Grassroots Lobbying, The Trial Lawyer Way
(Or “How to Save the Civil Justice System”)
Every day of our lives we, as trial lawyers, attempt to persuade or influence someone else’s opinion on an issue. Only when a government official is the target of our interest is the term lobbying appropriately used.
PaTLA actively represents the interest of its membership before the General Assembly and state agencies. The leaders of our association encourage members to become directly involved in the political process by communicating PaTLA’s positions and concerns with their elected officials. This is grassroots lobbying.
Attorneys are in an excellent position to inform, influence & educate legislators as to the ultimate effect of their actions. Our understanding and experiences as to how laws impact the daily lives of our clients provide us with a unique perspective legislators want and need to know.
KEEP PaTLA’S LEGISLATIVE OFFICE INFORMED
Sometimes legislators will develop a split personality. A commitment they give to a constituent in the home district is forgotten once they arrive in Harrisburg.
An effective lobbying campaign will hinge on whether your lobbyists & officers have precise and correct political intelligence coming from the overall membership. Whenever a PaTLA member contacts a legislator, they should keep the association informed of the legislator’s comments or commitments. Communicate with PaTLA's legislative office.
Prior to your contact with legislators, call on PaTLA’s professional staff in Harrisburg for current information about legislation, amendments, bill numbers, PaTLA’s position or to address any question you may have.
By following these guidelines, you will help build an efficient communication network between PaTLA leadership, membership and staff, and you will help preserve the civil justice system in Pennsylvania.
LOBBYING BY PERSONAL VISIT
One of the most effective ways to lobby a legislator is in a face to face visit in the legislator’s district office. Usually the visit “back home” is preferable to any other lobbying technique. You will have more quality time to discuss the details of an issue and easily organize a group meeting where you can be accompanied by a handful of clients affected by the legislation.
Furthermore, a visit in the district will reinforce the image of you as an active, voting constituent, and not only a member of PaTLA.
To maximize the impact of these meetings (see also "Do's & Don'ts of Lobbying"):
LOBBYING BY LETTER
Contacting a legislator by letter is a powerful lobbying technique.
A legislator seriously considers every hand written, thoughtful, well-documented and individually prepared letter. Our elected officials understand an issue’s importance if a sizeable number of constituents make an effort to communicate to them in a personal letter.
As you prepare your letter, there are a few important guidelines to follow:
LOBBYING BY TELEPHONE
Making a telephone call to your legislator is effective when an issue is moving quickly. Here are some tips for lobbying by telephone:
By following these guidelines, you will help build an efficient communication network between PaTLA leadership, membership and staff, and you will help preserve the civil justice system in Pennsylvania.
How else can you make an impact?
Join PaTLA's Legislative Network.
Contribute to LAWPAC.