We are in a legislative recession. According to the Washington Post, the current Congress is the most “do nothing” Congress in history. Up to the August recess, the 113th Congress had passed only 108 bills that change current law. That’s the lowest number in 30 years.
At the same time that we have a “do nothing” Congress, we have “do everything” federal agencies. With the SEC and EPA leading the way, regulatory activity is booming. Engaging the executive branch has become vital. Leaders of government affairs teams must now cross-purpose staff and when recruiting new staff, both the profile and portfolio of candidates has evolved to a legislative and regulatory hybrid. The lines between legislative and regulatory work are no longer “bright”.
At the same time, corporate Washington offices facing this new environment are under pressure to achieve more with fewer resources. Demonstrating value has never been more challenging.
In today’s world, professionals who simply provide access to decision makers, but offer no “heavy lifting” capabilities are fast becoming dinosaurs. A lobbyist today must substantively work federal agencies as well as the Congress and be able to pivot from regulatory work to legislative advocacy seamlessly.
Value oriented corporate government affairs departments are recruiting multidimensional government relations professionals who can navigate all of the branches of government. Sustainable careers will be built by those hybrid professionals who can draft comments to rulemakings by day and “hob-nob” in the evening. Just as in the NFL, the pure pocket passer in government relations is being eclipsed by the dual threat talent.
TMG’s Take is a regular e-mail advisory produced by The McCormick Group. The company’s Legal, Government Affairs, and Law Firm Management groups combine the expertise of more than 15 Consultants to help law firms fulfill all of their lawyer and administrative recruiting needs. TMG’s Take covers topics across the spectrum of law firm management, including associate and partner compensation, growth strategies, marketing and business development, operations and facilities management, finance and accounting, professional development, and technology. Please direct all inquiries to Steve Nelson, Managing Principal at (703) 841-1700 or snelson@tmg-dc.com.
