Practice

Public Policy and Government Affairs

Turning Policy Challenges into Opportunities for Lasting Impact

Leveraging deep experience in government and on Capitol Hill, our bipartisan team guides clients to address challenges with the government and achieve key policy goals.

We combine legal acumen with strategic insight to deliver solutions for clients facing scrutiny or advancing a policy agenda.

Your Strategic Partner in Washington, D.C. and Beyond

Business challenges often intersect with public policy, requiring a strategy that addresses not just legal risks, but the full spectrum of policy and advocacy options. Our team is uniquely positioned as a full-service firm, integrating traditional legal services with policy analysis and advocacy. 

Our lawyers have served in every branch of government, including key positions in the Senate, House of Representatives, White House, DOL, EEOC, DOJ and DHS. We translate what’s happening in Washington, D.C., into clear, actionable strategies that support clients at the federal and state level. At Sheppard, we draw upon the experience of more than 60 lawyers who have served in government agencies.

We bring clarity to the fog of government by advising clients and anticipating legislative and regulatory developments. Importantly, we help clients navigate these developments by offering policy analysis, legislative drafting and strategic advocacy. Drawing on our deep understanding of government and industry, we help clients engage with key stakeholders and decision-makers to achieve their goals.

Areas of Focus

Crisis Management and Government Oversight
When government scrutiny intensifies or public criticism grows, we know how to defang and defuse situations. We guide clients through oversight responses, prepare executives for hearings and integrate legal advice with strategic public relations to create a unified solution. We know what it feels like to face government scrutiny, or a government challenge, because we have done so ourselves. 
Legislative Strategy
We leverage our deep knowledge of Capitol Hill to help clients shape legislation. Drawing on extensive experience in drafting and enacting laws, our team navigates bills through the legislative process to support client goals, whether influencing current proposals or introducing new ones.
Agency Advocacy and Regulatory Engagement
Advocacy before federal agencies is a cornerstone of our service. We represent clients before DOD, DOL, EEOC, DOJ, DHS and others, using our insight into what drives agency decisions to steer clients to a favorable outcome. 
High-Profile Investigations
In high-stakes investigations, we coordinate responses to inquiries from law enforcement, regulators and lawmakers. Our team manages crises on multiple fronts, safeguarding legal defenses and client reputations. We craft consistent, advantageous responses to each government entity that protect the client and articulate its key message.