Galland Kharasch attorneys provide representation on matters involving wildlife and equine law. The scope of our wildlife practice covers various international, federal and state statutes and local ordinances that apply to endangered or threatened species and other regulated animals.

In particular, firm attorneys assist clients in complying with the provisions of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the Lacey Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). In this regard, we often interact on behalf of clients with the Department of Commerce, the Department of the Interior, the United States Department of Agriculture and the agencies within those Departments responsible for implementing these laws. Among other things, we help clients obtain and renew the appropriate agency permits and licenses for the taking import, export, display and/or transport of endangered or threatened species and other regulated animals.

Additionally, firm attorneys in our wildlife practice provide assistance with legislative affairs and governmental relations. We analyze proposed legislation affecting clients' interests and provide summaries of the legislation and its potential ramifications. We also prepare position papers that help clients communicate their views to Congress and the appropriate administrative agencies.

Laws concerning endangered or threatened wildlife and other animals also vary by state and locality. Accordingly, firm attorneys aid clients in complying with all applicable state or local laws.

Another novel area in which Galland Kharasch lawyers practice is equine law. Firm attorneys are experienced in providing advice and assistance to clients regarding virtually all aspects of the equine industry. Clients in our equine practice include local national and international members of the thoroughbred industry. More specifically, our clients consist of racetracks (both thoroughbred and standardbred), nonprofit organizations that promote the horse industry and horsemen.

A significant portion of our practice involves tax and business issues. Galland Kharasch attorneys draft: equine purchase agreements; syndication documents; loan agreements with horses as collateral; limited partnership agreements for the purpose of owning or racing horses; employment and consulting agreements; and various other contracts related to our clients equine activities. We also have structured numerous types of transactions including: syndications, bloodstock transfers, real estate sales and purchases and joint venture investments.

Our practice also consists of aiding clients with regulatory issues pertaining to equine law. We perform a number of tasks at both the state and federal level. In Maryland we represent clients before the State Legislature the Attorney General's Office and the Maryland Racing Commission. In this regard, we assist clients by drafting testimony and comments on proposed legislation and/or regulations and participating in legislative and agency hearings and proceedings. At the federal level we represent clients before the Department of Commerce, the Department of Agriculture, the Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service.