Mike Zolandz is the chair of Dentons' Federal Regulatory and Compliance practice, and is a leader in the Firm's Public Policy and Government groups. As an industry leader, he routinely advises nonprofits, global corporations and associations at the intersection of politics, policy, business and finance, with a particular emphasis on the financial institutions, life sciences, health care and manufacturing sectors.
In the business advisory arena, he specializes in cross-border transactions and regulations related to international commerce, particularly with respect to inbound foreign investment and US sanctions programs. Mike offers clients practical expertise and guidance in advising on US export controls, notification procedures under Exon-Florio (Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, or CFIUS) reviews, and application of US sanctions programs to joint venture agreements and investments throughout the Middle East and Asia. He also advises on complex federal marketing and legislative initiatives, and transactions that have significant political and policy implications, using his knowledge of the legislative process to maximize client opportunities.
Integrating with the Financial Crisis Special Situations Group, Mike advises financial services industry clients on the implications of market-changing events and offers real-time insight and analysis on the impacts of recent economic stabilization legislation. He offers political and legislative analysis to investment banks, hedge funds, private equity firms and other financial services industry participants on key developments and emerging trends in a number of industries, including energy, health care, automotive and banking.
Mike counsels on campaign finance and ethics law, lobbying disclosure requirements and pay-to-play restrictions, including the formation and management of federal and state political action committees, Securities and Exchange Commission and Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board rules related to investment advisors, and compliance programs for both lobbying disclosure and political activity. From strategy and formation of political committees and nonprofit advocacy entities, to developing compliance programs and managing federal and state enforcement issues, he offers clients the full range of political law solutions and counsel.