American League of Lobbyists

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For Immediate Release
September 11, 2006

Contact: Patti Jo Baber
703-960-3011

League Challenges Lobbyists to Adopt its Code as Standard for Profession

Today, the American League of Lobbyist's (ALL) began a month-long effort to raise awareness of its Code of Ethics. Ethics is nothing new to ALL or its members, as it adopted its first official Code of Ethics nearly twenty years ago, well before recent scandals.

ALL actively encourages the advancement of ethical lobbying practices. Its Code has been recognized as an important document that serves to strengthen the image of lobbyists and enhances the role of lobbying as a vital and respected link in the democratic process.

"We're proud of our Code and this month long effort to highlight it is to make the public more aware of ALL's efforts to promote high ethical standards," stated League President Paul Miller. "I would point out that our Code is not a reaction to the recent scandal as we've had a code for 19 years. It is something we believe in and a big reason why lobbyists join ALL. I think many lobbyists like being affiliated with an organization that promotes high ethical standards," Miller added.

"Our profession has been unfairly attacked for years but never more than recently. The reason is simple; the public does not understand what lobbyists do or how vital our role is in the democratic process. ALL hopes this month's campaign will be the start of a continuing education for the public about what lobbying is and why it's important. We extend an open invitations to ALL lobbyists to join the league in supporting our code of ethics."

ALL adopted its first code of ethics in September 1987. Following is the current version which has been updated twice to provide basic standards of lobbying conduct.

ARTICLE I - HONESTY & INTEGRITY
ARTICLE II - COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS, REGULATIONS & RULES
ARTICLE III - PROFESSIONALISM
ARTICLE IV - CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
ARTICLE V - DUE DILIGENCE & BEST EFFORTS
ARTICLE VI - COMPENSATION AND ENGAGEMENT TERMS
ARTICLE VII - CONFIDENTIALITY
ARTICLE VIII - PUBLIC EDUCATION
ARTICLE IX - DUTY TO GOVERNMENTAL INSTITUTIONS

To get a copy of ALL's Code of Ethics log onto its website at http://www.alldc.org/ethicscode.cfm.

"Our effort this month is to bring about public awareness to our Code and what it means. It is also my hope that every lobbyist will join with ALL by subscribing to its Code. As the old saying goes, together we can make a real difference, whereas individuals we cannot. Joining with ALL will send a real statement to the public that the lobbying profession is continuing to do its part to live by a higher ethical standard in Washington," Miller concluded.

Established in 1979 as a nonprofit organization, The American League of Lobbyists (ALL) is the national professional association dedicated exclusively to lobbying. ALL's mission is to enhance the development of professionalism, competence and high ethical standards for advocates in the public policy arena, and to collectively address challenges affecting the first amendment right to "petition the government for redress of grievances."

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