Our attorneys have substantial experience in legislative and regulatory issues, government procurement and appropriations, campaign finance, lobbying and ethics laws, building coalitions and recommending courses of action to create the most efficient, effective and comprehensive legal and lobbying strategies.

Approach

Effective governmental relations have three parts: know your client, know government, and know the law. Clark Hill attorneys excel at all three.
Knowing our client and our client's needs is fundamental to successful representation. A "one size fits all" approach to governmental relations practice makes successful outcomes unlikely. Thoroughly understanding your needs and working with you on a strategy crafted for you maximizes our chance for a positive outcome.

Understanding how government works is the job of Clark Hill's governmental specialists. We have decades of experience in working with and in government. This experience is used on your behalf. Of special importance is presenting your needs to governmental decision-makers in a clear, comprehensive manner. Understanding you and your needs allows us to talk with legislators and state officials in a direct, easily understood way.

Finally, Clark Hill's governmental relations attorneys know the law. As lobbyists, we do not have to consult with lawyers to understand issues or draft legislation. As lawyers, we can perform all of the services that you might need as you work with government to promote your issues and needs.

Communications is a crucial component in our representation. Communicating with those in government is an important part of our mission. Of equal importance is communicating with you. We believe that regular contacts delivered on a schedule and in a manner that you desire makes for the best working relationship. Whether its an immediate notification of important news, regular telephone calls and e-mail messages or more formal periodic reports of activity from the seat of government, we strive to design a comprehensive communications plan specifically for you.

Clark Hill's attorneys have excellent working relationships with public officials developed through years of experience. They are familiar with the inner workings of government and the legislative process. The firm's attorneys are adept at identifying effective, cost-efficient alternatives to litigation, including legislative and regulatory solutions.

Clark Hill's Government Policy and Practice Group is composed of a bipartisan team of advocates with experience in a broad range of policy-making and government positions. Our attorneys have governmental experience at the federal, state and local levels, including serving in the White House, the Michigan legislature, the Michigan Attorney General's office, and on county commissions, city councils, and university and local school boards.
Clark Hill PLC is a registered lobbyist with the state of Michigan. The firm's registered lobbyist agents are located in the Lansing, Detroit and Birmingham offices, and are authorized to lobby the Governor, members of her administration, and members of the Michigan legislature.

Services -

Clark Hill attorneys have the experience and knowledge to serve all of your governmental needs.

Legislative lobbying

Clark Hill's legislative practice includes monitoring emerging issues, pending legislation and developing events that affect you. We explain to you in an understandable manner what is happening within government. We discuss and present policy and technical issues to legislators and their staff, and participate in negotiations about your issues. Our attorneys can testify at legislative hearings, or prepare you to testify at a committee meeting.

As attorneys, we are expert at drafting legislation and amendments that best present achieve your goals. We understand how and when to present your issues to maximize the opportunity for success.

In addition, full-service lobbying is available, allowing us to act as a daily presence on your behalf at the Capitol. Through an ongoing relationship, we can develop and implement strategies that best serve your needs while raising your presence and profile with those in government.

Executive Branch Problem Solving

Michigan state government has 19 departments and hundreds of agencies, and leads the country in the number of local units of government.. Clark Hill's lobbyists know who to approach on your behalf at both the state and local levels of government. Often your issue can be addressed through discussion and negotiations with the right people.

Contract procurement

Clark Hill's attorneys have extensive experience representing clients seeking to obtain contracts at the state and local levels of government. From assisting with the completion of a request for proposal through contact administration issues, Clark Hill attorneys know how the contracting process works and can offer the counsel and assistance you need to compete for government work.
Regulatory and administrative law matters

Regulatory law is a complex, specialized world. Clark Hill attorneys have decades of experience representing clients with state agencies. Whether it's meeting with the right people in an agency to discuss a problem or representing your interests during a contested hearing, Clark Hill provides complete support for all of your compliance and government agency issues.
Understanding the law

In today's world, many business ideas and initiatives require a thorough legal review. Clark Hill attorneys know the law, and can advise you on the legality of a project-or work with you to obtain the governmental approvals or changes in the law that you might need to move your business forward.
Grassroots and coalition advocacy

Sometimes the best advocacy happens from home. Clark Hill can counsel you on when a grassroots effort to contact legislators or the Governor might be the best manner of approaching a problem. We can work with you to plan and implement a successful strategy for letting the decision-makers in Lansing know what their constituents are thinking. Clark Hill attorneys also are experienced in forming and guiding a coalition of businesses or groups interested in making their voice heard by elected officials.

Lobbying Law Compliance

Michigan has a tradition of open, responsive government. Compliance with the state's lobbying law is crucial as you deal with state officials. Clark Hill's attorneys are experienced in all aspects of Michigan's lobbying and ethics laws.

Campaign Finance

Clark Hill's attorneys have extensive experience counseling clients on federal, state and local campaign finance laws, election laws, and gift and ethics laws. We advise businesses, trade associations, coalitions and other politically active organizations and individuals in complying with the laws and regulations applicable to their governmental activity, including registering your governmental activity with the state and the timely and accurate preparation and filing of required reports of your contacts with legislative and government officials.