FAQs

McGuireWoods Consulting partners with businesses, trade associations and nonprofit organizations of all types and sizes across sectors. The firm helps organizations navigate public policy, communications, and business challenges at the federal, state, and local levels through tailored strategies that align with each client's goals.

Unlike most lobbying firms with a Washington D.C. presence, McGuireWoods Consulting features government affairs solutions in eight state capitals and maintains a 50-state reach through our vetted network of partners. Our team of more than 100 professionals offers clients integrated, multidisciplinary solutions backed by decades of policy and political experience. A key differentiator for our firm is our national advocacy and infrastructure and economic development teams, both of which frequently collaborate with our government affairs professionals to provide top-notch client service. As an affiliate of the McGuireWoods law firm, we provide clients with the opportunity to engage seamlessly with our law firm colleagues when coordinated legal and public affairs strategies are necessary.

Yes. McGuireWoods Consulting serves clients from 13 offices and a network that provides coverage in all 50 states. We support organizations with federal, state, and local government relations, national and multistate strategies, communications and public affairs regardless of where they operate.

Absolutely. McGuireWoods Consulting frequently works as an extension of clients' existing government affairs, public policy, communications and executive teams. Our professionals collaborate closely with internal stakeholders to provide additional expertise, strategic guidance, advocacy support and specialized resources while complementing existing capabilities rather than replacing them.

The earlier, the better. Engaging McGuireWoods Consulting before legislation is introduced, or while policy is still being developed, creates more opportunities to shape outcomes, build stakeholder support and identify potential challenges. Our team monitors legislative and regulatory activity throughout the policymaking process and works proactively to help clients advance their priorities from initial strategy through implementation.

Yes. McGuireWoods Consulting specializes in national and multistate legislative tracking and advocacy. We manage integrated monitoring and lobbying programs across multiple jurisdictions, helping organizations identify emerging issues, assess risks, and coordinate consistent strategies. With professionals in Washington, D.C., eight state capitals, and a nationwide network of partners, we provide seamless support for organizations operating across state lines.

McGuireWoods Consulting serves clients across a broad range of industries, including technology, artificial intelligence and data centers, healthcare, manufacturing, energy, education, sports, gaming and entertainment, financial services and transportation. Our industry knowledge allows us to develop government affairs and public policy strategies tailored to the unique regulatory and business challenges facing each sector.

McGuireWoods Consulting provides comprehensive federal government affairs services, including congressional and executive branch advocacy, legislative and regulatory strategy, appropriations support, coalition building, stakeholder engagement, public affairs and strategic communications. Our team works with clients to develop and execute advocacy strategies that advance policy objectives and support long-term business goals.

Our team continuously monitors congressional activity, federal agencies, regulatory developments and policy trends to help clients stay informed about issues that could affect their organizations. We provide timely analysis, strategic guidance and actionable insights, enabling clients to anticipate changes, respond effectively and identify engagement opportunities throughout the federal policymaking process.

Yes. McGuireWoods Consulting develops integrated advocacy strategies that align federal, state and local public affairs efforts. We help clients coordinate messaging, policy priorities and stakeholder engagement across multiple jurisdictions to maximize impact and meet their business goals. Our reach extends across all 50 states through our national strategies team's involvement in Democratic and Republican political organizations where our clients are able to participate in the conversations shaping public policy. 

Our government sales advising is deeply integrated with our industry expertise, allowing us to connect procurement opportunities to the specific policy conversations shaping sectors like technology, AI, education and healthcare. This combination of well-connected consultants and sector-specific knowledge helps clients cut through the complexity of the government sales process, advancing their interests while minimizing regulatory risk along the way.

McGuireWoods Consulting work with clients to strengthen their understanding of the dynamics of selling to government, including determining whether there is a current need for their goods or services and whether necessary funding is available. Our consultants help clients track the opportunity through the procurement process, connecting them with the right decisionmakers and positioning their offering to align with agency priorities and legislative timelines. 

