The current challenges faced by Congress in passing legislation have shifted the policy landscape. Decades of poor drafting, continuing resolutions, and funding patches have slowly weakened the legislative branch, leading to unbalanced power dynamics. In this environment, regulators and courts increasingly shape the rules that impact our industry.

Enter the NAW Legal Policy Center

At NAW, we recognize the critical need to advocate for our members in every branch of government. That is why our Government Relations Department is expanding their role to defend the industry by establishing the NAW Legal Policy Center – to ensure your voice is heard, and your interests protected wherever policy is made.

NAW has always been the lead advocate in Washington DC for the wholesale distribution community, this new center extends that voice by working with skilled attorneys specializing in pursing precedent-setting litigation in defense of free enterprise. It is a key legal resource for NAW members, helping you navigate regulations and laws that impact your business. To succeed in the legal space the LPC will employ many of the same strategies that have worked so well in impacting Congress, hiring skilled advocates, building coalitions, drafting innovative policy ideas and aggressively leaning into free market capitalism.

Meet the Director of
Litigation and Legal Policy

We are thrilled to have Karen Harned, President of Harned Strategies LLC, serving as the Director of Litigation and Legal Policy. Karen brings over 35 years of experience in legal policy and advocate for small business to the role.

For more than 20 years, she served as Executive Director of the National Federation of Independent Business’ (NFIB) Small Business Legal Center, which she build from the ground up. Under her leadership, NFIB successfully won two historic, precedent-setting cases before the United States Supreme Court.

Your Support is Crucial

Our ability to effectively represent you in the regulatory and judicial arenas depends on the strength of the NAW Legal Policy Center. Your contributions make it possible for us to continue this vital work. By donating to the NAW Legal Policy Center, you are directly supporting the efforts to protect and advance our industry.