Election, Lobbying & Government Ethics Law

Oldaker, Belair & Wittie has developed a highly specialized practice counseling clients on the campaign finance, public corruption, lobbying, government ethics and political broadcasting laws, i.e., the myriad laws regulating campaign, legislative and other political activities. The focused nature of our ongoing practice in these areas enables us to stay abreast of legal developments and provide high-quality, cost-effective service.

The firm has assembled a team of attorneys and other professionals who are experts in their fields and have extensive experience practicing before the Federal Election Commission, the U.S. Department of Justice, the Congressional Ethics Committees, the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, the Internal Revenue Service and State, local and municipal election, lobbying and ethics authorities.

The firm's Political Law clientele include a broad cross-section of Fortune 500 companies, trade associations, labor unions, 501(c)(3) and (c)(4) organizations, PACs and campaign organizations. Because of the firm's considerable individual and collective professional experience, we pride ourselves on our ability to offer clients comprehensive legal advice in all areas of the law relating to legislative and political activity.

What We Can Do For You
Federal & State Election Law. We help clients understand and comply with the federal and State campaign finance laws. We offer comprehensive advice and assistance with regards to organizing and administering Political Action Committees (PACs) and campaign committees, satisfying all regulatory requirements, and reviewing and/or preparing reports and other filings with the FEC, IRS and State authorities. We also assist clients in developing fundraising programs, preparing all solicitation and promotional materials they may need, such as fundraising letters, talking-points for presentations and brochures.

Political Broadcasting/Cablecasting Law - We counsel clients on the lowest unit rate, equal opportunity and sponsor identification requirements provided for under federal communications law.

Federal & State Lobbying Laws, including the Foreign Agents Registration Act and the Byrd Act. Persons advocating interests before policy-makers frequently must register and report certain of their activities. We assist clients in complying with federal, State and local lobby registration and reporting requirements. This includes helping clients determine when they are required to register, what information needs to be collected and disclosed, and when reports are due.

Federal & State Ethics Laws and Rules - We advise organizations with employees who interact regularly with public officials on the applicable restrictions and other requirements the law imposes on providing gifts, travel and other things of value to public officials. Both Congressional and Executive branch officials, for example, are subject to comprehensive rules in this area that require careful attention by lobbyists.

Foreign Corrupt Practices Act - We counsel globally active businesses on compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. With more countries adopting laws to prevent corrupt practices and increased enforcement by U.S. authorities of the FCPA, it is important for companies to carefully review their interaction and arrangements with foreign officials (direct and indirect) for potential implications under the FCPA. In addition to providing legal advice to clients on the FCPA, we regularly conduct FCPA seminars and assist companies in developing anti-corruption policies and compliance programs.

Tax-Exempt Organizations - We advise nonprofit organizations that engage in educational, legislative or political activity, including Section 527 Political Organizations and Section 501(c)(3), (c)(4) and (c)(6) tax-exempt groups, on the applicable restrictions and limitations relating to such activity. This includes helping clients select the appropriate tax status for their purpose and preparing organizational documents, IRS applications and other filings.

Financial Conflicts of Interest, Public Disclosure and Post Employment Restriction for Government Officials - The financial affairs of public officials are regulated and closely scrutinized. We help nominees for public office, particularly presidential appointees requiring Senate confirmation, to satisfy all legal requirements and navigate the confirmation process. This may include negotiating an ethics agreement that provides for the divestiture of certain assets, helping public officials determine the appropriateness of a proposed investment or business arrangement, and preparing a nominee or official's financial disclosure statement. We also help employers and public officials understand and comply with the post-employment restrictions that apply to government officials when they leave public service for the private sector.

Preparing Organizational Compliance Programs - We prepare turnkey compliance programs to protect clients against the legal liability and reputational harm that can result from violations of the campaign finance, anti-corruption, lobbying and government ethics laws. This includes preparing organizational policies, compliance procedures and manuals, and other materials for conducting training sessions. We also conduct internal reviews and audits for organizations to identify possible weaknesses in their compliance efforts and/or to investigate allegations of wrongdoing - issuing a report to management that includes our findings and recommendations.

Representations before Federal, State and local election, lobbying and ethics enforcement authorities. We regularly work with the officials who interpret and enforce the election and government ethics laws, and we understand the enforcement process. Our experience and knowledge of the law enable us to effectively represent clients before federal, State and local enforcement authorities and to seek rulings or advisory opinions from such agencies.

PAC Consulting Services
Oldaker, Belair & Wittie offers clients a range of campaign and PAC management services. These services allow clients to outsource administrative responsibilities, including the preparation of FEC, State and IRS reports, the processing of committee receipts and disbursements, and other bookkeeping and administrative functions that can be performed more efficiently and professionally by a consultant specializing in such services.

Our Fees
Our size and expertise enable us to offer high quality services for very reasonable fees. Legal services are provided by attorneys and other professionals who are proficient in their areas. Our size and expertise enable us to be flexible in pricing our fees to fit client requirements. We can provide our services on an hourly basis, or, if preferable, for a flat monthly fee.

Professionals

William Oldaker
William J. Farah
Phu Huynh
N. Bradley Litchfield