Galland Kharasch's practice in legislative affairs and government relations draws on the firm's recognized reputation in international trade and transportation. We seek to fashion public policy arguments and appropriately focused legislative solutions that discretely and efficiently satisfy clients needs. Successful advocacy to promote or protect clients interests increasingly involves effective communication with Congress and key policy makers in the Administration and various government agencies. We have particularly strong ties with members of Congress and their professional staffs who exert substantial influence over transportation and trade issues. Our successes reflect a thorough understanding of the political process, widely-acknowledged regulatory experience and a demonstrated commitment to developing constructive approaches to resolving clients problems.

Monitoring of developing trends in Congress and federal agencies allows us to provide clients with timely information on government activities that have potentially adverse or beneficial effects. During the initial stages of policy formulation or legislative drafting it is often possible to advocate changes or involve other governmental or political entities in the process to protect clients interests. Monitoring and low-profile intervention are often the most cost-effective way to deal with issues before they become problems.

Firm lawyers and legislative professionals practicing in this area, all of whom are registered lobbyists, provide a wide range of government relations advocacy services tailored to appeal to legislative and political audiences. We have substantial experience in developing effective lobbying strategies and preparing briefing materials for use by Congressional committees departments or independent agencies. Other areas of emphasis include drafting of legislation, Congressional committee reports, floor statements and Congressional correspondence for use by Members and Congressional staff. In addition we prepare written statements and deliver oral testimony for Congressional committee hearings.

We not only arrange appointments with high-level government or Congressional leaders, but also help ensure a truly productive meeting by laying the groundwork with staff and working with clients to formulate appealing arguments. These presentations are based on careful research and sound public policy arguments. They are backed by the credibility of our firms attorneys, many of whom have extensive government experience.

Individual companies, acting alone or in concert with other similarly situated interests, can exert positive influence over government policy decisions that increasingly affect their business interests. The failure to recognize these risks, or to seize economic competitive opportunities created by government actions, can be costly. Constructive involvement in government decision-making processes often lessens or eliminates the time, expense and uncertainty of dealing with situations that arise after misguided or uninformed regulatory or legislative actions have been taken.