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- Regulatory and Public Policy
- Public Policy
Covington helps clients worldwide achieve critical business objectives by combining legal, political, and policy expertise to provide strategic advice and advocacy.
With more than 120 former government officials, diplomats, and regulators backed by global corporate and litigation practices, we turn government-related insight into practical advice for doing business. A particular strength of our practice is its trans-Atlantic capability. Our EU public policy team works closely with colleagues in our Washington, DC office to ensure that industry’s voice is heard in the European Union’s legislative process.
Covington is recognized among the best public policy firms in the U.S. and Europe by Chambers, Legal 500, and The National Law Journal.
We understand:
- how governments around the world make decisions, including the formal and informal considerations they take into account;
- how policy solutions emerge from a process involving governmental committees, leadership, intra- and inter- party relationships, and the ways in which various governmental entities influence each other; and
- the role grassroots and grass-tops, the media, NGOs, and advocacy groups play in advancing policy objectives.
However complex your problem, and wherever in the world it arises, Covington has the legal knowledge, the policy experience, the political insight, and the relationships to find solutions.
In addition, many on our team have extensive experience with the press, including writing op-ed articles for leading publications (e.g., The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and The Financial Times) on a wide variety of issues.
U.S. Congressional and Federal Agency Advocacy
In the United States, Covington draws on deep experience in Congress and executive branch agencies.
With a former member of Congress as well as senior staff members to legislators and on numerous committees, we have strong ties to Capitol Hill.
From the executive branch, our team includes former senior officials from the White House and across departments and agencies, including the Departments of Treasury, State, Defense, Justice, Commerce, Labor, and Homeland Security.
Global Public Policy
Building a successful global business involves navigating the intersection of law and public policy for every country and every region in which you operate.
In Europe, our team includes several former policymakers, such as a former Prime Minister; a former UK Europe and Trade Minister; a former leading member of the European Parliament; the former Permanent Representative of Belgium to the European Union; two former Deputy Directors General of the European Commission; and a renowned leading lawyer in European public affairs.
In Asia, the managing partner of our Beijing office was formerly the Assistant U.S. Trade Representative to China and General Counsel for General Motors’ China operations.
Our problem-solving team in Africa and Latin America are led by renowned regional strategists, including two former Under Secretaries of State, a former Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, and a former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs.
Legal environment evaluation project
Advising the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation and the John D. Gerhart Center for Philanthropy and Civic Engagement at the American University in Cairo to undertake a legal environment evaluation project for philanthropy in the Arab World.
Bespoke Policy Development
When a newly formed government ministry in the Middle East was charged with developing “best-in-class” regulations, they turned to our policy experts and senior international advisors to design a regulatory system that would not only surpass global benchmarks, but would comport with the local legal system. Combining decades of government experience, key regulatory development, and local insight, our team delivered practical, implementable rules that are still in force today.
Mass media company global public policy
One of the world’s largest global mass media companies needed support on a range of issues that intersect law and policy. We helped the client:
- navigate U.S. sanctions on advertising, promotion, and distribution of content in international markets;
- pursue a diplomatic solution to an IP rights dispute in the Middle East, leveraging extensive relationships at the State Department; and
- advocate on federal issues with Members of the U.S. Congress.
Policy advice to the Executive Affairs Authority of Abu Dhabi
We provided policy advice to the Executive Affairs Authority of Abu Dhabi on how the Embassy in Washington, DC could be most effective in representing the UAE’s interests. In a follow-on project, we advised on factors to consider in establishing a business-oriented consulate on the West Coast of the United States.
Public policy support for companies bidding on international infrastructure projects
A major U.S.-based infrastructure company turned to us for help bidding for contracts on major infrastructure projects in Bahrain and Egypt. Through our contacts with high-ranking embassy officials, we ensured our client’s bids received fair and equal treatment and consideration in the tender process, and we helped the client secure the contracts it was pursuing.
May 2020
As the legal, regulatory, and commercial implications of coronavirus COVID-19 continue to evolve, our lawyers and advisors are helping clients navigate the complex considerations that companies around the world are facing and develop plans and strategies in response. Reach out to our COVID-19 task force at COVID19@cov.com. Below is a compendium of resources ...
Confronting the Iranian Challenge
May 8, 2018, Committee on Foreign Affairs, U.S. House of Representatives
December 15, 2016, The Hill
Layth Elhassani helped drafted HR 6510: The Save the Children Act, which authorizes granting temporary visas to 25,000 Syrian refugee children to live in the U.S. until the civil war in their country ends. The Hill highlights the bill’s introduction to Congress by Rep. Mike Honda and Mr. Elhassani’s pro bono efforts.
July 18, 2014, National Journal
Howard Berman was interviewed by The National Journal on Iran sanctions.
- Recognized as a leading Government Relations practice by Chambers USA.
- The Hill, "Top Lobbyists" (2019)
- Holly Fechner, Muftiah McCartin, and Bill Wichterman
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