacting to changes proposed by others.
Whether a client needs a long-term presence or assistance with specific legislation, the most important commodity in government is reliable information. Each member of our Group maintains regular and close contact with senior officials in Congress and the Executive Branch. These contacts provide insight into the changing political dynamic and how it affects projects and proposals.
We constantly monitor developments on Capitol Hill and in Executive Branch offices. This enables us to advise you of potential policy changes and significant initiatives as they are formulated, not after they have been completed.
OUR APPROACH
Legislative advocacy is just that - advocacy. We draw on our best legal and political skills to provide you with the highest quality representation. Our Government Strategies Group combines experience in substantive areas of law, a keen sense of politics, and a thorough appreciation of public policy.
We believe there are four elements critical to a successful Government Strategies Group:
RELATIONSHIPS
Building and maintaining relationships with key members of Congress and their staffs is essential. Members of our Government Strategies Group have an established reputation for credibility and integrity - characteristics that are basic to success in Washington's policy-making environment. In addition to understanding the legislative and administrative policy process, our Group professionals are equally experienced in the political dynamics of both major political parties.
EXPERIENCE
There is no substitute for a firm grasp of the technical and procedural aspects of the legislative and administrative policy-making process. The process is governed by complex rules, procedures and traditions. Mastery of this process can mean the difference between success and failure. Our Group has extensive hands-on experience and is thoroughly versed in the inner workings of the institutions of government. We couple this experience with good political judgment.
TECHNICAL SKILLS
McDermott, Will & Emery combines our contacts and experience with a thorough understanding of the technical aspects of a proposal. We are well-versed in drafting effective proposed legislation, ruling requests, formal position papers and technical comments. We also perform thorough analyses of issues and proposals to be able to deal with all the technical complexities that may arise. By combining our knowledge of the law and our technical skill in crafting legislation and positions, we offer you a distinct advantage in the legislative process.
CONSENSUS BUILDING
Our experience in legislative affairs teaches that just because a proposal is viewed as good public policy does not guarantee success. Politics and process are often as important as policy. The key to success is to position legislative and policy initiatives where they can be most effective from a political standpoint. Our commitment to you is to design a strategy for success based on winning political and policy considerations, and to present your position with unmistakable technical clarity.
Strategic planning is essential in the design - and to the success - of any legislative campaign. We provide comprehensive analyses of which constituencies are affected by an initiative, and their potential support or opposition to a proposal.
Often the manner in which an initiative is presented has a dramatic effect on how it is received and, ultimately, whether it is accepted. Translating complex proposals into public policy concepts relevant to the current political and legislative climate is a key to success. This ability is one of the strengths of McDermott, Will & Emery's Government Strategies Group.
We are always guided by the knowledge that our government operates on the basis of consensus. We work to build coalitions to support your initiatives. By nature, the legislative process requires compromise. We work closely with our clients to determine when compromise is acceptable and advisable to build a broad base of support for an initiative. To those outside Washington, the federal government's legislative and regulatory maze may appear intimidating and mysterious. Our professionals are experienced in dealing with the complexities of the legislative and executive branches and can maneuver effectively through this maze.
Contacts
- Stephen M. Ryan
+1 202 756 8333
Send E-mail - William F. Weld
+1 212 547 5347
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