Overview

At Lathrop GPM, we have a proud history of engaging in the political process, not just as legal advisors but as active participants and thought leaders. Our deep-rooted connections with elected and appointed officials across all levels of government uniquely position us to provide unparalleled guidance and advocacy for our clients

With experience in various attorney general offices, the U.S. Attorney’s office, federal task forces, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), and a gubernatorial office, [GR1] [GR2] [GR3] our government lawyers have the experience and commitment to help clients navigate the complex landscape of political and election law. Their primary mission is to ensure your voice is heard and your interests are protected.

Our team doesn’t just advise on political matters; we live them. Our history in politics gives us the insight needed to anticipate challenges and seize opportunities, ensuring your interests are represented at every level. In addition, we work collaboratively across our nationwide offices including Washington, D.C., to provide holistic support tailored to your unique needs.

Why Choose Us?

In-depth Understanding of the Political Landscape: Our involvement in civic organizations alongside our clients means we understand the intricacies of your issues from the inside out. This perspective enables us to craft strategies that are both effective and efficient, saving you time and resources.

Proven Track Record in Government Relations: With longstanding relationships on Capitol Hill and within state governments, our attorneys know just how to maneuver through the corridors of power.

Comprehensive, Multidisciplinary Approach: We offer more than legal counsel. Our clients benefit from a team with an experienced government relations coordinator who tracks relevant issues and facilitates strategic solutions. [GR4] 

Our Practice Areas

Federal Representation

We represent clients before Congress, related committees and federal agencies to achieve policy goals, address regulatory challenges, and intervene when urgent federal government action is needed, and often support clients with municipal appropriations and grants. Our experience spans industries such as:

  • Agribusiness & Food
  • Biofuels
  • Education
  • Energy
  • Environment
  • Industrial & Manufacturing
  • Transportation

We help clients establish new relationships with federal elected officials and their staff and help to expand pre-existing relationships. Occasionally, our clients are faced with immediate and difficult problems that require the intervention of a member of Congress. Often, these problems are not legislative or regulatory in nature but require prompt attention to avert an action being considered by the federal government. We quickly and effectively respond to such situations.

Local & State Representation

Our attorneys have significant experience appearing before local and state regulatory agencies. We assist with a wide range of issues, including:

  • Environmental Regulations
  • Health care
  • Insurance
  • Tax Issues
  • Telecommunications
  • Transportation
  • Utility Law

We represent clients with regulatory challenges before the various appellate and supreme courts. We also regularly participate in complaint cases before state agencies such as the Missouri Public Service Commission, Kansas Corporation Commission and Kansas Insurance Department, and others.

In procurement and construction matters, we have appeared before the Comptroller General at the General Accounting Office and pursued claims before the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals, Federal Energy Commission, and the U.S. Court of Claims.

Our team also has a proven record of accomplishments in drafting and passing legislation that drives client success at the state level, as well as navigating local ordinances and statutes to achieve favorable outcomes.

Political Organizations & Election Law

Many organizations and individuals seek our counsel related to election and political advocacy laws. Our government lawyers have the knowledge and experience to guide clients through all areas of election- and political advocacy-related legal matters. We advise clients on compliance with federal and state campaign finance regulations, including the federal Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act and Federal Election Campaign Act, the Lobbying Disclosure Act, the Ethics in Government Act, and similar legislation in states. We often advise:

  • Candidates and campaigns
  • Civic advocacy and engagement organizations
  • Corporations
  • Independent Political Committees
  • Industry and Trade Organizations
  • Nonprofit Organizations including 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4) and 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) [GR8] entities
  • Political Action Committees (PACs) and Super PACs – 527 Organizations

Our Services Also Include:

  • Strategic planning and consultation for political campaigns and advocacy initiatives
  • Representation in government procurement and contracting matters
  • Development and review of position papers, presentations and legislative strategies
  • Legislative tracking and reporting to keep clients informed of relevant developments
  • Compliance reviews for campaign-related content, including digital and print media

Proven Experience

  • Win Justice and Community Change Voters Coalition: We served as Minnesota counsel for this $30 million campaign to mobilize key voter groups, ensuring compliance with state campaign finance laws and providing guidance on 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) activities.
  • Planned Parenthood Action Fund: As legal counsel, we provided comprehensive advice on campaign finance, advocacy strategy and compliance for their activities across multiple states, including coordination with national affiliates.
  • FairVote Minnesota: We advised this nonpartisan organization on maximizing its impact through 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) structures, supporting their advocacy for election reform and good governance.
  • Statewide Advocacy Organizations Merger: Our team served as transaction counsel, guiding two advocacy organizations through a complex merger, including asset transfers and developing a new governance structure.

Experience

  • Served as Minnesota counsel for Win Justice and Community Change Voters, a coalition that launched a $30 million campaign to mobilize young voters, voters of color, women, and unions in four key states.
    • Served as local experts to ensure activities remained compliant with Minnesota’s laws governing campaign finance and reporting.
    • Advised numerous Win Justice grantees and partners in Minnesota (after obtaining appropriate conflict waivers) on compliance and contractual matters among the coalition partners, reviewed grant agreements, and advised on 51(c)(3)/501(c)(4) compliance issues.
    • Advised on compliance issues related to “relational organizing.” Relational organizing uses individual volunteers to engage with their own friends and families on issues that matter to them, with the goal of getting those contacts involved in the civic process, including voting.  Current campaign finance and tax-exemption rules do not adequately address the use of relational organizing. The Lathrop GPM team devised solutions that preserved the organizing goals and key value of community-driven decision-making, while maintaining compliance with the campaign and tax-exemption rules governing these activities.
  • Serve as campaign finance and political law counsel to Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Action Fund, the 501(c)(4) arm of Planned Parenthood North Central States.
    • Advise on advocacy and political matters in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Nebraska.
    • Advise on 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), state coordinate PAC, a state and federal super PAC, and state PACs in North Dakota and South Dakota.
    • Provide legal guidance on cooperative matters with Planned Parenthood Action Fund, the national organization, and Planned Parenthood Votes, a national, federal super PAC.
  • Our team guides to Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Action Fund on:
    • Compliance reviews of campaign-related content, including digital ads, website and social media posts, mailings and hand-delivered literature
    • Compliance guidance for campaign and advocacy strategy and initiatives
    • Advise and review state and federal campaign finance reports
    • Advise on firewall management issues to ensure separation between independent expenditure activities and coordinated campaign activities
  • Serve as counsel to FairVote Minnesota, the local affiliate of FairVote, a nonpartisan organization that advocates for good government and election reform.
    • Advise on 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) matters to help the organization maximize its impact.
    • Advise on formation, funding, and operation of advocacy campaigns.
    • Advise on planning, effecting and reporting independent expenditures made to support candidates.
    • Review campaign finance reports for legal compliance.
  • Serve as transaction counsel on the combination of two state-wide advocacy organizations, that included 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations, and PACs.
    • Advised on due diligence and organizational structure.
    • Guided the organizations through asset transfers.
    • Developed new governance structure for combined organization.