What Does a Lobbyist Do?

A lobbyist is someone who is paid to represent the interests of particular constituents for the purpose of influencing and/or affecting legislation or regulations. Under the law, political party officials, news media and elected government officials (while performing the duties of office) are not considered lobbyists.

Much like an attorney might represent an individual or group in court, or a PR practitioner would represent a client to the media, a lobbyist represents organizations, associations or business groups to legislators and regulatory agencies at the state and federal level. On issues of licensing, taxes, regulation, corporate incentives, environmental mitigation and much more, a lobbyist, or lobbying group, understands the policies, legislation and process of how a bill becomes law and how to influence bills before they become law. In addition, successful lobbyists have skills and government contacts they have nurtured over the years that can lead to productive relationships for their clients.