Against the backdrop of a high-stakes general election, Harris Beach PLLC is launching a political law practice that will provide a range of election law, campaign finance and lobbying compliance legal services.
With experience throughout the state, Harris Beach attorneys represent candidates, corporations, governments, political committees, trade associations and other organizations participating in the electoral process or seeking to shape government policy.
Attorneys on the team have provided counsel to mayors, commissioners, council members, local governments, superintendents, trustees, governors, congressional representatives and two past presidential candidates.
Partners Keith M. Corbett and Jared A. Kasschau will co-lead the Harris Beach Political Law Practice Group.
“Given today’s political environment, it’s essential that participants in the election process obtain experienced counsel to ensure compliance with myriad regulations governing elections and politics,” Keith said. “Non-compliance creates reputational risk, impacts the course of campaigns and could also result in legal liability.”
“We can quickly assemble an integrated team with experience across industries to help mitigate risk and navigate political processes, campaigns, elections, ballot initiatives, political advocacy, campaign finance, lobbying, ethics and more at the federal, state and local level,” Jared said.
Corbett has extensive experience in all aspects of election law, having litigated hundreds of ballot access proceedings across New York State while also advising constituted committees. Corbett is also a campaign finance attorney who regularly represents candidates, trade associations, PACs and all entities engaged in campaign finance-related activities in state, federal and New York City politics.
He represented President Barack Obama in a noted birther case, counseled the presidential campaign of President Joseph R. Biden and regularly advised the past three governors of the State of New York.
Team co-leader Kasschau served as the Nassau County Attorney from 2017 to 2020. He has extensive experience in all aspects of municipal law with a particular focus in New York state election and campaign finance law.
He’s represented candidates for federal, state and local offices, including candidates for the U.S. presidency, and counseled candidates through every phase of the election process, from ballot access to post-election recounts.
Kasschau also has deep campaign finance experience, routinely advising and counseling candidates, candidate committees, and other political committees in registration, filing obligations, winding up, audits and investigations. As a municipal attorney,
Kasschau has also advised and counseled municipalities and special districts on election and referendum procedures, as well as in actions brought by candidates or voters.
Harris Beach attorneys routinely assist in the administration of local, state, and federal elections, including interposing and defending various election law proceedings under the New York State Election Law. The team provides comprehensive counsel and advice, representing many on both sides of the political aisle.
