Overview of Government Relations Law

Government relations law is about furthering client interests through lobbying and advocacy initiatives with government entities. Lawyers in this field can help their clients influence public policy and legislation at the federal, state, or local government level.

Government relations lawyers can also advise their clients on campaign finance regulations, ethics and compliance rules, and lobbying disclosure and registration laws. For more information and personalized legal help, talk to a government relations lawyer.

What Is Government Relations?

Government relations law is about connecting with decisionmakers in the government to influence legislative or policy issues on behalf of clients.

Nonprofits, grassroots organizations, and businesses can all benefit from having skilled government relations teams that seek to influence public policy in line with their interests.

Government relations generally goes beyond campaigning for individual candidates to promote specific policies or legislation. Effective government relations often requires a coalition of lawmakers and regulatory agencies for influence and legislative support.

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Government Relations vs. Lobbying

Government relations and lobbying are related and in some cases interchangeable terms. Lobbying generally refers to advocacy for specific policy issues, regulatory matters, or government contracts. Government relations includes broader government influence, including public relations, regulatory monitoring, and building relationships with federal government officials or state agencies.

Lobbying often involves financial support, including campaign donations. Campaign finance laws regulate financial contributions and public disclosure. Finance laws are intended to maintain free and fair elections and limit corruption. However, corporate and political action committee (PAC) money has a significant influence over elections and policymakers.

The Role of a Government Relations Attorney

A government relations lawyer helps clients gain points of access to government networks, whether it’s Capitol Hill or city hall. Attorneys may work with politicians, lobbyists, and other attorneys to build and maintain relationships with policymakers. This includes all parts of the legislative and policymaking process, from recommending legislation to monitoring how regulatory agencies enforce the law.

Government relations involves many public policy and regulatory issues, from healthcare to financial services to real estate and beyond. Strategic government relations requires identifying key lawmakers and agencies in a specific policy area. Government relations begin with building relationships, but also require maintaining communication and connections.

Policy needs often change over time. Changes in government administration can necessitate changes in legal strategy to accomplish policy goals. Government relations tracks and monitors legislative changes and trends to help their clients adapt as necessary. Policy areas range from local regulatory matters to issues of international importance. In some policy areas, public relations requires simultaneous tracking of local, state, and federal legislation and political activity.

How Government Relations Can Benefit You

People or organizations who are pursuing policy change benefit from making connections with government agencies, political leaders, and government relations professionals. A government relations attorney can help you establish contact at multiple levels of government, from federal agencies to state legislators to local elected officials.

A government relations attorney can advise you on campaign finance and disclosure laws. You can get legal advice from attorneys with experience in government relations practice in your area. Contact a local government relations attorney for more information.