Registration as an interest group or “lobby” for leading law firms

Leading law firms are considering registering as interest groups, or “lobbies,” if the draft law on transparency and integrity in the activities of interest groups is approved. This draft law is currently being processed and, if approved, is expected to come into force before the summer.

Rafael Ariño, a partner in the public and regulatory area, comments in Vozpópuli on the registration of interest groups: “This is a much-needed regulation because it institutionalizes lobbying, which must be public and transparent.”

This regulation aims to bring Spain closer to European requirements, which, after publishing a transparency report, highlighted that “60% of European citizens perceive lobbying to be carried out covertly by powerful groups using corrupt practices, with Cyprus, Spain, Italy, Hungary, and Portugal being the worst-rated European countries.” Our expert points out that “it seeks to address this perception so that this activity (like any other) is regulated in a transparent manner.”

Regarding the registration of law firms as lobbyists, our lawyer believes that: “this decision must be made by each firm individually. Undoubtedly, we all have clients whom we advise who will have to register. But a firm should only register when one of its functions is to lobby, not when it merely advises those who lobby.”