Public Policy / Appellate

Individual client concerns often have effects that reach far beyond a single dispute or transaction. Rather, those concerns involve a public component such as citizen groups, governmental regulation, media influence, and many special interest groups. Some areas, such as public elections, have an obvious public component, but even entirely private issues often have unseen public policy opportunities and risks. With this in mind, our Public Policy/Appellate Group views issues broadly in order to seek creative and proactive solutions. Our attorneys have significant experience working in federal and state government. They understand the critical issues, have mastered the legal and non-legal procedures, and know the people involved. The result? The public policy approach regularly produces results that are faster, less expensive, more certain, and for more durable than standard thinking.

Election Law

With the rise of campaign finance reform and greater IRS regulation of political activities, election law has become more complex than ever. Any candidate, citizen, business or organization involved in the political process must navigate the shoals of regulations that affect financing, disclosures, taxes, and political speech. At the same time, our clients often seek advisors that understand how the legal issues interact with public relations, future legislative opportunities, campaign dynamics, and potential courtroom litigation.

Our attorneys have represented the entire spectrum of politically active clients on the state, local and federal level including:

Constitutional Law

Ultimately, certain public policy issues touch upon fundamental constitutional questions. Constitutional questions in particular require creative approaches, thorough analysis and clear thinking. Indeed, these are the hallmarks of all appellate advocacy. Our Public Policy/Appellate attorneys excel in arguing the legal and policy implications before the highest courts at both the state and federal level.

Legislative Services

State legislation affects all people and businesses and many clients have a direct interest in potential or pending legislation. Our firm often suggests clients seek a solution from the Colorado General Assembly as an alternative to costly and cumbersome litigation. With this in mind, our attorneys often work closely with legislators, lobbyists, executive branch staff, and political advocacy groups to achieve coherent, long-term solutions to recurring problems.

To help our clients, we offer a comprehensive set of services including:

Regulatory Advocacy

Most public laws require supplementary rules and regulations from the governmental bureaucracy. As a result, public policy decisions often take place far away from the courtroom or legislature. Our Public Policy/Appellate attorneys represents clients who seek to influence how rules and regulations impact their lives and businesses. Because we understand how regulators make their decisions, we can work within the system to effectively further our client's objectives. At the same time, governmental regulation is subject to court review, legislative change and public pressure which means our clients benefit from the many perspectives we bring to bear on any issue.

A sampling of our regulatory advocacy services includes:

Public and Non-Profit Representation

Our Public Policy attorneys are often called upon to represent public entities and government officials in unusual, high-stakes public-policy issues. Likewise, many non-profit organizations have dedicated themselves to public policy development and they regularly seek to influence public laws and policies. Non-profit organizations in particular also require sound tax advice, since their tax-exempt status is often critical to their mission. Both types of clients need attorneys who understand the relevant laws and the policy dynamics and can effectively present arguments in court and in the public.

Clients we represent include:

Public Policy Development

Certain clients seek to broadly influence state public policy. It is this area where our Public Policy/Appellate attorneys operate at their creative best. Effective development of public policy requires an understanding of all the tools and approaches available for effecting change including courtroom litigation, legislative and ballot initiatives, regulatory advocacy, electoral change, and public relations. Our attorneys combine thorough research, deep experience and sound advice to help our clients achieve lasting change.