Yes. McGuireWoods Consulting works with clients well before a request for proposals (RFP) is issued. Early engagement allows clients to understand agency priorities, identify upcoming procurement opportunities, develop market strategies, build relationships with stakeholders and position their solutions before formal procurement begins. This proactive approach can improve readiness and increase competitiveness when opportunities are released.

Site selection consulting helps organizations identify and evaluate the best locations for new facilities, expansions or relocations based on their business objectives. McGuireWoods Consulting guides clients through every stage of the process, including location analysis, workforce and infrastructure evaluation, operating cost comparisons, incentive opportunities and project management. The firm’s goal is to guarantee clients make informed location decisions that support long-term operational and financial success.

Yes. McGuireWoods Consulting represents clients throughout the incentives negotiation process, working with state and local governments to secure competitive economic development packages. The team evaluates available tax credits, grants, workforce training programs, infrastructure assistance and other incentives while helping clients understand the value and obligations associated with each opportunity.

Yes. McGuireWoods Consulting has experience supporting a wide range of projects, including manufacturing facilities, data centers, corporate headquarters, distribution and logistics operations, research and development facilities and other major capital investments. The firm tailors its site selection and economic development strategies to each client’s operational requirements, workforce needs and long-term growth objectives.

McGuireWoods Consulting helps organizations monitor and respond to legislative and regulatory developments across multiple states through coordinated, multistate advocacy strategies. We track emerging policy issues, analyze their potential business impact and provide timely guidance. This allows clients to address risks, identify opportunities and maintain a consistent approach across jurisdictions while adapting to state-specific requirements.

Yes. Every state has its own political landscape, legislative priorities and regulatory processes. McGuireWoods Consulting develops tailored advocacy strategies that reflect the unique dynamics of each state while supporting our client's broader business objectives. Our professionals combine local relationships, policy expertise and strategic insight to help clients engage effectively with policymakers and stakeholders in each jurisdiction.

McGuireWoods Consulting supports market expansion by helping organizations understand the policy, regulatory and economic development environments in new jurisdictions. We provide strategic guidance on government relations, site selection, incentive opportunities, stakeholder engagement and public policy considerations, helping clients enter new markets with greater confidence and position themselves for long-term success.

Coalition building is the process of bringing together organizations, businesses, associations and other stakeholders that share common policy goals to strengthen advocacy efforts. McGuireWoods Consulting helps clients develop and manage coalitions to build credibility, amplify key messages and demonstrate broad support for legislative, regulatory or public policy initiatives. By aligning diverse voices around shared objectives, coalitions can help influence policymakers and advance meaningful outcomes.

McGuireWoods Consulting identifies coalition partners by evaluating organizations and stakeholders with aligned interests, complementary expertise and shared policy objectives. Our team leverages long-standing relationships with industry groups, trade associations, nonprofits, community organizations and business leaders to build effective coalitions tailored to each client's goals and the specific policy issue.

McGuireWoods Consulting develops coordinated stakeholder engagement strategies that help clients mobilize supporters at critical points in the legislative process. We work with coalition members and other advocates to coordinate messaging, engage policymakers, organize grassroots and grasstops outreach and communicate the impact of proposed legislation. This collaborative approach helps ensure stakeholders are informed, engaged and positioned to effectively support advocacy efforts when it matters most.

Yes. McGuireWoods Consulting helps clients respond to high-profile legislative, regulatory and reputational challenges by developing timely communications strategies, coordinating stakeholder outreach and providing strategic counsel. Whether the challenge involves a fast-moving legislative development, a regulatory setback or a public relations crisis, our team moves quickly to help clients protect their reputation and communicate effectively to the right audiences.

Absolutely. McGuireWoods Consulting works with clients to develop compelling messaging tailored to key audiences and policy priorities. We also provide spokesperson preparation, media coaching, speech and talking point development and communications guidance to help leaders deliver clear, consistent and effective messages across traditional, digital and stakeholder communications.

Strategic communications helps organizations effectively communicate with policymakers, stakeholders, the media, and the public to support their public affairs objectives. McGuireWoods Consulting integrates communications with government relations and advocacy strategies to develop clear messaging, build public support, manage reputational issues, and help clients navigate complex policy challenges.

