elections
The Legislature will Soon be in Session …
Time to Take Your Legislator Out for Coffee
By Stephanie Stuckey Benfield
GreenLaw
T
he Speaker’s gavel will bang the 2013 session of the
Georgia General Assembly on January 14th. Many
constituents will heed this as a warning to take cover
and hope that their elected representatives do as little
harm as possible. But let’s hope that others see this as an
opportunity to get more involved in the legislative process.
For lawyers, the call to engagement should be stronger
since our input can help shape better laws. We can do more
than simply checking the box to donate to the State Bar’s
lobbying efforts when we renew our bar dues (although this
is important). We can take the time to be effective advocates
for our profession.
As a veteran of 14 years under the Gold Dome, I’ve had my
share of wining and dining by lobbyists – from fine meals
at Chops to tickets to Falcons games and concerts. But
– despite the undeniable influence money has on politics
– direct contact by constituents is still an important and
meaningful p