Public Policy

Our Public Policy Practice has first-hand experience with and veteran insight into the White House, U.S. Congress, executive branch departments, and regulatory agencies. Our bipartisan team features a variety of political veterans, including former federal and state elected officials, senior-level political appointees from several presidential administrations, congressional chiefs of staff, counselors to federal and state agencies, and appointees. In addition, we have access to the eyes and ears of state and local government — and we know how to generate their interest. We can leverage our extensive relationships and our know-how to help you achieve your objectives in the public arena — with the level of intensity necessary to succeed.

We are known for devising and advocating practical and politically viable solutions to complex issues — often in a highly charged political environment. On certain matters, our political strategy calls for a limited and carefully calculated approach; on other matters, we establish broad-based coalitions or mobilize grassroots campaigns.

Our government relations practitioners have an in-depth understanding of the statutory and regulatory framework in which issues arise, coupled with strong ties with the White House, executive agencies, Congress, and state decision-makers and opinion leaders. This combination positions our Public Policy Practice as the ideal vanguard for your government relations initiatives. Whether you need legislation passed or stopped, administrative rules written or changed, trade issues tracked, or funding secured by a government contract, our front-line position can help you reach your goals.

The competition to gain access to the eyes and ears of critical stakeholders — government decision-makers, opinion leaders, and the media — is intense. Unless you have a clearly defined strategy and a well-crafted message at the start of your campaign — whether you are a business trying to redefine itself, an association facing a major grassroots battle, or a candidate running for office — defeat may be imminent.

Our Strategic Communications practitioners are recognized for developing strategies, crafting messages, and for designing campaigns to help you meet clearly defined objectives. After we thoroughly assess the environment and develop a strategic plan that clearly outlines the definition of success, we can help you set agreed-upon, clear goals and objectives for your campaign. Once the scope is clear, we can establish a feasible communications strategy, design the message, and outline the tactics — tracking it all within a realistic timeframe.

Our Strategic Communications counselors are highly skilled at rousing positive response from target audiences while avoiding conflict with other, less strategic audiences. And it is done while anticipating and countering the campaigns and messages put forth by opponents, competitors, and the media.

At the end of the day — or congressional session, or presidential term — our goal is to have your message heard and enable you to claim victory.

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Being involved in shaping government policies and decisions is not just important in today’s business environment — it is mandatory. Political contributions to candidates, state and federal lobbying, and regular interactions with government officials are all vital activities for business — and each is regulated at every level of government. You need counsel who can steer you knowledgeably through these intricate regulations to give you the confidence to vigorously engage in the policy debates that shape your business.

Foley’s Political Law attorneys can ensure that your company’s political activities are managed to accomplish your company’s goals while maintaining the highest legal and ethical standards. From advising on the intricacies of campaign contributions and candidate support, direct lobbying and mobilizing grassroots involvement of employees and managers, and use of corporate resources to entertain or sell to government agencies to creating nonprofit entities, coalitions, and trade associations to deliver your industry’s messages to government decision-makers, our team of experienced Political Law attorneys have the bipartisan, hands-on experience to help you succeed in today’s political and business environment.

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Having a sound public policy strategy in place can have a make-or-break affect on your corporate goals. Consider these questions to determine whether your current strategy meets all of your needs:

• Can you afford the real cost of government to your company’s bottom line?
• Do your external stakeholders’ objectives conflict with your mission and strategy?
• Is the right federal and state legislation in place to allow your industry to meet the challenges of today’s economy?
• Do your public policy and community plans support your corporate strategy?
• Do your competitors have a better shot at government contracts than you?
• Does your corporate leadership know what to do if a crisis hits?
• Do you know what your customers believe about your product or service?
• Are your association memberships representing your needs or your competitors’?

When it comes to finding the answers, our Public Policy Practice has the experience and the resources you need — for all of your public policy issues.