Political advocacy industry

Industry Snapshot

GENERAL INDUSTRY: Communications

CAREER CLUSTER: Arts, A/V Technology, and Communication

SUBCATEGORY INDUSTRIES: Business Associations; Environment, Conservation, and Wildlife Organizations; Human Rights Organizations; Labor Organizations; Lobbying Services; Political Consulting Services; Political Organizations; Professional Organizations; Social Advocacy Organizations

RELATED INDUSTRIES: Advertising and Marketing Industry; Civil Services: Planning; Civil Services: Public Safety; Defense Industry; Federal Public Administration; Legal Services and Law Firms; Local Public Administration; Philanthropic, Charitable, Religious, Civic, and Grant-Making Industry

ANNUAL DOMESTIC REVENUES: US$20.4 billion (public relations; IBIS World, 2024), US$170 billion (nonprofit institutions; Dun & Bradstreet, 2023); US$50 billion (business & professional associations; Dun & Bradstreet, 2024)

NAICS NUMBERS: 8133, 8139, 541820

Summary

The political advocacy industry focuses on creating connectivity and access between private businesses, organizations, and associations on one hand and government officials and legislators on the other. Central to the industry’s activities is lobbying, or attempting to influence the creation, passage, or defeat of legislation. The political advocacy industry represents nearly every major industry that has an interest in the decisions made by legislators and other political leaders on the local, state, and national levels.

History of the Industry

It is believed that the first manifestations of the practice of political advocacy occurred during the Roman Empire (27 B.C.E to 476 C.E.). At the time, there was no government bureaucracy through which public policy was conducted. Instead, members of the Roman senate acted not just as legislators but also as government administrators, bureaucrats, and even diplomats. Senators therefore enjoyed a great deal of contact with a broad range of people, both within the empire and in other nations. Those individuals and groups, with whom the senators enjoyed strong relationships, consistently traveled to Rome to seek senatorial audiences to promote their public policy agendas in the Senate. Senators, in turn, experienced a great deal of increased stature in the light of their large circle of friends and peers. In many cases, they saw a significant increase in their own personal wealth as a result of their public advocacy contacts.

In 1215, political advocacy was integrated into one of the most pivotal legal documents of Western civilization, the Magna Carta. The Magna Carta, as a foundational document, granted individuals the right to petition their government in the event that their interests were threatened, established legal systems, bound the king to the rule of law, and became the basis for many national constitutions and governments. More than five hundred years later, the failure of the British crown to heed the petitions of American colonies was a central theme in the Declaration of Independence of 1776.

Following the American Revolution, the US Constitution was drafted in 1787. The First Amendment, added in 1789, contained a provision similar to that offered by the Magna Carta—the private citizen’s right to petition the government for a redress of grievances. This constitutional clause not only allowed a person the right to protect his or her interests but also helped form public interest groups and organizations. As a result, the focus of political advocacy grew from a system to protect individual rights and needs to a much broader collection of industries and networks that sought representation and protection from negative public policy actions.

The ability of interest groups and individuals to solicit support from the US government, granted by the Constitution, created a new industry that worked closely with the federal government and its officials. In fact, political advocacy, at least in terms of modern government, was founded only three years after the Constitution was signed. General William Hull, who was considered a hero of the American Revolution, was hired by veterans of the Continental Army who were seeking financial compensation from Congress for their wartime duty.

Political advocacy also became one of the central vehicles in the abolitionist movement that preceded the Civil War. In the 1830s, while Congress and the federal government avoided issuing any antislavery measure that superseded states’ rights, the movement’s supporters cleverly petitioned Congress to ban slavery within the nation’s capital, the District of Columbia, which is governed by Congress itself. Though the effort ultimately failed, as Congress tabled any such legislation, it helped fuel the antislavery movement and contributed to the North-South schism.

