Elli Abdoli
Suite 250
San Rafael, CA 94901
For nearly 20 years, Elli Abdoli has counseled clients nationwide on engaging effectively in the political process to achieve business and policy objectives. She draws on deep experience navigating government processes at every level—including strategic use of the initiative and referendum process—to help clients overcome legislative and regulatory barriers.
Ms. Abdoli advises Fortune 500 companies, major trade associations, PACs, and nonprofit organizations on lobbying, campaign finance, and ethics compliance at the federal, state, and local levels. She designs and implements tailored compliance programs that allow clients to continue participating confidently in the political process while minimizing legal and reputational risk.
A nationally recognized authority on “pay‑to‑play” laws, Ms. Abdoli counsels clients on compliance with SEC Rule 206(4)‑5, MSRB Rule G‑37, and state and local laws governing political activity by government contractors. She has developed customized compliance frameworks and tools—including a mobile application—to help executives and employees meet complex reporting and disclosure obligations efficiently.
- Served as treasurer and counsel for dozens of ballot measure and independent expenditure committees.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive, multijurisdictional compliance systems for companies and nonprofit organizations to address lobby, campaign finance and ethics laws nationwide.
- Successfully advised clients through complex ethics investigations and audits.
- Advised clients on compliance with federal, state and local pay-to-play laws, including SEC Rule 206(4)-5.
- Advised clients seeking opportunities with public pension plans regarding compliance with lobby and placement agent registration requirements, as well as other ethics considerations.
- Pay-to-Play Laws: An Introduction and Overview – Corporate Political Activities 2025: Complying With Campaign Finance, Lobbying and Ethics Laws
- State and Local Government Ethics Laws – Corporate Political Activities 2025: Complying With Campaign Finance, Lobbying and Ethics Laws
- Artificial Intelligence & the New Political Frontier – Council on Governmental Ethics Laws
- Advanced Topics in Ethics and Compliance: State and Local Government Contracts
- How Political Laws Impact the Financial Services Industry: From Pay-to-Play to Lobby Laws – Practising Law Institute
- Pay-to-Play Laws: A Compliance Challenge You Can't Ignore – Practising Law Institute