Guidance from Professionals

A lobbyist must be able to compromise and be aware that the legislators might not give everything they ask for in a piece of legislation. This skill in lobbying involves client expectation management (if a lobbyist is lobbying on behalf of a specific client). The lobbyist must make the client aware that they may not receive everything they expected in a particular piece of legislation since compromises between lobbyists and different political factions alter legislation. Additionally, amendments to bills are made by legislators which can change what the client of the lobbyist wanted.

Personal and professional integrity and relationship building are also critical to effective lobbying.

Credibility and relationship building are critical in lobbying (this relates to the ethical obligations that lobbyists must follow). Lobbyists should make lawmakers aware of both the positive and negative sides to their issue or piece of legislation they are supporting (this is part of building a relationship with legislators). They need to make lawmakers aware of the negative side of their issue because the lawmaker has to weigh those sides when considering the right approach regarding any issue. Furthermore, if a lobbyist is not forthcoming with legislators and does not share the negative parts to their proposed law, the lobbyist will lose credibility with legislators on future issues.

Always look to build coalitions.

Coalition building is also important for lobbyists since it allows separate associations to combine their efforts in passing legislation that relates to their respective organizations. Legislators will be more willing to consider legislation if a wide variety of organizations back the legislation. Coalition building also allows different organizations to collaborate on issues and address these issues in a holistic manner.

For more information, links are available for important lobbying laws and regulations that lobbyists must follow in New York State and New York City. This is a link to the New York State Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government: ethics.ny.gov

This is a link to the Office of the City Clerk for the City of New York for lobbying laws in New York City: cityclerk.nyc.gov

Additional Resources

Lawyers Alliance for New York: FAQ's for Lobbyings

Nonprofit New York: nonprofitnewyork.org
This website allows for those inquiring into lobbying in NY to participate via online forum, in person trainings, and many other ways. Additionally, this website stays current on issues related to legislation within New York. A good overall resource to have on the website.

The Office of the City Clerk for the City of New York for lobbying laws in New York City: nonprofitnewyork.org
NYC lobbying laws, regulations, restrictions. Also contains useful links for lobbying forms, announcements, and training.

New York State Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government: ethics.ny.gov
This site has the most information concerning the latest legislation change (JCOPE à COLEIG)

Alliance for Justice (New York): afj.org
Information on lobbying activities, thresholds, and other restrictions on lobbying related activities conducted. More of a broad overview of lobbying; specific to New York though.