The political advocacy industry continued to grow in strength during the post-Civil War era. President Ulysses S. Grant is credited with coining the term “lobbyist” during his presidency. As president, he often left the White House to relax in the public rooms of the nearby Willard Hotel. However, he complained that, during his visits to that establishment, people constantly approached him with questions, requests, and solicitations; he would eventually refer to these people as “those damn lobbyists.”

By the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the political advocacy industry had become one of the more controversial and widespread industries in America. Popular opinion painted the industry as either one that encouraged political corruption (by granting access to political power to a relative few insiders) or one that ensured that those who previously lacked a voice in their local, state, or federal government would have an agent making that voice heard. A number of efforts on the federal and state levels throughout the late 1800s and 1900s sought more extensively to regulate lobbying. In some cases, outright bans of the practice were issued (although never fully enforced), while other laws were passed to identify and register lobbyists and the companies for which they worked. In the mid- to late twentieth century, a more comprehensive set of laws was passed to update antiquated post-World War II lobbying laws. These laws created strict guidelines on practices involving political contributions, gifts, meetings, and other aspects of political advocacy on all levels.

The Industry Today

The political advocacy industry is a multibillion-dollar sector spanning virtually every industry and connected to every level of government. Lobbying, which is the act of soliciting government officials to support or oppose public policy initiatives, composes only one part of the industry’s endeavors. Lobbying activities also entail fund-raising efforts, such as sponsoring or holding events for political candidates to generate contributions. Additionally, political advocates help companies, associations, and organizations activate their grassroots members by assisting in grassroots campaigns. Lobbying firms also help develop their clients’ legislative agendas by writing bills and monitoring the progress of those bills through the legislative process.

The lobbying industry has taken advantage of the increased prevalence of media technology as part of its resurgence over the last few decades. Lobbyists are often teamed with or employed by public relations firms to ensure that their clients’ interests are heard not just in the capitol building but on the airwaves as well. The Internet also plays a critical role in how lobbyists acquire and use information. Because such information is so readily available online, lobbyists are able to access and monitor a greater number of political developments on behalf of a greater number of clients without being stretched too thin.

Even in times of economic downturn, the political advocacy industry remains in high demand. Special interest groups spent nearly $4.26 billion on lobbying activities in 2023, an increase from the $4.11 billion spent in 2022.

Lobbyists and political advocates operate in a number of different organizational arenas, and many companies are dedicated solely to the practice of lobbying. Some lobbying organizations, however, are part of larger law firms that conduct business that may or may not be relevant to the political advocacy they offer. In addition, many corporations, organizations, and trade associations have their own lobbyists on staff, overseeing their lobbying efforts in addition to all other aspects of government relations and affairs.

Lobbyists themselves come from a wide range of backgrounds. Many begin their careers in government, either as staff members or as legislators themselves. Others are attorneys who are intimately familiar with the laws and the legislative process. Still others are business professionals who act as their companies’ lobbyists while also performing nonpolitical corporate duties. The political advocacy industry is a dynamic environment that often calls for long days and nights (especially during legislative sessions and budget hearings). Because of this profession’s prevalence across a broad range of industries, those employed as lobbyists and advocates must generally have an understanding of—or be able quickly to familiarize themselves with—a number of often divergent issue areas.

While the US government, by virtue of its propensity to remain transparent and accessible to private citizens, is seemingly the target of the majority of the world’s lobbyists, in truth most modern democracies are heavily solicited by such professionals. Today, lobbyists are found in democracies around the world. The access granted by the US system of government, as well as its importance as a major market, has made the United States the apparent epicenter of the lobbying industry. Many foreign governments invest heavily in lobbying the US government, as do foreign-based corporations.

The United States is the most transparent democracy in this arena. For example, many countries and regional governments do not require lobbyists to register in the same manner as the United States. As a result, the US industry is far more quantifiable (both in terms of number of political advocates and in terms of the revenues generated by the industry) than are foreign industries.

