Top Law Schools

I don't know much outside of some casual internet searching. I'm interested in policy making (specifically, water usage/rights/laws) and curious to what TLS types know about lobbying and lobbyists in general.

sra_sundance wrote:I don't know much outside of some casual internet searching. I'm interested in policy making (specifically, water usage/rights/laws) and curious to what TLS types know about lobbying and lobbyists in general.

Well, for water stuff, there are two tracks I know of that could lead to lobbying:

- JD -> water govt job or permit stuff at a firm, network ass off -> lobbying
- science-y UG -> water govt job, network ass off -> lobbying

Most lobbyists either have experience on The Hill or extensive experience within the industry for which they're lobbying. The job can be great, a lot of fun if you're passionate about what you're lobbying for, and potentially really lucrative as well, or it can be soul-sucking and make you feel dirty all over. For non-profit lobbying though, which it sounds like you're most interested in, it's probably not too difficult to get a foot in the door, especially if you have a law degree.

One of the big keys though to lobbying is just understanding how Washington works. It's virtually impossible to be effective if you don't, so if you're applying now, schools in the DC area would definitely give you a leg up in that regard.

You can be a lobbyist without a JD.

Thanks for your responses! I appreciate that we all have different knowledge bases to pull from

I'm a science-y type and am looking to use my science background and abilities in capacities like this one...more long term than anything (I subscribe to the idea that many younger people now will have a few 5-10 year careers than one 30 year one)

I'm currently a registered lobbyist applying to law school. I agree with the above comments, but remember that lobbying can happen in various arenas - not just Washington. Local, county, state, and regional lobbying can at times be more effective then pushing for overarching federal change (ie: gay marriage, medical marijuana, etc).

The key is to know your issue inside and out, be a good listener, offer clear solutions but be willing to compromise, don't take things personally, and be ready to fight your ass off every single day.