Is a law degree necessary for a career in lobbying? Forum

[prospect14]

This is unclear to me. On one hand I see firms, trade orgs., etc. that have lobbyists whom have just a bachelors and/or masters. On the other hand I see law firms in D.C. with high profile lobby practices like Patton Boggs, H&H, etc.

Is a law degree needed for lobbying? Or is many years of experience working on the Hill as an aide, campaign worker, other political roles, a better route?

Is it more 'who' you know rather than 'what' that would be the biggest contributer in getting a lobbying career?

[zeezoo]

pretty sure all you need is a rolodex and a line of BS

[Gametime]

If you wish to advance quickly a law degree would be more beneficial than experience.

[00TREX00]

...

[Grad_Student]

As probably one of the few posters who has worked as a Lobbyist and will be going back to that field when I graduate law school, I can probably answer all of your questions. If you want to know more about it, PM me. I don't deal with the "lack of conscience" or "bs" comments.

But short answer: No you do not need a law degree.

[orangeswarm]

Yo grad, hit me up with a little of your experience. My little bro wants to get into lobbying. I was curious what would be his best course to follow (in undergrad and graduate). Any advice I could pass on to the little guy?

[deucethejuice]

^^ keep in mind that Paul's "little" brother is probably 6'2 and hauls deer around on his shoulders while ambling toward his giant storage freezer

[orangeswarm]

Haha, that's my twin. My little bro is more civilized.

[Danya]

I spent all of last summer in DC, asking everyone I met about law school as it relates to a career in lobbying. Although I premised my question with "I WILL be going to law school..." everyone (quite unfortunately) told me that there's really no need, not to go, and that experience is much more valuable (basically, that I shouldn't waste the 3 years). They all recommended I start at the bottom, working for a Senator or Congressman (earning like 25K *weep*) and work my way up...and then become a valuable asset for a lobbying firm since I'd have many contacts and know how to get things done on the Hill.

[aleph209]

yeah - you need experience in government and congress, not a degree, though there are plenty of lawyer/lobbyists.