Practice Areas
Experts in Pro-Gun, Pro-Defense Issue AdvocacyPro-Gun, Pro-Defense Issue Advocacy
For two decades, Mark Barnes & Associates has worked closely with the firearms and defense industries and pro-gun advocates nationwide to build coalitions and relationships with key legislators and policymakers to advance public policy initiatives important to the firm’s clients. With many years of experience, a deep understanding of the firearms business and a passion for protecting the Second Amendment, the firm’s attorneys give clients both the legal and legislative affairs assistance they need to address their public policy concerns. On behalf of its clients, the firm has engaged on a number of major defense and firearms issues, including:
- U.S. military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan
- Legislative restrictions on the use of government firearms data
- Federal firearms trace data collection
- Taxpayer-funded anti-gun research
- Government-mandated security regulations for all Federal Firearms Licensees
- The National Instant Criminal Background Check System
- Protection of gun-show sponsors’ rights
- “Curio or relic” firearms matters
- Concealed carry laws
- Normal trade relations with Serbia and Montenegro for firearms exports
- U.S.-origin issues for returning firearms to the United States
- Arms brokering – remarks before the United Nations Small Arms Conference
- Importation of nonsporting barrels and receivers legislative advocacy
Areas of Expertise
Firearms, Ammunition and Explosives Law
Mark Barnes & Associates has been practicing firearms, ammunition and explosives law for the last 20 years. The firm represents a range of clients, including many of the largest firearms manufacturers, importers, dealers, distributors and defense contractors, before federal agencies including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Department of State, and the U.S. Department of Commerce, as well as state and local agencies, on regulatory compliance, transactional and other legal matters. We also serve individuals and collectors who need sophisticated legal advice. In addition, the firm provides critical legal services to domestic and international clients concerning import and export matters in their business dealings with the United States.
Legislative Affairs
Clients turn to Mark Barnes & Associates for assistance in proposing, opposing and amending federal legislation that impacts their business and trade association interests. The firm and its clients strongly believe in and are committed to the constitutional right to keep and bear arms. Accordingly, the firm provides counsel on legislative projects and advocates on behalf of clients to strike a reasonable balance between regulatory concerns and the freedoms enumerated in the Constitution. Mark Barnes’ legislative background working for former U.S. Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) gives him the insight needed to assist clients with challenging public policy issues requiring intervention by proposing legislative amendments or enacting legislation.
Administrative Law
Mark Barnes & Associates frequently presents policy arguments on behalf of clients before federal regulatory agencies. Clients encountering obstacles in federal law to achieving their business objectives turn to the firm for advice and counsel in order to argue persuasively for adopting new interpretations, rulings, and even proposed rule making.
Audits and Investigations
Mark Barnes & Associates has conducted numerous internal audits and corporate compliance investigations, as well as assisted white-collar criminal defense counsel in defending corporations and individuals subject to federal and state investigations related to weapons, explosives and firearms.
Import & Export Controls
Mark Barnes & Associates practices regularly before the State Department, the Commerce Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to help clients conduct import and export transactions related to firearms, accessories, sporting shotguns and defense articles, including military and law enforcement firearms, with nations all over the world. The firm also works with local counsel, customs brokers and others in foreign nations to ensure the smooth and effective execution of these transactions.
Legal Counseling
Mark Barnes not only is trained as a firearms attorney, but also has an extensive professional background in the private sector and government, including service as associate director for administration and deputy general counsel at the Office of Personnel Management, where he handled labor and employment issues, and at the Department of Health and Human Services, where he advised and counseled the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Mark Barnes & Associates draws on Mr. Barnes’ broad experience to assist clients in finding creative solutions to their business and regulatory problems, which frequently involve matters outside the firm’s core practice areas. In addition, the firm maintains excellent relationships with numerous consulting attorneys and specialists whom we can consult on virtually any business problem.
Working Hours
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Our D.C. Location
1775 I Street NW
Suite 1150
Washington, DC 20006
Call US
Fax: (202) 626-0088