Political Law Practice

Political Law Team



Womble Carlyle's political law practice guides clients through the complex and fast-changing law that governs political activity at the federal, state, and local levels. Our attorneys have extensive experience in the political arena, and include two former Governors, the two top law enforcement officials from the Federal Election Commission, and a former corporate lobbyist and PAC treasurer for a public company and a national trade association. We represent corporations, trade associations, 527 and other tax-exempt organizations, broadcast/mass media organizations, professional partnerships, candidates (incumbents and challengers), candidate committees (including Leadership PACs), and individuals. Our services include:
  • Counseling on corporate and PAC compliance, including audits, development of internal compliance programs, and internal investigations
  • Providing representation in connection with investigations by campaign finance regulators, ethics committees, and criminal prosecutors 
  • Guiding clients in interactions with administrative agencies, such as the Federal Election Commission, the Federal Communications Commission, and the Internal Revenue Service, and with criminal law enforcement authorities, such as the Department of Justice 
  • Assisting with lobbying registration and disclosure, and gift restrictions 
  • Representing individuals and organizations in rulemaking proceedings and requests for advisory opinions 
  • Advising broadcast and other mass media organizations, tax-exempt entities (including 527s), and others on the legal ramifications of message content, reporting and disclosure requirements, and lowest unit charge issues
  • Our political law practice maximizes our clients’ opportunities to achieve goals through elections and the lawmaking process, and deal effectively with government regulators at every level.

    Citizens United v. FEC - Corporate Campaign Spending


    On January 21, 2010, the Supreme Court handed down a landmark ruling that invalidated restrictions on the content and timing of political ads funded by corporations and labor organizations. (Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission). The ruling frees corporations, trade associations, advocacy groups and labor organizations to fund independent ads that support or oppose officeholders and candidates.

    The Supreme Court's recognition that corporations have a First Amendment right to engage in independent political speech has implications well beyond political advertising. The ruling has prompted a wholesale reassessment of federal and state laws that limit the political speech rights of corporations, including the right to communicate about elections with employees, customers and vendors; finance voter registration and get-out-the-vote efforts; publish and distribute voter guides; and sponsor candidate debates. This reassessment will likely pave the way for corporations to use a host of new tools for influencing elections and public policy.

    Citizens United v. FEC - Download Frequently Asked Questions (pdf)


    Contact Us to learn more...


    Jim Kahl: (202) 857-4417
    Larry Norton: (202) 857-4429
    Gregg Skall: (202) 857-4441

 

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