Many business issues are best addressed by the development and implementation of public policy initiatives. Gardere’s Legislative Practice has substantial experience in finding public policy solutions for clients utilizing the process.

We believe our Legislative Practice is one of the most successful in Texas because of our commitment to the consistent approach in using our legal and policy skills in handling matters before the legislature, and our overall philosophy of developing and maintaining good working relationships with Texas legislators and staff.

Our Government Affairs Team places a heavy emphasis on communication with our clients, thereby allowing us to alert them about issues well before they reach the critical point. This level of communication allows us to quickly take direction from a client to address their priority issues. When it comes to communicating with legislators and staff within the Texas State Capitol, we focus not only on the leadership, but also on the staff and other players who play a critical role in the process. When an issue is before a legislative committee, we contact all committee members and staff, and do the same when a bill or amendment is on the floor of either chamber.

Gardere employs a team approach to client representation which allows for close attention to procedural and substantive details, quick client response during the hectic pace of legislative sessions, and contact with large numbers of legislators and members of the executive branch. Our skilled attorneys and lobbyists analyze problems with an eye toward solving all facets of a client’s challenge. Team members identify the legal challenges facing clients and develop legislative strategies. Gardere lobbyists craft solutions, then shepherd them through the legislative process.

Gardere’s Legislative Practice provides a variety of legislative services, including:

• Developing and coordinating comprehensive legal, legislative and public relations strategies.
• Engaging in direct advocacy with government decision-makers.
• Monitoring activities in the legislative and executive branches.
• Drafting, analyzing and monitoring bills.
• Conducting legislative intent research.
• Testifying before legislative committees.

As a Texas-based law firm, Gardere’s attorneys strongly adhere to the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct, the rules created by the State Bar of Texas to govern the conduct of attorneys in the state. The reliance on these rules set a higher standard for conflicts of interest than merely adhering to the less rigorous standard for non-lawyer lobbyists.