Law firm launches political law practice

On Long Island, a law firm has launched a political law practice.

Partners at the Harris Beach Long Island office say the firm’s new practice has a focus on election law, campaign finance and lobbying compliance.

Two of the firm’s partners, Keith Corbett and Jared Kasschau, are co-leading the group for the firm, whose attorneys have long represented candidates, corporations, governments, political committees, trade associations and other individuals and organizations seeking to run for office or shape government policy.

“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,” Corbett said in a statement. “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,” Kasschau said in a statement.

Attorneys on the team have provided counsel to mayors, commissioners, council members, superintendents, trustees, governors, congressional representatives and two past presidential candidates.

Corbett’s expertise spans all aspects of election law, having litigated hundreds of ballot access proceedings across New York state while also advising constituted committees. He is also a campaign finance attorney who regularly represents candidates, trade associations, political action committees and all entities engaged in campaign finance-related activities in state, federal and New York City politics. He represented President Barack Obama in a “birther” case, counseled the presidential campaign of President Joseph R. Biden and regularly advised the past three governors of the State of New York.

Kasschau served as 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 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, he 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.