Law Firms

It has become increasingly common for lobbyists not merely to suggest legislative provisions but also to write the legislative language they wish to see in final bills. For this reason, legal expertise—rather than expertise only in the area to be covered by the law—is crucial to political advocacy. As a result, lobbying and political advocacy have become specialties of entire law firms. Generally speaking, such firms locate themselves in national or state capitals, where they can enjoy maximum access to legislators. Other laws firms may specialize in representing specific industries, such as the motion picture industry. They will engage in lobbying and political advocacy as part of their overall job of representing their industries’ interests.

Potential Annual Earnings Scale. Lobbyists working as part of law firms earn varying wage levels, depending on the level of government with which they work, as well as the contract parameters established between the firm and the client. The geographic location of the position is also a factor. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2022 median starting salary for law firm associates was $135,740.

Clientele Interaction. In political advocacy, client interaction is a high priority. Advocates and lobbyists must be in constant communication with their clients in order to report on developments in the government and receive the clients’ recommendations for action. Because many clients are unfamiliar with the legislative process and the inner workings of government, lobbyists need to hold many meetings with clients, sometimes on a weekly or monthly basis. They may also engage in e-mail and telephone correspondence. These interactions might take place on multiple occasions during a week in which relevant political activity is increased.

Amenities, Atmosphere, and Physical Grounds. Law firms maintain a professional office environment with varying degrees of employee and physical amenities. Such offices are usually part of larger buildings, although some firms are located in ground-level or two-level “storefront” settings. Depending on an employee’s professional standing, individual offices may be available, although cubicles and shared offices are also common. The office atmosphere is usually high-paced, with many meetings and strategizing sessions. Hours are variable depending on the level of work performed, but for higher-level employees, the workday is often longer than average.

Typical Number of Employees. The number of political advocates and lobbyists at law firms varies based on the size of firm, the number of clients, and the size of the contracts on which they work. Some are national and even international corporations, employing hundreds of staff dedicated to political advocacy, while others are small and may operate on a local level, working for only a handful of clients at a time.

Traditional Geographic Locations. Law firms that conduct political advocacy tend to occupy office space in or near the capitals whose governments they solicit. Firms that have federal pursuits in the United States, for example, tend to be located in the greater Washington, D.C., area, while lobbyists who work with state governments tend to stay closer to state capital areas. Other firms that conduct both state and federal lobbying activities operate in major urban centers that provide them with access to transportation that can easily take them to their target government entity.

Pros of Working for a Law Firm. Law firms that offer political advocacy services present great opportunities for new and midlevel attorneys. Well-established and reputable law firms help such individuals enhance their own reputations and standing among clients and the government officials with whom they work. Lobbyists with legal qualifications are not only able to create connectivity between client and government entities, but also able to write public policy. Additionally, the salary and benefits of a political advocate working in a law firm, particularly a well-established firm, are typically above average.

Cons of Working for a Law Firm. The individual reputations of political advocates who work within law firms are closely tied to their firms’ public reputations. Advocates may find themselves turned away by government officials based not on their own qualifications but on their firms’ public standing and reputed political ideology. In addition, lobbyists may find themselves pulled in several directions at once—having less time to dedicate to one or two clients when the larger obligations of the firm require their attention.

Costs

Payroll and Benefits: Pay for lobbying and political advocacy activities vary based on the manner in which the activity is contracted. For example, some lobbyists operate on an hourly rate, while others are paid on a monthly, quarterly, or yearly basis. Benefits such as health and dental insurance are usually included.

Supplies: Law firms require computer hardware and software, basic office supplies, photocopiers, scanners, postage machines, and other office hardware. Because lobbyists are often mobile, wireless and mobile technology such as smart phones are often a necessity.

External Services: Political advocates operating out of law firms may call upon temporary employees to provide administrative support. Firms that own their own office space also often contract custodial services and, in many cases, security services. Because communications are so critical, they also utilize external telecommunications vendors to provide up-to-date cellular, voice-mail, and Web capabilities. As the nature of advocacy often requires travel, transportation can also be a significant cost, albeit often reimbursable, for lobbyists and their firms. Additionally, because they conduct a number of client luncheons and political fund-raisers, they often contract catering services.

