National Networks

RATH, YOUNG AND PIGNATELLI participates in professional and information organizations that allow us to offer clients a readily available connection to national and international legal and political systems.  Our membership in the State Capital Global Law Firm Group and The Advocacy Group, each described below, has provided tangible benefits to our clients.

State Capital Global Law Firm Group

The State Capital Global Law Firm Group (the "State Capital Group") is an association of independent law firms.  Its member firms are located in all 50 U.S. state capitals and in capital cities, business markets and financial centers around the world.  Member firm attorneys bring a broad range of skills and experience to your business.  Those based in U.S. state capitals offer a unique knowledge of state legislatures and regulatory agencies.  Those based outside the United States offer similar perspectives and abilities in their jurisdictions.  Currently, the State Capital Group has over 130 member firms located in North America, Europe, South and Central America, the Carribean, Asia and the Pacific Rim, and Africa and the Middle East.  Membership is by invitation only.  Law firms are invited to join only after they have demonstrated the highest quality service and industry leadership. 

Sherry Young had served as chair of this organization in 2000.

The continuing shift in lawmaking and regulation from the federal government to 50 separate and independent state governments is having a profound impact on American business.  Regulation of many legal issues is now primarily in the hands of the state governments.  It is no longer enough to monitor lawmaking and government regulation in the nation’s capital.  It is now essential to track these developments in each state.

Member firms of the State Capital Global Law Firm Group practice independently and not in a relationship for the joint practice of law.

The Advocacy Group

Established in 1992, The Advocacy Group, Inc. ("TAG") was the first international public affairs and government relations corporation to provide a diverse array of professional advocacy services throughout the world.  Rath Young and Pignatelli became a member of TAG in 1992.

TAG is an inter-firm network of independent companies organized as a team and focused on solving public affairs and government relations issues.  TAG offers businesses and organizations skilled and reputable advice and advocacy on international, federal, state or local legislative, regulatory or political matters.  The responsiveness and flexibility within TAG offers a competitive edge to companies utilizing the network.

TAG is a creative solution for businesses needing a presence in single or multiple jurisdictions, providing local expertise along with the synergy of its worldwide network.  The TAG network brings together a team of skilled and experienced practitioners and harnesses their intellectual resources to provide professional, customized service.  TAG has completed hundreds of projects and created a network of relationships that expand our reach and capability. TAG works with firms in all fifty states, Washington, D.C. and six countries.  It is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, with an office in Sacramento, California.

Federation of Regulatory Counsel, Inc.

The Federation of Regulatory Counsel (the "Federation") is a professional association of insurance regulatory lawyers formed for the purpose of (1) raising the standard of excellence in the practice of regulatory law, and (2) promoting the expertise and abilities of its members to their clients, the insurance industry, and to other lawyers requiring their specialized expertise.

The Federation was formed in June 1988 and publishes a quarterly newsletter of state-by-state insurance regulatory developments.  The Federation also meets at NAIC meetings in June and December. 

Steven Lauwers is the only member of FORC in New Hampshire.