Markets Restructuring - Government Strategies
When the financial and political climate is in a critical state, it is absolutely essential for financial institutions and businesses to obtain substantive legal advice along with extensive political know-how and a successful track record in advocating for clients’ interests before both the legislative and executive branches of the U.S. government. At McDermott, we provide this as one integrated service.
Our Government Strategies Practice Group advocates throughout the entire legislative and regulatory process—from the initial staff-level policy discussions, to the drafting of legislation, to consideration by Members of Congress, to the implementation and execution of new laws. For example, when the “financial rescue bill”—later enacted as the “Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008”—was being developed and written, members of our government strategies practice successfully lobbied both sides of the aisle, on both sides of Capitol Hill, and worked with executive branch officials to address our clients’ needs. We also are representing clients whose interests are affected by the federal government’s intervention in the financial markets, but have been left out of the process in the rush to legislate and regulate.
Among other things, the members of the Group utilize their combined legal, political and communications skills to effectively represent corporations and executives who have been called to testify before Congressional committees or who have become the focal point of a Congressional investigation. With Congressional committees already holding oversight and investigatory hearings related to the economic crisis and financial markets, it is widely expected that such Congressional action—which could acutely affect our clients’ interests—will continue to accelerate.
The members of the government strategies practice not only are apprised of current legislative thinking in Congress, but also are advising our clients on the likely changes and challenges the business community and others will face with a new administration. We are continually working to identify the most effective strategies to help clients position themselves and their interests in light of the continuing financial crisis and the transition to a new administration in a few short months.
Steve Ryan, the former general counsel of the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland and Governmental Affairs, and William F. Weld, the former Massachusetts Governor, lead a team of lobbyists and specialists who bring great experience and strategic know-how in assisting clients in navigating these issues. Steve, a former federal prosecutor, has extensive experience working with all branches of government and often represents business leaders in Congressional oversight and investigatory activities. Bill, who served as the Assistant U.S. Attorney General in charge of the Criminal Division at the Department of Justice, has extensive experience in corporate investigations and compliance, in addition to providing strategic business advice.
Contacts
- Stephen M. Ryan
+1 202 756 8333
Send E-mail - William F. Weld
+1 212 547 5347
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