Wiley, Political Law | Chambers USA Profile

About

Provided by Wiley

The firm represents many of the country’s largest corporations, trade associations, nonprofit organizations, public officials, political parties, individual campaign committees, and candidates. Our attorneys regularly advise clients on the laws and rules pertaining to lobbying, political contributions, political action committees, ethics, and the use of corporate facilities for political purposes. The group also litigates First Amendment and equal-protection challenges to election laws, voting rights cases, redistricting, and ballot access disputes, and defends clients in Federal Election Commission litigation and criminal proceedings.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Political Law - USA - Nationwide

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Wiley's leading election law practice has a notable focus on advising Republican candidates and party committees. The practice offers a wealth of experience in contentious FEC proceedings and congressional investigations. The team counsels corporations, nonprofit organizations and political action committees on federal and state lobbying, campaign finance and pay-to-play rules. Expertise also spans political law issues concerning the activities of foreign nationals and overseas corporations.

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Work Highlights

Wiley represented Fox News Network before an FEC Matter Under Review, successfully obtaining a dismissal of an impermissible coordination complaint.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

"The guidance we receive from Wiley is phenomenal. We couldn't do what we do without them."

Political Law respondent
USA

"We turn to Wiley for guidance on nuanced and thorny issues. They always provide detailed and clear analyses of the issues, each attorney we work with consistently demonstrating expertise in the subject matter at issue."

Political Law respondent
USA

"Wiley exceeds our expectations year after year. They always have someone who can assist or answer our questions."

Political Law respondent
USA

"The guidance we receive from Wiley is phenomenal. We couldn't do what we do without them."

Political Law respondent
USA

"Wiley exceeds our expectations year after year. They always have someone who can assist or answer our questions."

Political Law respondent
USA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Caleb P Burns

Band 1

Caleb Burns maintains a wide-ranging practice which includes advising corporations, nonprofit organizations and PACs on issues relating to the Foreign Agents Registration Act and FEC regulations.

"Caleb is not only incisive, he is prompt to an impressive degree and so sharp on the law."

"In a word, he is exceptional. Caleb is able to quickly distill issues to their essence, is a true expert as well as being creative and pragmatic to consistently provide reliable and ethical advice."

"Caleb has a strong grasp of the political and commercial implications of legal issues. He is an effective lawyer, especially with respect to advising on compliance."

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Carol A Laham

Band 1

Carol Laham has a tremendous depth of knowledge in the field and is recognized for her expertise in campaign finance law. She is also called upon by clients to advise on political compliance as well as representing them before the FEC.

"Carol is an excellent lawyer who provides great counsel which helps us work more effectively."

"She has an expert knowledge base and terrific communication skills."

"Carol is direct, clear and not afraid to cut through the noise to get to the heart of what's going on. She has very strong judgment and wisdom."

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Michael E Toner

Head of Political Law

Band 1

Michael Toner leads the election law and government ethics team at Wiley. He is a recognized expert for his work in the FEC space. He routinely represents PACs, nonprofit groups and political candidates, as well as large corporations.

"Michael provides excellent advice on compliance matters. I rely on his expertise and diligence to keep us compliant in areas where a lack of attention can cause real damage."

"Michael is a preeminent lawyer. He is unparalleled in knowledge, expertise and wisdom. You are getting the best of the best from Michael."

"Michael is a true thought leader."

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Brandis Zehr

Band 3

Brandis Zehr has established an impressive political law practice and offers notable experience in a broad range of issues, including matters relating to campaign finance, lobbying and representing clients before the FEC.

"She is extremely knowledgeable, with prior experience on campaign finance in particular. She is creative in finding solutions, enabling us to be more effective."

"She is responsive, reliable and does a fantastic job providing detailed but clear legal analysis with recommendations that are pragmatic and reflect a sophisticated understanding of risk."

"Brandis provides excellent support and actionable guidance."

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Mark Renaud

Band 3

Mark Renaud handles the full range of election law issues including federal, state and local pay-to-play laws, lobbying rules and the development of internal compliance programs.

"Mark is practical, always reachable and willing to answer plainly, which allows us to move forward. He gets to know us, our preferences and policies, meaning he tailors his advice to us."

"Mark is phenomenal. He works with us to find solutions that adhere to both the letter and the spirit of the law as well as our established policies and procedures."

"It's hard to surprise Mark as he has handled it all before. He is extremely knowledgeable with great experience."

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Robert L. Walker

Band 3

Robert Walker provides counsel to clients in connection with congressional and government ethics rules, drawing upon his experience as a former chief counsel and staff director of the Senate and House ethics committees.

"Robert is the guru you want for any thorny or nuanced issue."

"He is uniquely situated in relation to his government and private practice experience to be a very valuable contact regarding difficult issues."

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Stephen J. Obermeier

Band 4

Stephen Obermeier possesses notable litigation expertise, representing clients in disputes involving campaign finance and voting rights. He acts for party committees and individuals on political law matters.

"Stephen has elite litigation credentials while also caring about the matters we take to him."

"He presents effective strategies with fantastic courtroom experience. He is great at helping us understand complex legal matters."

"Stephen is incredibly knowledgeable and quick on his feet. He takes the time to understand our business and our pressure points as well as making sure we completely understand the pros and cons of moving forward."

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