Joseph M. Birkenstock is a former Chief Counsel of the Democratic National Committee and presently advises Members of Congress, major non-profit organizations, trade associations, and Fortune 500 corporations about the requirements of campaign finance, ethics, and lobbying regulation. He is a member in the political law practice of Caplin & Drysdale, Chtd., in Washington, D.C. Mr. Birkenstock's practice focuses on advising corporations, non-profit organizations, candidates, officeholders and other clients in structuring new political entities and administering their political, lobbying and issue-advocacy projects. He also helps clients respond to controversies involving issues of political law such as alleged campaign finance improprieties, conflicts of interest and real or perceived violations of other legal and ethical obligations.