How to Become a Lobbyist in Georgia
If you reside in Georgia and have a passion for the law, politics and special state interests, becoming a Georgia lobbyist might be the niche you've been looking for. With a lot of due diligence and determination, a Georgia lobbyist can turn a loyalty to the people of the state into a high-powered, high-paying career of a lifetime.
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Instructions
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Pick a special interest. If you want to work as a lobbyist in Georgia, chances are you've chosen a special interest. In Georgia, lobbyists on the capitol push for legislation on everything from healthcare to pharmaceuticals to tobacco to transportation to government transparency. Some lobbyists lobby for several interests within a single category and some lobby to pass specific bills. Some lobbyists simply work for trade groups or lobbying firms as a "lobbyist" and will lobby on assignment.
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Educate yourself. Although you can work as a Georgia lobbyist without a degree, the fact is that most lobbyists are college-educated and those with law degrees can earn up to a six-figure salary. At the very least, learn the law. On the job, lobbyists are required to research legal precedents, testify at hearings, locate funding and grant sources, and be always on the lookout for -- and possibly intercept -- imminent legislation that might impact an area of special interest.
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Register as a lobbyist with the state of Georgia before attempting to communicate with legislators on behalf of a company or client and particularly if you expect to be paid for your time. Fines for lobbying without registering can run upwards of $10,000. According to the National Conference of State Legislature, single lobbyist registration for Georgia is $200 annually plus $5 for an ID card, $10 for supplemental registrations and $25 for each tax-exempt organization that you work for.
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