Public Advocacy

Public trust in our political system is at a record low. As well as mistrusting politicians, the public is understandably suspicious of organisations and interest groups that appear to wield disproportionate influence on policy based purely on their connections with, and access to, elected officials.

Clients who move away from access-based lobbying to transparent, evidence-driven advocacy will not only receive a warmer welcome in Westminster, they will also improve the reputation of their brand. Lawyers with public policy expertise are uniquely placed to help clients make this transition.

Why we are different

We began as litigators – advocates for our clients in court and at arbitrations. We then found that we were being asked to advocate in less conventional forums, and to more diffuse audiences. We have now become advocates for our clients in places lawyers aren’t usually found.

We are an integrated team of lawyers, academics, and communications professionals. We work with journalists and statisticians, think-tanks and pressure groups, and NGOs. We are supported by the firm’s Reputation Protection Group, but we collaborate with lawyers from every department as and when Public Advocacy can enhance the service offered to clients.

Services

Regulatory Bodies/Public Inquiry work - We act as consultants to public and private inquiries (and, on occasion, set them up). We represent clients before regulatory bodies, e.g. OFT, FSA and the Takeover Panel. We prepare written submissions for clients, and advise clients who have been called to give oral evidence.

Policy Audits - We identify the policy issues that impact on our client’s business or CSR goals. We formulate a set of specific and measurable policy objectives. We develop strategies for achieving those objectives and, with expert partners, we implement these strategies.

Lobbying - We advise clients on national and local political processes, and brief politicians and decision makers on their concerns. We maintain relations with politicians and decision makers for the benefit of our clients.

Media Advocacy - We write articles in national, local and specialist press. We draft academic research reports and coordinate public campaigns. We protect our clients’ reputations and ensure that their interests/policy positions are well represented in public debate.

Experience

• Developing a communications strategy for the administrators of a major British brand and representing the administrators in their discussions with BERR.
• Drafting a report on judicial corruption in Russia on behalf of a high profile political prisoner.
• Ensuring that UN sanctions against our client were not enforced.
• Challenging the proposed trade union boycotts of the Israeli academic community.
• Advising a corporate client in relation to an attempt to sabotage its prospects of winning a major government procurement contract.