In developed countries, a growing number of lawyers have become lobbyists, and they are very successful at it. In fact, lawyers are nowadays considered as one of the most successful lobbyists around.
Before we dwell further on lawyers playing the role of lobbyists, let's get this question out of the way first - What is a lobbyist? Well, a lobbyist is actually an activist and their primary task is to promote the `positions' of the group or individual who hired him or her. Their work mostly involves changing public opinions and influencing the power brokers.
The field is so lucrative that many law firms have established units to handle advocacy and governmental affairs to help their `employers' navigate the complexities of international politics, for instance.
But for youngsters, take note that when you approach institutions of learning or job fairs, no course counselors will advise you to take up lobbying as a profession. This is because there is no such course available!
Lobbying, as in the case of attorneys doing it, is something which kind of "come about" after practicing law for a couple of years, especially when the attorney is constantly exposed to state-federal organizations in their daily endeavor. Lobbying firms are on the constant lookout for top lobbyists because it is a multi-billion dollar industry.
One key reason why lawyers make good lobbyists is because they have a good ear, are well versed in the area of law, and have the ability to navigate the complexities of government. The existing system in many developed countries is such that there is a lot of space for negotiation (read business opportunities).
But of course some lobbying firms prefer former legislators as lobbyists. But then again, many legislators are lawyers!
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