What Does a Lobbyist Do When the Legislature Isn't In Session?

Authored By: Chris Mitchem

When the Indiana General Assembly adjourns each year, lobbyists inevitably hear some version of the same question:

"So what does a lobbyist do for the rest of the year?"

The popular image is that lobbyists spend the seven or eight months between sessions with their feet up, thumbs twiddling, waiting for lawmakers to come back to town.

The truth is, what happens between sessions can be just as important as what happens when lawmakers are back in the Statehouse.

While a legislative session in Indiana typically lasts 3-4 months, effective advocacy is a year-round endeavor. Much of the work that determines whether a client priority succeeds or fails next session happens between legislative sessions.

Building Strategy Before Bills Exist

Many people assume lobbying begins when the bill is filed. In reality, some of the most valuable work happens months or years beforehand.

Out-of-session months provide an opportunity to sit down with clients, discuss long-term goals, evaluate the previous session, and begin developing legislative strategies for the year ahead.

That often includes helping clients think through potential bill concepts, identifying political and fiscal considerations, and assessing how proposals may be received by lawmakers, agencies, stakeholders, and the public.

The best legislative strategies are rarely built overnight.

Reading the Political Tea Leaves

Politics often drive policy.

The conclusion of the 2026 session flowed almost immediately into a highly consequential election cycle.

Following Indiana's recent primary elections, the VanceMitchem team has spent considerable time analyzing results, identifying shifts in legislative dynamics, and evaluating what those outcomes mean for our clients. Which lawmakers gained influence? Which committee chairs may approach issues differently? What policies appear to be gaining momentum?

Understanding the political landscape helps clients anticipate challenges and opportunities before they arrive.

Following the Action Outside the Statehouse

Just because lawmakers aren't meeting at the Statehouse doesn't mean policy discussions stop.

The Legislative Council, an interim committee composed of bipartisan General Assembly leaders, recently unveiled a list of study topics assigned to committees. Interim study committees examine some of the state's most significant policy issues and often serve as the launch pad for future legislation.

Further, state agencies continue issuing reports, proposing regulations, and implementing new laws. Budget forecasts, revenue projections, and fiscal analyses can dramatically alter the outlook for future legislative priorities.

Good lobbyists stay ahead of these developments to help clients be proactive rather than reactive.

Taking the Conversation on the Road

A surprising amount of lobbying happens far away from the Indiana Statehouse.

Outside of session, we spend significant time traveling both across Indiana and around the country. That may mean meeting with clients in their communities, sitting down with legislators in their districts, attending national policy conferences, or engaging with Indiana's federal delegation on issues that impact the state.

These conversations provide valuable perspective on emerging policy trends, economic developments, and best practices from across the country. They also help ensure that when the next legislative session arrives, our clients are helping shape policy, rather than reacting to it.

Legislative advocacy is ultimately a people business, and those relationships are built year-round.

The "Offseason" Isn't Really an Offseason

The legislative calendar may have an offseason. Lobbying does not.

While the public often sees the committee hearings, floor debates, and bill signings, much of the work occurs behind the scenes long before a proposal receives a bill number. The interim is when we develop strategies, strengthen relationships, refine priorities, and lay the groundwork for success in the next legislative session.

By the time lawmakers return to Indianapolis, the work is already well underway.