Overview
Our Public Policy and Government Affairs team offers extensive knowledge of how to address your business issues with governments at all levels. We advise you on how to best present your position to the appropriate departments and agencies then thoroughly and aggressively present your position.
The practice team is headed by David Ferrell, who brings 20+ years of experience representing clients before the North Carolina General Assembly. David leads the practice group as well as the firm’s North Carolina public policy work. Representing the firm’s South Carolina public policy clients is Bob Coble, former mayor of Columbia, S.C.
Our team is informed by Nexsen Pruet’s deep roots in the community and a long history of involvement in public affairs in the Carolinas and several of the firm’s attorneys have served in prominent government positions in both states. Our team’s unified approach allows you to connect with professionals across state lines.
Our team of experienced lobbyists know that public policy and regulatory action are critical to a business's effectiveness and outlook. Armed with experience inside and outside government, knowledge of the participants, a firm foundation in both substance and process, and the ability to communicate effectively, our team is there when you need us most. We are adept at identifying and creating new business potential by positioning clients to take advantage of public policy opportunities.
And our team of experienced attorneys are also experienced in engaging with regulatory authorities to ensure legislation is effectively implemented.
How we support you:
LEGISLATIVE REPRESENTATION AND ADVOCACY
Our team of experienced lobbyists use traditional lobbying techniques and advocacy methodologies to communicate directly with federal, state, and local officials, and their staffs, to explain and advance client goals. Using electronic tracking and legislative monitoring techniques, we analyze and generate reports on significant legislative and regulatory efforts impacting client interests. Our team is also well-versed in drafting proposed legislation, preparing stakeholders for presentations, monitoring legislative committee meetings, and fostering issue champions.
COALITION BUILDING
Our team has extensive experience organizing, managing, and deploying effective coalitions of affected stakeholders to build grassroots support on issues. Team members also participate in trade associations, coalitions, and joint lobbying efforts on behalf of our clients to ensure we are providing them with the connections they need to achieve their advocacy goals.
LEGISLATIVE AND ADVOCACY MATERIALS
In partnership with NP Strategy, our team prepares issue papers, briefing books, comments, and hearing testimony to effectively communicate client interests. We also assist in preparing client representatives for appearances at hearings, testify on behalf of clients, and advise on public affairs communications and political outreach.
ADVISORY SERVICES
Given our team’s decades of experience in the political and legislative arenas, we also serve as advisors to our clients on other topics including ensuring compliance with campaign finance, ethics, and lobbying laws. Team members also advise clients on corporate governance and best practices.
Ethics and code of conduct
Participation in government affairs is an integral part of our country’s democratic process and is a constitutional right. Government officials make public policy decisions that affect the vital interests of individuals, corporations, religious groups, charitable institutions, and others. Consequently, public officials need to receive factual information from affected interests and need to know such parties’ views to make informed policy judgments.
To help preserve and advance public trust and confidence in our democratic institutions and the public policy advocacy process, we have an obligation to act in the highest ethical and moral manner in our dealings with all parties. We adhere to South Carolina’s codified scheme regarding governmental affairs, “The Ethics, Government Accountability, and Campaign Reform Act of 1991” and North Carolina General Statute Chapter 120C “Lobbying Law” and Chapter 138A “State Government Ethics Act.”
Media
News
Insights
Videos/Podcasts
David Ferrell discusses recent actions by the North Carolina Legislature and expected 2023 items to be addressed, as well as other news in North Carolina politics.
Did you know that Nexsen Pruet is your guide with any North or South Carolina alcohol and licensing questions or needs? Our team is experienced in helping anyone across the three tiers in ensuring they can proceed with their work in compliance with local and state requirements. Member Erin Mosley walks through the recent North Carolina legislative actions creating social districts and new licensure levels, giving you the insight you need for your business.
Public policy attorney Bob Coble discusses how legislators and executive leaders are working to ensure recent federal appropriations, such as the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), have a transformational impact on South Carolina.
Public Policy attorney Bob Coble discusses key items for business and local governments to understand and take advantage of to improve their infrastructure.
Mark Harmon, Nexsen Pruet Government Affairs Advisor, discusses upswings and downswings in the economy and how those downswings often result in the departure or closure of businesses, and subsequently, the abandonment of buildings that housed those business
David Ferrell, one of the leaders of the North Carolina Public Policy and Lobbying team at Nexsen Pruet, discusses the North Carolina elections results.
David Ferrell discusses the NC Legislature's return on September 2nd for brief session.
As we continue to battle COVID-19, there are issues before state lawmakers and local elected officials that impact how our clients do business – and those issues seem to change on an almost daily basis.
As South Carolina’s state government response to COVID-19 continues to evolve, there are issues before state lawmakers that will be addressed this summer and fall.
John Skvarla, former Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Commerce, discusses Nexsen Pruet's Economic Development Team and why businesses should relocate to the Carolinas.