McGann, Ketterman & Rioux
Legislative & Regulatory Law

Navigating Legislative and Regulatory Matters, Advancing Client Interests

A growing area of our practice includes representing labor organizations, related entities, and diverse clients in legislative and regulatory matters at every level — from the statehouse to the federal agency.

Contact Our Team 312-251-9700

A Growing Practice

Representation at Every Level of Government

Proactive

Monitoring and early intervention

Strategic

Policy drafting and advocacy

Compliant

Ethics and disclosure guidance

Public policy decisions increasingly affect workplaces, labor organizations, employee benefits, and regulated industries. We work with clients to monitor legislative activity, assess regulatory developments, and engage constructively in governmental processes that shape their industries and interests.

We advise labor organizations, benefit funds, employers, and other clients on legislative, regulatory, and public policy developments that affect their operations and interests. Our work includes tracking proposed legislation and agency rulemaking, analyzing legal and practical impacts, and helping clients develop strategies for effective engagement with policymakers and regulators.

We regularly work alongside government relations professionals, industry stakeholders, and client leadership teams to help clients participate meaningfully in policymaking and regulatory proceedings. While we do not engage in lobbying activities, we help clients understand and respond to governmental actions that affect their organizations.

Legislative and Regulatory Services

A comprehensive approach to protecting and advancing client interests in the legislative and regulatory arena — from early monitoring to direct agency advocacy.

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Legislative Monitoring & Analysis

Legal and strategic guidance for navigating the legislative process.

We advise clients on the legal and practical implications of proposed legislation and help develop strategies for advancing or responding to policy initiatives. Drawing on extensive experience inside the legislative process, MKR attorneys monitor and analyze legislation and administrative rule-making before government bodies at the local, state, and federal levels. Our team tracks pending bills, committee actions, and regulatory proposals that could affect your organization, identifies risks and opportunities, and delivers timely analysis so you can act while there is still time to shape the outcome.

Legislative & Administrative Policy Drafting

Crafting policy language that advances client positions and withstands scrutiny.

We draft legislative and administrative policies designed to advance client interests and withstand legal and political scrutiny. Whether proposing new statutory language, commenting on draft regulations, or preparing model ordinances, we bring the precision of litigators and the perspective of advocates who understand how rules are enforced in practice.

Agency Representation

Legal representation before executive agencies, boards, and commissions.

We provide legal representation for clients before executive agencies, administrative boards, and commissions at every level of government. This includes responding to inquiries, pursuing licensing and certification matters, advocating in rule-making proceedings, and defending clients in enforcement actions where the stakes involve both penalties and reputational harm.

Legislative & Regulatory Compliance

Turning new laws and regulations into practical guidance.

We help clients understand and implement new statutory and regulatory requirements affecting their operations. We translate complex legislative and regulatory developments into practical compliance strategies, policies, and guidance tailored to the client's industry and workforce.

The MKR Advantage

Why clients trust us with legislative and regulatory matters

Dual Perspective

We represent labor and non-labor clients alike, giving us a nuanced understanding of how policy changes affect different stakeholders — and how to build coalitions that work.

Litigation-Ready Counsel

Our legislative and regulatory work is informed by decades in the courtroom. We draft policies and compliance programs that hold up when challenged, not just when proposed.

Relationships at Every Level

From local commissions to federal agencies, we have built the relationships and credibility that open doors and make advocacy effective.

Frequently Asked

Legislative and regulatory questions, answered

Practical guidance for organizations navigating the legislative and regulatory landscape.

What is legislative and regulatory law?
Legislative and regulatory law encompasses the strategies, compliance obligations, and legal insights required to influence and navigate legislation, administrative rule-making, and agency enforcement at the local, state, and federal levels. It is where law, policy, and organizational interests intersect.
Who needs legislative and regulatory counsel?
Labor organizations, trade associations, benefit funds, employers, and any entity whose interests are affected by pending legislation, agency rules, or regulatory enforcement benefit from dedicated legislative and regulatory counsel. The earlier you engage, the more options you have to shape outcomes.
What does legislative monitoring involve?
Legislative monitoring is the systematic tracking of bills, committee actions, and administrative rule-making that could affect a client's operations, members, or industry. It includes analysis of proposed language, identification of risks and opportunities, and timely alerts so clients can act before a measure becomes law.
Does MKR provide lobbying services?
No, we do not provide lobbying services, but we maintain strong relationships with government affairs and lobbying professionals that we routinely work side-by-side with when it is in our client's interest.
What is the difference between lobbying and general advocacy?
Advocacy is a broad term covering any effort to influence policy or public opinion. Lobbying is a specific subset — direct communication with legislators or officials to influence official action. Not all advocacy is lobbying, but when it crosses into direct contact with decision-makers, disclosure obligations may apply. We help clients navigate the line.
Can you represent us before a state regulatory board?
Yes. We regularly appear before executive agencies, administrative boards, and commissions at the state and local levels to advocate for client interests, respond to inquiries, and pursue rule-making or licensing matters. Our preparation and presentation are informed by decades of advocacy in contested proceedings.

Talk to Our Legislative and Regulatory Team

Reach out today with your legislative and regulatory concerns.

Contact us Call 312-251-9700