Campaign Finance and Chicago Election Law Attorney

Based in Chicago, Illinois, Ross D. Secler & Associates specializes in providing strategic consulting and advice on political and election law matters. We provide comprehensive representation including ballot access petition preparation and objections, campaign finance disclosures, election contests and recounts, campaign ethics, as well as strategic political consulting and government relations advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels. Additionally, our services extend beyond the political arena to civil litigation and real estate matters. No matter how big or small, our team is prepared to provide a collaborative and thoughtful approach that provides individualized solutions to difficult issues. Many times, our clients face seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The sooner we start working with you, the sooner we can help make can help prevent problems before they start.

ELECTION LAW

Deciding to run for office is only the first step. Getting on the ballot requires gathering signatures, properly filing paperwork, and navigating the objection process. Having an attorney experienced in these matters by your side can make every part of the process easier and make it that much more likely that you will succeed.

Ballot initiatives and other non-candidate campaigns can face the same impediments. Elections are an important way of bringing ideas directly to the people, but that does not mean the electoral process is easy to navigate and that is where we can help.

Examples of our Election Law services include:

Preparation of nomination papers
Review and approval of completed nomination papers and/or management and oversight of the nomination paper review process and filing
Advising on qualifications and office selection
Prepare, prosecute and/or defend in electoral board objections to ballot access (including any subsequent state or federal court proceedings)
State and/or Federal court litigation over important campaign issues and election law (or related) compliance
Election Contests and Recounts

POLITICAL LAW

After being elected, policy decisions must be made within the existing legal framework. It does not matter how good an idea is, if the program cannot be implemented.

Navigating a government codes of ethics often requires legal guidance as well.

CAMPAIGN FINANCE LAW

Every state, as well as the federal government, imposes rules about money in politics. These rules can be difficult to negotiate. Contribution limits and filing deadlines pose challenges, and you don’t want to be on the other end.

Preparation of campaign finance disclosure documents and overall advising on campaign finance legal compliance
Litigation over compliance with campaign finance reporting, ethics requirements, or any other litigation involving or taking place at local, county or statewide electoral boards, ethics commissions, or at Federal Election Commission

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

Drawing on a wealth of policy and advocacy knowledge and experience, we aim to provide and execute strategies to help our clients achieve their legislative goals at the local, state, and federal levels. Some of the services we provide include monitoring and analyzing proposed legislation, passing and defeating legislative initiatives, securing appropriations, providing strategic counsel, rule-making, public relations and contract procurement. We strive to make sure our clients understand the ever-changing political landscape at all levels of government and capitalize on new opportunities.

Providing strategic campaign consulting, research, government relations, and legislative advocacy
Legislative advocacy strategy and implementation

STRATEGIC POLITICAL CONSULTING

We provide full-service strategic consulting for political campaigns from their outset through election day and beyond. We not only make sure you’re on the ballot- we help you develop a plan to win. Based on each client’s needs, we can guide high-level hiring (campaign managers, press secretaries, media buyers, consultants, etc.) and help put together a winning team. Our consulting services also include candidate and platform development, including call time and media training, policy education and personal branding.

Advise and assist in execution of overall campaign strategy from starting the campaign, to petition circulation, to election day and beyond (including
assistance with field strategy)
Conduct Opposition Research
Advising as to complicate with both campaign finance and campaign ethics requirements (and providing representation in any litigation)

LITIGATION

We are pleased to offer representation in a wide range of civil litigation matters in both state or federal court. Our clients know that we will act as their zealous advocates and tailor our approach towards achieving cost-effective results.

REAL ESTATE

Buying or selling real estate can sometimes seem more complicated and cumbersome than even the toughest political fight. But it doesn’t have to be. Our team guides clients through the process while making sure your interests are represented from the time of contract signing until closing and beyond.

Many Political Initiatives Fail to Reach Their Potential

Discover how we can help you achieve your goals

I wholeheartedly trust and recommend Attorney Ross Secler for Chicago real estate. I am a Realtor and have done multiple deals with him. In the fast paced real estate world Ross takes the time with each client to make sure that their needs are met, they are comfortable and understand the attorney review process fully. In sometimes stressful situations he is level headed and respectful while being firm for his clients, which is a hard balance to find in an attorney. When I send clients to Ross I am relieved to know that he cares for my clients as much as I do and wants nothing but the best for them. On the Realtor side of things it is much appreciated that he keeps me in the loop throughout the process, meets deadlines, doesn’t let things slip through the cracks and still finds time to call and check in to make sure we are all on the same page. You’re the best Ross!

Lindsey RichardsonDream Town Realty - Chicago, IL

“I contacted Ross after ballot access challenges were filed and, in a very short time, he was able to create a comprehensive plan to win. Against all of the odds, he won before the Electoral Board and in state court. Ross gave us the attention and time we needed and we are very grateful for his work.”

RPChicago, IL

“I cannot begin to thank Ross and Deborah more for their work with my campaign. Their diligence and personal attention to my case made sure that we beat the ballot access challenges brought against me. Their attention to detail allowed me to focus on the important issues in my district, instead of legal challenges. I should have come to Ross sooner! I will be seeking his advice before any future campaign.”

NHChicago, IL