Utilities: Law firms pay standard utilities, including telephone, Internet access, electricity, and heat. Larger firms that own their own property must also pay for trash removal, water, and sewage. Depending on the size of the firm and the number of contracts on which the company works, utilities may or may not comprise a significant portion of a law firm’s monthly expenses.

Taxes: Law firms pay corporate taxes based on the income they generate. If they own their own property, they must also pay commercial real estate taxes and other local and state taxes. Lobbyist registration expenses, not technically considered taxes but rather fees, must also be paid in states that have such protocols (although some clients pay these fees as part of negotiated contracts).

Nonprofits and Trade Associations

Nonprofit organizations and trade associations advocate on behalf of often broad and diverse constituencies, such as retired persons, energy companies, medical professionals, or animal lovers. As a result, they are responsible to sometimes extremely large and diverse constituencies. It is sometimes difficult or impossible for such organizations to please their entire membership, so they must strive to influence legislation in a manner that matches their perceived mission and the interests expressed in that mission. Nonprofits and trade associations are more likely than other political advocates to spend a significant amount of time advocating directly to their own membership as well as to legislators.

Potential Annual Earnings Scale. Most nonprofits and trade associations pay in the lower end of the lobbyist income range. Salaries trend upward if the nonprofit or trade association employer has a large membership or a significant political agenda that may command a larger-than-average percentage of its budget expenditures.

Clientele Interaction. As is the case for all political advocates, client interaction is paramount for a lobbyist. In the case of nonprofits and trade associations, however, it is particularly important that the lobbyist work closely with the client, since in most cases, the clients are either individuals or members of the organization who are relatively inexperienced in political affairs. Lobbyists must conduct frequent meetings with clients and be in consistent contact (if not consistently available).

Amenities, Atmosphere, and Physical Grounds. Most nonprofit and trade associations maintain professional work atmospheres in their office space. Depending on the space available, offices may be shared or unavailable for lower-level employees. Because nonprofits and trade associations are typically smaller than corporations, their personnel are often required to perform multiple tasks in addition to their primary duties. With the exception of high-activity periods (such as legislative budget sessions, receptions, and other events at which pertinent bills are reviewed), the average workday is generally not as demanding as it is in other political advocacy environments.

Typical Number of Employees. Nonprofit and trade associations, in general, have relatively few employees on site. However, many such organizations also have broad memberships that are led by boards of directors. Additionally, many organizations may have a number of key leadership committees containing varying numbers of volunteer members who are tasked with driving the organizations’ political activities.

Traditional Geographic Locations. Nonprofits and trade associations that conduct political advocacy and lobbying efforts are generally located in or near major urban centers (if not state or national capital cities) in order to facilitate government relations efforts. In many cases, however, they are positioned in a geographic location central to their membership, traveling to and from the capital from that base of operations.

Pros of Working for a Nonprofit or Trade Association. Political advocates and lobbyists who are part of nonprofits or trade associations have the benefit of focusing on one agenda and, thus, a relevant set of legislative pursuits. A single-minded approach such as this helps with organization and minimizes the amount of information that must be obtained from the thousands of legislative bills that are filed in each legislature every session. Additionally, by virtue of the relatively small size of most nonprofits and trade associations, employees may have many tasks to manage in addition to their own, making work fast-paced and exciting.

Cons of Working for a Nonprofit or Trade Association. Nonprofit organizations and professional trade associations rely heavily on membership dues and external donations. Salaries for staff members are generally lower than in other business sectors. Additionally, although the association or organization is expected to have a single mind on political issues, its stances must be formulated through the often challenging process of reconciling the disparate opinions and attitudes of its members. Furthermore, the relatively small size of such organizations requires employees to handle many tasks. This situation can create confusion when dealing with the complex environment of legislative policy.

