Foreign Agent Registration Attorneys For Clients Worldwide
Ford O’Brien Landy LLP advises and represents clients who are facing issues related to the Foreign Agents Registration Act (“FARA”). At a time when the FARA risk environment is particularly challenging, the importance of strategic and effective FARA legal counsel cannot be overstated. The attorneys at Ford O’Brien Landy LLP have extensive experience in these and other regulatory matters. We guide clients in ensuring registration compliance, as well as developing effective defense strategies.
Our team offers the distinctive benefit of having legal experience informed by prior government enforcement responsibility. We also have a long record of success in white collar defense counsel and representation. If you have questions or concerns about possible civil or criminal exposure regarding foreign agent registration, we encourage you to contact Ford O’Brien Landy LLP as soon as possible. With offices in New York City, Austin, Texas, and Miami, Florida our law firm represents clients throughout the United States and worldwide.
Who Is Required To Register Under FARA?
Under FARA, you are required to register with the U.S. government if you are an “agent of a foreign principal.” In general terms, an agent of a foreign principal can be anyone who directly or through another person within the U.S. does any of the following:
- Acts within the United States as a political consultant, publicity agent, public relations counsel or information-service employee for a foreign principal
- Participates within the United States in “political activities” on behalf of a foreign principal
- Represents within the United States the interests of a foreign principal before an official or agency of the U.S. government
- Solicits, collects, dispenses or disperses money or other things of value on behalf of or in the interest of a foreign principal
How Is ‘Foreign Principal’ Defined?
A “foreign principal” can be:
- A foreign government
- A foreign political party
- A foreign faction or group of insurgents whose legitimacy the U.S. government does not recognize
- An entity organized under the laws of a foreign country
- An entity with its principal place of business in a foreign country
- Any individual outside the United States, except U.S. citizens whose domicile is in the United States
Skilled Guidance Through FARA Requirements
If you or your organization has received a Letter of Inquiry from the FARA Unit, you may have an obligation to register as a foreign agent. The FARA attorneys at Ford O’Brien Landy LLP can review the letter, assess your specific circumstances and advise on the best course of action for protecting your interests.