Yes. McGuireWoods Consulting develops integrated digital advocacy campaigns that help organizations raise awareness, engage key audiences and support public policy objectives. Our team combines strategic messaging, digital advertising, grassroots engagement, stakeholder outreach and communications planning to build campaigns tailored to each client’s goals and the policy environment.

McGuireWoods Consulting uses data-driven digital strategies to reach policymakers, influencers, stakeholders and targeted audiences through digital advertising, social media, email campaigns and other online engagement tools. Campaigns are customized based on audience demographics, geography, legislative priorities and policy objectives to ensure messaging reaches the right people at the right time.

McGuireWoods Consulting measures digital advocacy campaigns via performance metrics that align with each client's objectives. Depending on the campaign, these can include audience reach, engagement, website traffic, digital advertising results and stakeholder participation. These insights evaluate campaign effectiveness in supporting broader advocacy and communications goals to help us optimize our strategies for the client's benefit.

Yes. McGuireWoods Consulting represents a broad range of healthcare organizations. Our team helps clients navigate legislative, regulatory and reimbursement issues while advancing their policy and business objectives at both federal and state levels.

Yes. McGuireWoods Consulting advises clients on complex Medicaid policy matters, including legislative developments, regulatory changes, reimbursement issues and healthcare reform initiatives. We monitor evolving federal and state policies, provide strategic guidance, and advocate for clients responding to changes that affect healthcare delivery and operations.

During legislative sessions, McGuireWoods Consulting provides proactive advocacy, legislative monitoring, policy analysis, and strategic communications to help healthcare organizations stay ahead of proposed legislation and regulatory developments. Our team engages with policymakers, coordinates stakeholder outreach and works closely with clients to develop and execute strategies that protect their interests and advance their policy priorities.

Yes. McGuireWoods Consulting works with a range of energy sector clients, including renewable energy companies, traditional energy providers, and other organizations involved in the energy ecosystem. We help clients navigate evolving policy landscapes, regulatory challenges and government relations issues affecting energy development, operations and investment.

Yes. McGuireWoods Consulting assists energy and infrastructure clients with government engagement strategies related to permitting, regulatory processes and public policy considerations. Our team helps clients engage with federal, state and local stakeholders, navigate complex approval processes and develop strategies to address regulatory challenges that may affect projects and operations.

McGuireWoods Consulting helps organizations anticipate and respond to changes in energy policy through legislative monitoring, regulatory analysis, stakeholder engagement and strategic advocacy. Our professionals enable clients to understand policy developments, assess potential impacts, communicate priorities to decisionmakers and develop government affairs strategies that support business objectives in a rapidly changing energy environment.

McGuireWoods Consulting helps data center developers address the complex policy, regulatory and community considerations involved in expansion and investment decisions. Our team provides guidance on site selection, economic development incentives, government relations, permitting processes, infrastructure priorities, workforce considerations and stakeholder engagement. We work with clients to align projects with state and local priorities while navigating the public policy environment.

Artificial intelligence companies face a rapidly evolving policy landscape involving issues such as data privacy, cybersecurity, workforce development, energy and infrastructure needs, technology regulation, government procurement and responsible AI adoption. McGuireWoods Consulting helps AI and technology companies monitor policy developments, engage with policymakers, and develop strategies to address regulatory challenges and opportunities at the federal, state, and local levels.

McGuireWoods Consulting empowers organizations to build constructive relationships with local communities through strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, coalition building and public affairs initiatives. Our team works with companies to identify key community stakeholders, develop effective messaging, address concerns, and create engagement strategies that support successful projects and long-term community relationships.

We help clients understand government needs and cultivate relationships with career agency staff and decisionmakers. This allows companies to articulate how their technology addresses industry issues. Our team advocates for essential state funding to support technology adoption and modernization initiatives across government agencies. 

McGuireWoods Consulting supports our client's education advocacy efforts by helping to build effective federal, state and local government relations strategies, strengthening relationships with policymakers and stakeholders, and clearly communicating their priorities. Our approach includes navigating legislative sessions, addressing policy challenges, advocating for our client's goals and advancing initiatives that support students, faculty and communities. Our team has expertise in building coalitions among business and education leaders, as well as designing appropriations requests and legislative initiatives focused on our client's immediate needs and long-term goals.