Costs

Payroll and Benefits: Nonprofits and trade associations usually pay staff members annual salaries. They are aware that the salaries they pay are lower than those paid for similar work and job descriptions in other arenas, so when budgetary constraints allow, they attempt to make up for lower pay with excellent benefits. Off-site meetings and other travel expenses are usually reimbursed if they are not included in a lobbyist’s base salary.

Supplies: Nonprofit and trade associations need basic office supplies, as well as computers and smart phones (particularly for political advocates who will conduct business in the capital environment), fax machines, photocopiers, postage machines, and other such equipment.

External Services: Because of the relatively small size and budgets of trade associations and nonprofit organizations, much of their work may be distributed among external vendors. Computer and telecommunications consultants may help support operating systems, while accountants may handle member dues and contributions, as well as tax preparation. Additionally, such groups often use publishers or printing companies to produce pamphlets and promotional materials.

Utilities: Like most office environments, nonprofits and trade associations must pay for electricity and heat. In some cases, they must also pay for trash removal and recycling services. Additionally, such groups must pay for telephone and Internet service, which may include rental fees for equipment such as fax machines.

Taxes: Trade associations and nonprofit groups may pay a number of taxes, although a large volume of such organizations are tax-exempt. Some associations may be nonprofit in nature but, because they are driven by member dues revenues, must still pay commercial and corporate taxes. If they own their own real estate, such groups must also pay property taxes. Furthermore, while they may be exempt from sales taxes, they may still be subject to state and local taxes, such as hotel occupancy and meals taxes, provided that they are not on official government business.

Corporations

Many lobbyists work directly for large corporations that find their interests constantly engaged—whether positively or negatively—by legislation and public policy initiatives. These corporations find it more practical and cost-effective to engage lobbyists full time, rather than employing an outside law or consulting firm. Lobbyists of corporations in the same or related industries, such as banks or oil companies, may cooperate in their efforts on specific legislation. Sometimes, however, the interests of different companies in the same sector may diverge, particularly if they are of different sizes, are in different geographic regions, or have different attitudes toward expansion. In that case, the lobbyists working for one health insurer, for example, may pressure legislators to vote in precisely the opposite way as the lobbyists from a different health insurer.

Potential Annual Earnings Scale. A chief corporate lobbyist with ten to twenty years of experience may earn from just over $80,000 to well over $100,000 annually.

Clientele Interaction. A corporate lobbyist and political advocate’s primary client is the corporation for which that individual works. However, the work performed is usually not just on behalf of one company, but rather on behalf of an entire industry or segment thereof. In both situations, the lobbyist will be expected to report to and communicate with executives as frequently as the situation merits, in order to ensure that the proper legislation is filed, meetings are conducted, and information is disseminated among the clients.

Amenities, Atmosphere, and Physical Grounds. Corporations that conduct political advocacy or lobbying activities maintain a professional office environment. Lobbyists may or may not be located in a corporate headquarters, however, as their work may require consistent placement in a capitol building or area that may be far from the main office. In other situations, lobbyists may be placed near public relations and external affairs offices. Corporate political advocates and lobbyists usually work in a fast-paced atmosphere, particularly when items on the company’s agenda are under consideration.

Typical Number of Employees. Corporations vary in terms of personnel size. Political advocacy and lobbying activities within a corporate environment may be somewhat smaller and compartmentalized, with only a handful of lobbyists and administrative staff to support the political advocates while off site. The size of a political advocacy department depends on the amount of lobbying done, as well as the levels on which the lobbying takes place. For example, corporations that have local, state, and federal agendas employ a larger number of political advocates, lobbyists, and grassroots organizers than do companies that work solely on the state or local level.

Traditional Geographic Locations. Corporations that conduct lobbying and political advocacy may or may not be located near the target of that activity. Usually, larger corporations (which are more likely to have political interests) are located in or near major metropolitan areas in order to better conduct their main business. Lobbyists may be located on site as well, traveling to the capital in question from time to time. However, many larger corporations have satellite offices in Washington, D.C., London, and other capitals. Typically, these offices are dedicated fully to the pursuit of political advocacy and lobbying on the company’s behalf. In still other cases, companies may have regional offices dedicated to regional lobbying or grassroots organizing.

