Global Notice disciplined by Ethics Commission
Contributed by SCPA

Global Notice, the firm that sought state certification as the sole provider of internet legal notices, has been disciplined by the state Ethics Commission for failing to register as a lobbyist principal.

A consent order approved by the Ethics Commission Wednesday, September 19, stated Global Notice admitted it unintentionally violated the lobbyist registration law.

The Commission issued a written warning to the North Carolina based company, which is seeking a change in the law to establish it as the sole provider of internet legal advertising. Such public notices currently must be published in newspapers.

The company blamed the mistake on its lobbying firm, Southern Strategy Group.

Lobbyist Brandon Dermody said in the consent order a "grave and unfortunate administrative error was made by my office."

Bill Rogers, executive director of the S.C. Press Association, said, "It seems convenient to blame someone else and by doing so avoid any consequences. I suspect the Ethics Commission entertains many pleas that the violation of the law was unintentional, but nevertheless imposes punishment."