Government Relations

In addition to representation on Capitol Hill, the firm's legislative team represents client interests before all Cabinet departments as well as the principal independent government agencies.

Agriculture. We have represented farm and food organizations in developing legislation and the administration’s position on long-term farm programs, conservation, environmental, and trade legislation pending in Congress, and the implementation of legislation on these issues within the Department of Agriculture and other agencies.  We also have advised foreign exporters of sugar to the United States concerning trade and other issues before the Department, and have assisted individual firms in administrative appeals involving both agriculture program benefits and Department regulations, such as the meat inspection program.  In addition, Winston & Strawn attorneys have represented a major chemical manufacturer regarding regulatory changes in the meat and poultry inspection process.

Energy. We have represented a wide range of clients — including investor-owned utilities and public utilities which operate nuclear plants — before the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Department of Energy, the Office of Management and Budget, and the Department of State.

Federal Disaster Assistance. We have represented state and local governments as well as nonprofit entities in prosecuting disaster claims before the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  Our representation has secured major awards for public facilities damaged by earthquakes and hurricanes. We also have represented private developers on a proactive basis before FEMA in connection with flood map designations, thus protecting the value of undeveloped property.

International Trade. We represent clients in a wide range of international trade matters before the Department of Commerce, the U.S. Trade Representative, and the Customs Service.  For example, we have represented U.S. chemical manufacturers in antidumping proceedings related to the People’s Republic of China, and have obtained determinations from Commerce providing that certain products are not within the scope of existing antidumping orders.  We also have assisted manufacturing clients before Customs on country-of-origin labeling issues.  In addition, we advise and represent a variety of clients on matters relating to free trade agreements and access to foreign markets.

Maritime. Winston & Strawn regularly represents tanker, dry bulk, and liner operators in applying for or opposing the grant of operating subsidies and in seeking rulings under the U.S. coastwise laws governing domestic waterborne trade.  We also represent numerous clients in the entire complex of regulation under the Merchant Marine Act and other maritime statutes; shipyards and operators in applying for and negotiating government guaranteed vessel financing (Title XI); owners in reducing exposure to vessel repair duties; and purchasers of government-defaulted debt in workout situations. We have represented clients over a 20-year period on all Coast Guard regulatory issues, including vessel inspection, certificates of financial responsibility, vessel documentation, marine safety and environmental issues, port state control, and new building/rebuilding determinations.