Pros of Working for a Corporation. Corporations offer a degree of stability and financial security to lobbyists and political advocates, as well as above-average salaries. They may also provide better benefits, such as insurance, profit sharing, and retirement plans, than other potential employers. Corporate lobbyists and political advocates are also usually involved in the coordination of government affairs activities, such as grassroots mobilization, position-paper writing, and speaking at seminars and conferences. These activities, among others, help diversify a corporate political professional’s daily activities. Additionally, with the clout of a major corporation behind them, those who work for such companies often enjoy a strong degree of backing among the legislators and officials with whom they meet and conduct business.

Cons of Working for a Corporation. Lobbyists and political advocates working directly for corporations may be limited in their level of access by virtue of the fact that they work for just one company. For example, they may not be seen as representative of an entire industry by legislators. Professionally, there is also a potential advancement issue for corporate political advocates, since such activities are but one part of the corporation’s overall activities. Beyond certain upper-level positions, such as vice president of government affairs or a similar executive title, political advocates do not have much room for professional growth or upward mobility within a given corporation.

Costs

Payroll and Benefits: Corporate political advocates and lobbyists are usually paid on a salary basis. These salaries are dependent on the individual’s experience and qualifications, as well as the financial strength of the corporation in question. Benefits are usually above average in quality, negotiated as part of an overall corporate package with insurance and financial consulting companies.

Supplies: Corporations require a general range of office supplies, as well as telecommunications and computer hardware such as printers, phones, and copiers. They also typically require audiovisual supplies such as screens, projectors, and related hardware. In many cases, rather than (or in addition to) personal computers, they may require laptop computers and smart phones for their mobile personnel.

External Services: Corporations, depending on their size, may use a number of external vendors for such tasks as printing and publications, off-site data storage and management, landscaping and custodial services, and caterers for professional luncheons and meetings. Larger companies may also employ security staff and even cafeteria staff that may be externally based. Additionally, they may use various modes of transportation, from taxis to corporate jets, to transport mobile staff to and from meeting sites.

Utilities: Corporations use a number of key utilities, such as telephone and Internet services, electricity, and heat. Larger corporations that own their own properties or lease large properties may also pay for water and sewage, as well as garbage-collection and recycling services.

Taxes: Corporations are required to pay corporate taxes, as well as commercial real estate taxes. They may also be expected to pay capital gains taxes on financial transactions. Additionally, they may pay taxes for state unemployment insurance programs.

Consultants

Political consultants advise clients on their political advocacy needs. Advocacy professionals who are based in consultancies rather than law firms may still have law degrees, but they see themselves as offering a wider or differently focused range of services than do legal professionals. Because lobbyists must often have expertise in the industry or sphere within which they advocate, many consultants specialize in a particular type of lobbying, such as environmental lobbying. They may also specialize in advocacy techniques that are ancillary to a law firm’s lobbying efforts, such as grassroots organizing or mounting public relations campaigns.

Potential Annual Earnings Scale. Political advocates and lobbyists who work as consultants receive salaries commensurate with their skills and reputations, as well as the scope of work performed. For example, some simply provide government affairs strategy information, while others act as their clients’ official lobbyists.

Clientele Interaction. As is the case for most political advocates and lobbyists, client interaction and communication is imperative. Political consultants generally remain in consistent contact, whether via phone or e-mail, with the client. On many occasions, a consultant will meet with senior executives or board members to create and implement legislative strategies. During periods of particularly high legislative activity (such as hearings on relevant bills, budget sessions, and other key events), the frequency of such interactions will increase significantly.

Amenities, Atmosphere, and Physical Grounds. Political consultants, by virtue of being independent of corporate or legal oversight, vary in terms of their respective professional atmospheres. Still, they are expected to demonstrate professional characteristics and appearance, particularly when in contact with clients. The atmosphere of a consultant’s workplace varies depending on the number of ongoing client projects, as well as the level of legislative or agency activity taking place. Consultants are located in a number of settings, such as urban office spaces. However, if the consultant is self-employed, he or she may work in a home office.

