With the passage of the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007 (HLOGA) that amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA), compliance with federal lobbying and ethics laws has never been more important.  The law now imposes increased civil penalties as well as criminal liability on private parties for violations.  We regularly advise clients regarding compliance with this and other laws regulating the ethical interaction of business organizations with government at the federal, state and local levels.  Notably, our practice features Robert L. Walker, a former Chief Counsel and Staff Director of both the Senate and House ethics committees who is an expert in congressional ethics and lobbying rules. Our guidance includes advice regarding prohibited activities, reporting requirements and compliance programs.  We also represent clients before the Office of Government Ethics, the House and Senate ethics committees, the Office of Congressional Ethics, and state and local agencies and boards when necessary.