In today's policy and legal environment, state attorneys general are more relevant to companies than ever before. They are involved in state legislative initiatives, multistate investigations, and litigation that affect almost every major U.S. industry. Whether they act alone, in concert with other states, or with the Department of Justice, the Federal Trade Commission, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), or other federal agencies, their influence is felt in every decision-making body. State attorneys general enforce their states' consumer protection and data breach laws, serve as environmental regulators, and are actively involved in merger review and antitrust regulation. In addition, they are increasingly joining together to advocate before the U.S. Congress on federal policy issues and federal actions.
Venable offers a variety of practical and strategic solutions in dealing with the attorneys general:
- We build relationships, educating the state attorneys general and their teams about our clients and our clients' industries
- We spend time with our clients to help them develop their approach to the state attorneys general environment and trends. This includes political analysis and advice on a variety of business and litigation topics
- We have the substance and experience needed to handle practically any issue presented by a state attorney general working alone or by all of them working together
- We work with clients to develop and execute strategies for attorney general inquiries, investigations, and litigation
- We identify emerging trends so we can work with clients to anticipate and proactively limit potential problems
- We engage on behalf of clients with attorneys general regarding state and federal statutes, regulations, and policies
Venable has deep experience representing clients before state attorneys general in the following areas:
Advertising and Marketing
For most state attorneys general, false advertising, "bait and switch," misleading comparisons, and unsubstantiated claims are the traditional concerns of consumer protection. Venable, one of the leading firms in the country in advertising law, consults and litigates in all of these areas.
Antitrust
We regularly represent clients who are facing federal and state challenges relating to anti-competitive activity – whether it is in connection with a merger/acquisition or just in the ordinary course of business.
Consumer Finance
The passage of Dodd-Frank and the creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau have given rise to a new jurisdiction for state attorneys general and numerous new challenges for business. Venable has more experience than our counterparts with the CFPB and the actions they bring.
Consumer Products and Services
The traditional alliance between the Federal Trade Commission and the state attorneys general is as strong as ever. Whether they are working together or on separate tracks, our clients have relied on our services in these areas for decades, with proven results.
Environment and Energy
Environment and energy are emerging areas of focus for the states as more domestic energy is developed and produced, and the EPA and other federal agencies become more active in regulating energy production and consumption.
Investigations
Experience counts. Venable has handled investigations by Congress, federal agencies, and the states for years. In addition to our broad experience, the firm routinely hires attorneys who have run investigations for the federal and state governments. This first-hand knowledge is always a valuable asset to Venable's clients.
Legislative and Governmental Affairs
With a strong lobbying arm headquartered in its Washington, DC office, our firm is accustomed to getting results. We advocate with Congress, the White House, and virtually all federal agencies, helping clients make their voices heard.
State and Local Government
The Tenth Amendment reserves powers to the states, and most state attorneys general jealously protect this constitutional role. This, coupled with the gridlock in Washington, means we see more state legislative and regulatory activity now than at any time in the past. Venable gives clients the right team to handle situations at the state level.
Privacy and Data Security
Privacy and data security is a core strength for Venable, and we have been involved in shaping policy at the federal, state, and local levels. We are skilled at establishing best practices for a company or an entire industry, as well as handling the difficult process of cleaning up after a data breach.