Typical Number of Employees. Political consultancies vary in staff size based on the number of clients and the types of activity they perform. In some cases, consultants have a number of staff, including lower-level lobbyists, researchers, interns, and administrative personnel. In others, the consultant is the sole staff representative, working out of a home office or similar venue.

Traditional Geographic Locations. Political advocacy consultants typically conduct their business close to or in capital cities, depending on the level of government with which they work. They may choose to locate in major noncapital urban areas in order to generate the largest volume of business, traveling to capitol buildings and legislative events as their work requires.

Pros of Working for a Consultancy. Political advocacy consultants generally act as independent agents outside a singular corporate or business framework. As a result, they are better able to organize their own schedules and pursuits. This arrangement may also allow them to work with a wide range of clients, industries, or issue areas. Additionally, they are generally able to avoid certain stigmas, such as political ideologies, that may attach to certain corporations or other lobbyists. Thus, they may be more able to stand on the merits of their own qualifications and professional reputations. Furthermore, for small advocacy consultant businesses, overhead expenses tend to be minimal. As a result, such businesses may present themselves as cost-effective alternatives to more expensive political advocacy firms and companies.

Cons of Working for a Consultancy. Political advocates and lobbyists who are independent of other companies, firms, and organizations must gain access to key government personnel by virtue of their own reputations. Consultants who are relatively new to the environment may have difficulty competing against more well-established lobbyists, particularly those with greater financial assets or backing. Consultants without the financial backing of major corporations or firms have expenses that must be deducted from their revenue streams. As a result, they must have enough clients and business to ensure that bills are paid and salaries are issued. In heavily saturated political advocacy markets or in economic downturns, such challenges can have a negative impact on a consultant’s financial condition. Additionally, those consultants with limited staff must often assume the workloads of others within the firm, which may hinder their ability to complete their own work.

Costs

Payroll and Benefits: Political consultants are typically paid on an hourly, monthly, or quarterly basis, depending on their contracts. Smaller consultant businesses may not have as many competitive benefits, such as health care or financial planning services, as a result of their smaller staffs. However, those smaller staffs may also result in each employee garnering a higher percentage of major client agreements and contracts, translating into higher salaries.

Supplies: Political consultants require a general range of office supplies, including stationery, computers, and smart phones. They also need fax machines, photocopiers, and related hardware. In some cases, they need overhead projectors and other audiovisual equipment. Advocates who conduct research may need computer software that enables them to conduct survey analyses and monitor targeted legislative and regulatory processes.

External Services: Consultants may contract caterers for client luncheons and fund-raisers, as well as custodial, accounting, and printing services. Many consultants subscribe to government news services, which provide real-time e-mailed reports of political events, sessions, and developments. Most require external companies to handle computer data storage and telecommunication services. They also incur the same necessary travel expenses incurred by other lobbyists.

Utilities: Political consultants must pay all relevant utilities, such as electricity, water, telecommunications, garbage pickup, recycling, and sewage.

Taxes: Consultants pay corporate taxes and property taxes. They must also account for taxation pertaining to any political donations to candidates or incumbent officials.

Industry Outlook

Overview

The political advocacy and lobbying industry has been both one of the most maligned and one of the steadiest industries in the modern economy. The industry is political in nature but, as is the case in government, has permutations in virtually every other industry in a given economy. Any company that has an interest in federal, state, or local legislation or regulations likely has direct access or, through trade associations, indirect access to a lobbyist.

The increased number of Western-style democracies (which promote the open solicitation of government officials by private citizens) in the twenty-first century indicates that the political advocacy industry will continue to play a major role in public policy making and public administration. Still, it is likely that the lobbying industry will need to undergo another evolution as government and industries alike experience fundamental changes.

