Wiley Updates Its Essential FARA Handbook for 2021

January 14, 2021

Washington, DC – Wiley has updated its indispensable handbook on the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) for 2021. A long-standing disclosure statute, FARA seeks to ensure that all persons engaged in certain covered activities within the United States – on behalf of foreign entities and foreign persons – properly disclose their activities to the U.S. government.

This handbook provides a general overview of FARA, such as the factors that govern whether an entity must register with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ); the registration process; the obligations of registered agents; and the penalties that may be imposed for FARA violations.

Recent developments in FARA enforcement are addressed in the updated edition, including registrations for media outlets; heightened focus on China and U.S. technology activities; and the DOJ’s new guidance, The Scope of Agency Under FARA (published July 2020).

Daniel B. Pickard and Tessa Capeloto, partners in Wiley’s International Trade Practice, co-authored the handbook. The authors address key themes including:

• Registration requirements under FARA
• Penalties for noncompliance
• Additional indictments under FARA

Wiley has a well-established FARA practice and routinely advises a wide range of clients (including foreign governments, lobbyists, public relations firms, law firms, and tourism agencies) on whether registration is required under FARA and the requirements for registration. The firm’s attorneys actively assist clients with completing and executing their FARA filings while ensuring full compliance with the law. The team also regularly drafts advisory opinion requests on behalf of clients to the National Security Division of the DOJ, with a solid track record of success, and assists clients in navigating FARA audits.

The updated handbook can be read here.

For more information about FARA, please contact Tessa Capeloto (202.719.7586 or tcapeloto@wiley.law).