Yes. McGuireWoods Consulting assists education clients with strategies related to state funding, budget priorities and appropriations processes, as well as congressionally directed funding. Our team helps clients identify funding opportunities, develop advocacy plans, engage with policymakers and communicate the importance of their programs and initiatives.

McGuireWoods Consulting integrates workforce development into its national education practice serving both the public and private sector. Our team brings business and government leaders together on policy issues centered on career readiness and has deep experience organizing and managing state-level workforce development policy platforms and college-and-career-readiness campaigns.

McGuireWoods Consulting helps financial institutions understand and respond to evolving regulatory and legislative environments at the state and federal levels. We provide government relations support, policy analysis, regulatory monitoring and strategic advocacy to assist organizations in addressing issues affecting their operations, compliance priorities and business objectives.

Yes. McGuireWoods Consulting monitors legislative and regulatory developments affecting the financial services sector.We track policy trends, analyze potential impacts, provide timely insights and help clients develop proactive strategies to engage policymakers and address emerging challenges or issues that may impact them.

Yes. McGuireWoods Consulting works with organizations across the financial services industry, including banks, insurers, fintech companies and other financial institutions. We help clients navigate policy issues, engage with government stakeholders and develop advocacy strategies tailored to the unique regulatory and business environments affecting the financial sector.

Incentives help organizations reduce project costs, support investment and strengthen the business case for expansion. McGuireWoods Consulting helps manufacturers evaluate available economic development opportunities, including tax incentives, grants, workforce programs, infrastructure support and other state and local resources. Our team works with clients to identify, negotiate, and secure incentive packages that align with their operational goals and expansion plans.

Yes. McGuireWoods Consulting helps organizations navigate government processes related to permitting, regulatory requirements and environmental policy considerations. We work with clients to develop engagement strategies, coordinate with government stakeholders and address policy and regulatory challenges that may affect relocations, expansions and operations.

Yes. McGuireWoods Consulting supports organizations operating across multiple states by providing coordinated site selection and incentives negotiation services, government affairs, legislative monitoring, public policy and stakeholder engagement strategies. Our team helps clients understand differences in state political and regulatory environments while developing consistent approaches that support business objectives across jurisdictions.

Yes. McGuireWoods Consulting helps organizations identify and pursue infrastructure funding opportunities at the federal, state and local levels. Our team monitors funding programs, evaluates policy developments, assists with government engagement strategies and helps clients position projects to compete for available resources and support.

Yes. McGuireWoods Consulting tracks transportation-related legislative and regulatory developments across jurisdictions to help clients understand potential operation and project impacts. Our team provides policy analysis, legislative monitoring and strategic guidance on issues affecting transportation, infrastructure investment, mobility and economic development.

McGuireWoods Consulting helps organizations navigate public-private partnerships by providing strategic guidance on government relations, stakeholder engagement, economic development considerations and policy strategy. Our team works with public and private sector entities to align project goals, build support, secure funding and navigate complex policy and regulatory factors necessary for successful partnerships. 

McGuireWoods Consulting helps sports, entertainment and tourism entities understand and respond to complex public policy environments at the federal, state and local levels. Our team provides government relations, legislative and regulatory monitoring, stakeholder engagement and strategic advocacy support to help clients build relationships with policymakers and community stakeholders and advance their long-term business objectives.

Yes. McGuireWoods Consulting assists clients navigating evolving gaming and sports betting policy landscapes by monitoring legislative and regulatory developments, analyzing potential impacts and developing advocacy strategies. With our help, organizations engage with policymakers, communicate their priorities and address the complex legal, regulatory and public policy considerations.

McGuireWoods Consulting supports sports and entertainment development projects by helping organizations navigate government relations, economic development opportunities, community engagement and public policy considerations. We work with clients to build stakeholder support, secure project location and incentives, build partnerships, and develop strategies that position major projects for long-term success and community impact.