While the industry outlook is strong, political advocates and lobbyists are still faced with change. To address this change, lobbying and political advocacy firms are seeking seasoned veterans to head their efforts. In other words, lobbying firms may prefer to hire lobbyists with proven legislative experience, such as former state representatives and senators, as well as others who have strong relationships with the current legislature. They may prefer such candidates over those who are simply experienced lobbyists.

In addition to personnel adjustments, political organizations must also change their tactics. The success of President Obama in the 2008 election is widely attributed to his grassroots organization, as well as his use of the internet and emerging social media. Twenty-first-century lobbyists must also be skilled at using the latest technologies to advance their causes. They must prove effective in organizing or helping organize grassroots campaigns that will send more than one message to targeted legislators.

The evolution of lobbying practices is not limited to the United States. The cohesion of the European Union means that lobbyists, while working with national governments on issues of local importance, must now also attempt to gain access to a much larger European political organization. Corporate political advocates must create new strategies in order to advance their clients’ agendas among British, French, German, and other European leaders. Such an undertaking, challenging in and of itself, is complicated by the complexity of the EU structure, whose decision-making processes alternate between the national and supranational levels.

Political advocacy and lobbying will not continue unfettered, however. There are already strict rules in place that govern and regulate lobbying on the federal and state levels. Public outcry over the influence of special interests on the U.S. government led to a series of changes in lobbying and campaign finance rules in 2002. It is widely believed that such regulatory measures will continue to be pursued in Congress, in state governments, and in other governments. Even as the European Union continues to take shape, there is a growing call for lobbying regulations in Europe similar to those passed in the United States. While campaign finance itself is not an issue in Europe (EU policy makers are not elected), the issue of access has taken a larger portion of the spotlight in recent years, and it will most likely continue to influence the industry in that region.

Lobbyists and political advocates continue to be in high demand, particularly as leaders address complex issues such as health care, international terrorism, and the further development of the global economy. Although lobbyists will remain under scrutiny from the public, the industry will continue to play a major role in the establishment of public policy.

Employment Advantages

The political advocacy industry, while focused in terms of its own activities, has broad applications across a wide range of industries and levels of governments. Lobbyists and political advocates may enjoy working with a number of industries and issue areas—a lobbyist is hired largely because of the individual’s expertise in government, knowledge of the political process, and relationships with key legislative leaders and officials. Additionally, the breadth of the industry’s domain signifies industry stability. While the key leaders and issues may change, lobbyists and political advocates remain in high demand among companies and organizations seeking access to government.

Although the 2007–2009 global economic crisis tightened budgets around the world (and, as a result, placed limitations on lobbyist pay scales), the increased demand for qualified political advocates translated into competitive salaries and benefits for such advocates. (According to a report in The Wall Street Journal, prior to the 2007-2009 recession, from 2000 until 2005, the number of registered lobbyists in Washington, D.C., more than doubled, and the amounts they charged clients increased by as much as 100 percent.) Experts found that despite the recession, corporations and industries continued to prioritize and fund lobbying for important issues.

Political advocacy is also a good occupation for activists who seek to be part of a dynamic vehicle for advancing their agendas. Individuals with a strong interest in the political process and a desire to work in a fast-paced environment often find satisfaction in the industry, as advocacy provides a voice in government for those who did not previously have or could not utilize one. Furthermore, lobbying presents employees with strong chances for advancement, either within the field itself or within another industry. This open-ended quality is due to the fact that a political advocate must become familiar with a number of industries and issue areas; the basic skills and personal characteristics political advocates must have and hone during their tenures may help significantly further their careers.

Annual Earnings

The political advocacy industry continues to generate significant earnings. In 2023, industry members were paid roughly $4.26 billion to lobby Congress, according to Open Secrets. Lobbying on an international scale is also expected to see strong earnings. Contributing to demand for international lobbyists are issues such as HIV/AIDS, climate change, and poverty. These issues increase the activity of nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that, in turn, activate their grassroots bases to push local, national, and regional governments into addressing their concerns.

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