The Institute for Free Speech is pleased to welcome Gary Lawkowski as a pro bono Senior Fellow. As a Senior Fellow, Gary will assist IFS in analyzing legislation and regulatory proposals that affect First Amendment political speech rights.

Gary brings a wealth of experience in campaign finance and political law to IFS. He is currently Counsel at Dhillon Law Group, where he works on political law, election law, administrative law, appellate work, and nonprofit issues. Previously, he served in various capacities at the U.S. Department of the Interior, including as Counselor to the Secretary, and also served as a Senior Policy Advisor at the White House Domestic Policy Council.

Gary spent over four years as counsel at the Federal Election Commission, including stints with former Chairman Lee Goodman, former Vice Chairman Don McGahn, and, most recently, Commissioner Sean Cooksey. That experience has allowed him to see up close how campaign finance laws harm First Amendment rights.

“The freedom to express your opinion about government and work with others to do the same is one of the things that sets America apart as ‘the last best hope of Earth.’ Yet, too often, government regulators think they know best, and try to impose stifling burdens on these basic liberties,” said Gary. “I am excited to work with the Institute for Free Speech to fight for, protect, and pass down to the next generation the First Amendment rights we hold dear.”

Please join us in welcoming Gary to our team.