Our Legislative and Public Policy team is based in Austin and reflects our deep roots in the community and history of involvement in the public affairs of the State of Texas.

The members of our Legislative and Public Policy team bring diverse experiences inside and outside of government to bear on solving client problems. Many of our lawyers have served in the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of state and federal government, bringing valuable insight into the processes of legislative and public policy.

Our Legislative and Public Policy team has a deep understanding of how government really works and has fostered an extensive network of bipartisan relationships with local, state and federal officials.

In the three-dimensional chess game of the public policy arena, stakeholders must be armed with experience, a knowledge of the players, a firm foundation in both substance and process and the ability to communicate effectively. Our Legislative and Public Policy team deploys all of these skills to advance the aims of our clients.

Advocacy

Our lawyers communicate directly with federal, state, city, and county officials and their staff to explain and advance client interests.

Coalition building

Our Legislative and Public Policy team works to assemble effective coalitions of other affected stakeholders and also participates in trade associations, coalitions, and team lobbying efforts on behalf of our clients.

Legislative and advocacy materials

In addition to drafting legislative language, we prepare effective issue papers, briefing books, comments and hearing testimony to communicate client interests.

The Legislative and Public Policy team also assists in preparing client representatives for appearances at hearings and testifies on the behalf of clients.

Legislative & regulatory monitoring

Using both electronic tracking and retail lobbying techniques, we analyze and reports significant legislative and regulatory efforts that impact client interests.

For more information, please contact our Legislative and Public Policy team.

Awards

• For the eleventh year, Corporate Board Member magazine reported that its survey of public company directors identified the firm as one of the top 25 corporate legal practices in the nation. Similar research by Corporate Board Member magazine identified the firm among the top 25 firms that general counsel would most likely hire for national matters. (2012)