Sorling Northrup includes attorneys who have worked at regulatory agencies and legislative offices in the Illinois State Capitol. These attorneys represent the interests of statewide and national clients before the Illinois General Assembly and state and federal regulatory agencies. As advocates for clients in the regulatory arena, we initiate contacts with the agencies on the client’s behalf, present the client’s case in writing or in person, and obtain regulatory interpretations.

Our legislative practice has gained recognition for its representation of trade associations on major utility, environmental, health care, education, tax, political, real estate, insurance, retirement system, gaming, and insurance legislation. We advise clients on legislative strategy, meet with members of the Illinois General Assembly and respective staff, draft legislation, prepare advocacy materials and testimony, and, when appropriate, testify on behalf of our clients. Our firm has successfully advocated inclusion, revision, and elimination of provisions in various pending legislative matters.

The firm’s legislative practice combines with its expertise in civil law to provide specialized trade association counseling. The firm counsels associations of businesses, individuals, and charitable organizations on all aspects of the day-to-day operations of such organizations. The firm regularly advises trade associations on antitrust, political contribution, ethics, corporate, contribution solicitation and reporting, public registration, lobbyist reporting, insurance, liability, tax, employment, and real estate aspects of operations. Trade associations enjoy the benefit of receiving legislative and substantive civil legal advice from one entity.

Sorling Northrup attorneys regularly appear at meetings and conventions of trade association clients. Such visits often include reports on legislative issues and counseling regarding significant legal challenges, acting as parliamentarian and providing general counsel. Firm attorneys work regularly with public relations firms and trade association executives in coordinating activities to allow optimal public relations impact for trade association clients.

Sorling Northrup attorneys who practice in this area include: