Elections & Campaign Finance
Election and campaign finance laws are often complex, highly regulated areas of law. Virtually every action taken to engage the political process is open to legal scrutiny. To that end, numerous statutes, regulations, and rules have been created to oversee the interactions between the public and policymakers at the local, state, and federal level.
It is critical for donors, corporations, and political organizations to have experienced counsel as part of their respective teams to ensure the legality of their political activities. At Jackson Walker, we guide our clients through the maze of modern election laws and regulations to help them achieve their goals while avoiding the legal and ethical pitfalls that are all too common in politics. Due to our varied experiences, our attorneys are uniquely equipped to assist politically active citizens and organizations in complying with the tremendous number of laws and regulations restricting political activity in the United States.
Our Election Law attorneys counsel clients on the laws and rules pertaining to lobbying, political contributions, political action committees, the use of corporate resources for political purposes, and corporate guidelines on election issues. We also assist donors in deciding which candidates and committees are deserving of their financial assistance. Our team has a unique ability to tap into its deep network of campaign professionals around the country in order to evaluate the risks associated with donating to various campaign organizations.
Jackson Walker’s Election Law attorneys represent candidates and political parties in election contests and election law litigation. We also assist campaign organizations in dealing with the myriad issues that develop during an election cycle.
October 18, 2022
Podcasts
Election Ads 101: Five Facts About the First Amendment and Political Advertising
JW Fast Takes Podcast | ~9 minutes
With the 2022 midterm elections around the corner and the 2024 presidential election less than two years away, candidates from all parties are intensifying efforts to reach voters through the media and, in more recent cycles, social networks. In this episode, Paul Watler walks through five facts candidates should know when publishing or broadcasting political ads this election cycle.
October 4, 2022
Insights
Candidate’s Guide to Election Free Speech, Campaign Ads, and Social Media
By Paul C. Watler
Candidates know they enjoy freedom of speech under the First Amendment, but often are unsure of the extent to which the law protects their campaign messages. This article covers frequently asked questions and answers related to protections afforded to candidates when publishing campaign ads and literature.
January 13, 2021
Mentions
Chip Babcock Addresses Partisanship in Judicial Elections
In a recent report regarding the recommendations that were submitted, Texas Lawyer addressed the Commission’s stance on partisan judicial races. As the vice chairman of the Commission, Chip submitted a letter expressing his individual views regarding Texas’ partisan elections of judges.
November 12, 2020
Speaking Engagements
Jonathan Neerman to Join Dallas Bar Association Panel Discussion on the 2020 Election
Following the 2020 presidential election, Jackson Walker attorney Jonathan Neerman will join Rafael Anchia, Gromer Jeffers, Jr., and Robert Tobey for a virtual panel discussion presented by the Dallas Bar Association.
March 23, 2020
Insights
COVID-19 Leads to Delays in Texas Elections
Governor Abbott issued a proclamation suspending provisions of the Texas Election Code and the Texas Water Code to allow political subdivisions to postpone their 2020 local elections that are currently scheduled from May 2 through November 3.
February 25, 2020
Mentions
Speaking statistically, this GOP donor wants to convince you that money buys justice in Texas | Texas Tribune
“I don’t think any lawyer or law firm believes that because he or she donates money to a judicial candidate, that they’re going to be treated any better in that courtroom,” said Jonathan Neerman, a partner at Jackson Walker who leads the firm’s political action committee. “I understand the analysis may show that correlation, but I think it’s much more to do with the attorneys and the quality of advocacy than any donations made to judges.”
March 28, 2019
Newsletters
JW Media | VIA ePostcard – March 2019
Featuring “Two New Supreme Court Decisions Alter the Landscape for Litigating Copyright Infringement Cases”; Paul Watler’s interview in “Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Strikes Down Key Texas Open Meetings Act Provision”; a throwback to two of Bob Latham’s Winners & Losers columns on college basketball; and insights on the campaign finance rules for municipal elections.
March 15, 2019
Insights
Municipal Elections Rules: Easy to Understand, Often Overlooked
Municipal elections present a great opportunity for voters and donors alike to weigh-in on a host of local issues. But it is important to note that state and local rules limit the amounts and types of contributions that individuals and political committees can make to these campaigns.
October 31, 2018
Newsletters
JW Media | VIA ePostcard – October 2018
Jackson Walker Advises Journalists on Potential Legal Issues Regarding Election Day Coverage;Â Aligning Open Government Ideals With Law Enforcement Provisions;Â MLRC MediaLawLetter Q&A
October 17, 2008
Insights
Candidate’s Guide to Election Free Speech
The rapidly approaching 2008 general election finds candidates from all parties intensifying efforts to reach voters through the media.
