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HALE FRIESEN, LLP
PUBLIC POLICY / APPELLATE GROUP
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Individual client
concerns often have effects that reach far beyond a single dispute
or transaction. Rather, those concerns involve a public component – 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.
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Election
Law
With the rise
of campaign finance reform and greater IRS regulation of political
activities, election law has become more complex than ever. As a result, 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:
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Candidates for Federal, State and Local Offices
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Political Parties
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Political Advocacy Groups
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Political Action Committees
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Issue Committees
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Ballot Initiative Proponents and Opponents (Colorado and Local)
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Constitutional Law
Ultimately, certain public
policy issues touch upon fundamental constitutional questions. Constitutional
questions in particular require creative approaches, through analysis,
and clear thinking. Indeed, these are the hallmarks of all
appellate advocacy, and our Public Policy/Appellate Group attorneys excel in
arguing the legal and policy implications before the highest courts
at both the state and federal level. |
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Legislative Services
State legislation affects all people
and businesses, and many clients have a direct interest in potential
or pending legislation. Indeed, 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:
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Representation on specific issues
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Issue Research
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Legislative Drafting and Review
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Legal Support for Lobbying and Advocacy
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Regulatory Advocacy
Most public laws require supplementary
rules and regulations from the governmental bureaucracy, and as a
result public policy decisions often take place far away from the
courtroom or legislature. Consequently,
our Public Policy/Appellate Group represents clients who seek to influence
how rules and regulations impact their lives and businesses. Becuase
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 we our clients
benefit from the many perspectives we bring to bear on any issue. A
sampling of our regulatory advocacy services includes:
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Regulatory Rulemaking
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Administrative Litigation
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Procurement and Contracting
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National Environmental Policy Act Litigation
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Public and Non-Profit
Representation
Our public policy group is 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 have common needs-attorneys who understand the relevant
laws, who understand the policy dynamics, and who can effectively
present arguments in court and in the public. Types of clients
we represent include:
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Public Officials
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Public Entities
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Non-Profits
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Advocacy Organizations
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Public Policy Development
Certain clients seek to broadly
influence state public policy. It is this area where our Public Policy/Appellate Group operates at its 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
even public relations. Our attorneys combine through research,
deep experience, and sound advise to help our clients achieve lasting
change. |
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