Overview
Government is a powerful engine. As a source of commerce, opportunities are plentiful if you know how to navigate its complex structure. Run afoul of its procedures and laws, however, and dealing with the repercussions can be time consuming, expensive and permanently damaging. Engaging an advisor with legal skill and political savvy to provide strategy along with the skill to execute that plan is crucial. Local to Washington, DC, the government strategies team at McDermott understands the politics of government delivering results for clients in need of strategic counsel in working with federal and state agencies and officials.
Our capabilities are comprehensive, offering distinct, but connected services covering investigations, election and political law, contracts and procurement, lobbying, and legislative matters. Unlike many lobbying firms, our team includes practicing lawyers, which gives clients the added value of knowing that, by working with a law firm, all interactions are protected by the attorney-client privilege.
The lawyers and professionals that compose our government strategies team have mastered the complex, technical and procedural aspects of government. We have guided hundreds of clients—ranging from Fortune 500 companies, political figures, members of the government, private individuals, trade associations and more—through the legislative, regulatory and administrative policymaking process. In addition, with strong national practices in trade, tax and health care, we often are brought in to advise on the issues impacting their businesses as well as make connections in support of their needs.
Clients value our group’s broad skill set and success in achieving positive results. Our team includes individuals with decades of senior-level experience in all branches of federal and state government, as well as with national media outlets. Whether responding to a government investigation, settling or litigating a political dispute, lobbying for our client’s interests or accessing our vast pool of government contracts, we have repeatedly demonstrated our ability to get the job done.
Related Capabilities
Congressional & Government Investigations
McDermott’s government and congressional investigations team has a dynamic record representing clients successfully in the most difficult and delicate congressional investigations. Members of our practice group have a deep understanding of the interplay between the legislative and executive branches, as well as the political and public relations considerations that come into play in any congressional investigation. We have represented clients before members of the US Senate and House of Representatives and before every significant committee. We work with clients to formulate political, legal and press strategies that meet their strategic needs. We pride ourselves on vigorous, thorough preparation that enables our clients to anticipate and effectively respond to all lines of inquiry at committee hearings. We know from experience the questions staff and members are likely to ask, and how best to answer them.
Elections Political Law
Our election and political law lawyers possess a deep understanding of the laws influencing politics and government and are skilled at guiding clients through this complex arena as it relates to litigation, government enforcement actions and compliance. Our lawyers have defended clients entangled in enforcement actions initiated by the Federal Election Commission, congressional ethics committees, and state election and ethics bureaus. We regularly counsel clients on complex questions involving federal and state campaign finance regulation, lobbying disclosure, legislative and executive branch ethics rules. and “pay-to-play” restrictions. We also have advised clients on tax issues regarding political committees. Our clients include many Fortune 500 companies, congressional leaders and executive branch officials, candidates, nonprofit organizations, political action committees, political party committees and trade associations.
Federal and State Legislative Matters
We combine our substantive experience, detailed knowledge of the legislative process, and access to key decision makers to represent clients’ interests federally and within the states. We have worked on issues with senators and congressmen from nearly every state and with virtually every committee at the federal level, as well as with representatives at the state level on local and regional issues. Having advised hundreds of clients, we have deep experience achieving positive outcomes on a range of issues, including consumer protection, antitrust, tax and advertising, as well as in industries such as utilities, environmental, telecommunications and health care.
European Policymaking
With offices in London, Germany, Italy and France, as well as at the heart of the EU, Brussels, McDermott is ideally placed to assist EU and international clients with policy strategies and objectives. We help our clients identify risks and opportunities, prepare them to participate in the policymaking process and then help them actively engage with regulators and legislators. Law and policymaking matters. The development of overarching policy is of immediate interest to all organisations both large and small, commercial or not for profit. In political processes that are constantly evolving both nationally and at EU level, keeping a close eye on legal issues is essential in order to remain responsive and ahead of the curve. We act as trusted advisers to our clients, helping them contribute towards better policy outcomes. We offer innovative and bespoke advice, drawing upon our legal, policy and academic capabilities. After all, no two issues are the same.
McDermott has formidable global experience in the development and implementation of policy. We have guided clients through assessments of, and response to, many policy areas. Our registered lobbyists are supported by experience in a wide range of sectors and industries. We understand policy, work with a range of stakeholders and focus on breaking down barriers to the success of your business. Our team is in almost daily contact with EU institutions, notably the Directorate General for Competition and Directorate General for Trade. We have a keen focus on areas where our clients may be faced with specific regulatory issues, for example with the life sciences sector and various manufacturing industries.
Government Contracts and Procurement
Our team has experience advising clients on the rules and procedures which must be followed in order to gain work through the government contract and procurement process. Our team includes lawyers who served as counsel to congressional committees responsible for creating many of the laws and regulations in place currently, and we use this experience and knowledge to guide clients through the procurement process, from bid through proposal. We are also well versed in the mechanisms to resolve disputes, such as the False Claims Act, Procurement Integrity Act and Anti-Kickback Act, along with the administrative process required for a dispute to be filed and heard.
Legal Crises Strategies
Composed of highly experienced lawyers, public relations professionals, and media and legislative strategists, we provide a 360-degree, coordinated approach to preventing and managing legal, business and public-relations crises. We have decades of experience helping clients worldwide identify potential risks and implement appropriate controls and policies to minimize the likelihood of legal, business and public-relations controversies. Our services are comprehensive and highly coordinated. For example, drawing on our unique combination of political, legal and media acumen, we successfully represented clients who are under congressional investigation, while simultaneously fighting off shareholder derivative lawsuits and negative media coverage.
