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Lawyers Rush In to Grab Work From Lobbyists

Having fewer restrictions on lawyers' activities attracts clients

By Gabriel Winant, Newser User

Posted Apr 21, 2009 10:02 AM CDT

(Newser) – The Obama White House may have toughened rules on lobbyists, but the bonanza of new spending and regulation ushered in by the new administration has created a gold rush of lobbying opportunities, nonetheless, and law firms are horning in on the action, Politico reports. Staffing up with experts who provide similar services but aren't registered lobbyists, they offer an end run around rules banning lobbyists from meetings.

Law firms can talk to agencies, points out a lawyer at a newly beefed-up firm, and lobbyists can’t. “The focus on more complex issues, including health care and climate change, and the amount of activity going on at regulatory agencies all mitigate toward bigger operations with more technical capabilities.” Those “bigger operations” are a big draw for former elected officials who might ordinarily become lobbyists, including former Sens. John Warner and Gordon Smith.

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Former Rep. Jon Porter now works for a law firm doing lobbying-style work. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Lobbyist Paul Miller is seen on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, March 20, 2009. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Former Sen. Gordon Smith now works for a law firm doing lobbying-style work. (AP Photo/Jackie Johnston)

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Things are changing rapidly everyday, with new ideas and new legislation. We can pivot in a moment to help a client. - Former Rep. Jon Porter, now in charge of Akerman Senterfitt's government affairs team

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Lawyers Rush In to Grab Work From Lobbyists