What Is Lobbying?

1. What Is Lobbying?
By: Rodney Malpert

2. What Is Lobbying?
Holding a law degree from Cornell University, Rodney Malpert is a partner with Fragomen, Del
Rey, Bernsen & Loewy. Experienced in pre-hire processes, legislative analysis, corporate
reorganizations, non-immigrant statuses, and lobbying, Rodney Malpert is a speaker and a
contributor to many organizations, including the Society for Human Resource Management.

3. What Is Lobbying?
An essential element in achieving social change, lobbying is an activity done with the interest of
reaching crucial decision-makers on a particular issue. The main difference between campaigning
and lobbying is that unlike the former, which seeks to influence a large number of people, lobbying
targets a small group of key people. Often backed by thorough research, lobbying focuses on
engaging with target audiences such as company chiefs, legislators, or mayors in a way that will
attract their interest and bring about a change in policy.

4. What Is Lobbying?
Although most lobbyists are professional advocates who perform the role of influencing political
decisions on behalf of organizations and individuals, anybody with good communication skills can
lobby effectively. Lobbyists help organizations and individuals communicate their views on issues
of public interest to opposing parties and the government, often facilitating better outcomes for the
community.

5. What Is Lobbying?
Lobbying in conferences, via consultations, through telephone communication, in public meetings,
and face-to-face are some of the ways to lobby.