<p>I would really like to become a lobbyist or a lawyer, probably environmental law. If I chose to follow the lobbyist career over being a lawyer, how would I do this? Go to law school, still? I asked my government teacher and she said that most lobbyists are not former lawyers and that they sometimes start out working with high up officials, like Senators, to establish connections and then work for an organization where those connections would be useful. Any insight on this topic would be appreciated, including what it is like to be a lobbyist.</p>
<p>Josh,
If you are a lobbyist, you can still have an environmental law practice (and vice versa). If you want to become a lobbyist, I would suggest working as a staff person while you’re in law school. Consider applying to a state agency or political office holder who specializes in environmental issues. Volunteer for a group you support and offer to act as lobbying/government relations for them. </p>
<p>Being an effective lobbyist means you should know the issue and the people to get things done in your chosen field. Both of these take time. By working as a staff person, you can do both.</p>
<p>I’m an insurance lobbyist. It took me probably 3 years before I felt like I knew more about the topic than most legislators/regulators, however, I was lobbying that whole time. While I was learning the issues, I had to make sure that I was a sincere and ethical lobbyist to merit respect from those I was lobbying.</p>
<p>A lobbyist can never lie or mislead a legislator. If you tell a legislator/regulator something that isn’t true, that legislator isn’t going to believe you the next time you go to them. They’ll probably tell other legislators not to trust you, then your effectiveness as a legislator is done.</p>
<p>The media like to portray lobbyists as bad for the political process, but I think you’ll quickly see that lobbyists are simply the mouthpiece for others. There are good lobbyists and there are slimy lobbyists, just as there are any other professions, but a slimy lobbyist won’t last too long (thank goodness).</p>
<p>I’m happy to answer any questions you might have on lobbying. Contact me anytime: <a href="mailto:mike@lobbyistfinder.com">mike@lobbyistfinder.com</a></p>
<p>Best of luck to you.</p>