Make a Difference – Join the ISBA Capitol Counsel Team for Grassroots Lobbying Q. What is the ISBA Capitol Counsel Team? The Capitol Counsel Team is a network of ISBA members who feel strongly about legislative issues that affect the justice system. Capitol Counsel Team members – as lawyers and constituents – generally communicate with their own legislators through personal meetings and correspondence to assist them on issues of concern to the organized bar. Q. What are the benefits of joining? Joining the Capitol Counsel Team provides you with the opportunity to play a role in the development of public policy that furthers the interests of justice, promotes the legal profession, and protects the rule of law. It's also a way to become more involved in your bar association. Q. How do I join? Start by completing the membership form. The ISBA will send you a survey asking for the specific area of expertise in which you would feel comfortable lobbying members of the General Assembly. Q. The ISBA has a Legislative Affairs Department. Why do they need me? The Legislative Affairs Department actively works with legislators on a daily basis. However, effective contacts from ISBA members who are local community leaders, as well as CONSTITUENTS, are an integral part of our lobbying efforts and important to our continued success. Q. How much time will it take? We recognize that you have a very busy schedule, and we will limit our request for assistance to only the most pressing situations. Q. What are the ISBA's current legislative priorities and how are they selected? The ISBA Assembly and Board of Governors develop our legislative priorities. A package of bills, which vary from session to session, is approved at the Midyear Meeting in December. Through our section councils and committees, the ISBA takes positions on bills initiated and introduced by members of the General Assembly. Q. How will I know when to contact the Legislature? You will receive a Legislative Alert by e-mail or fax, along with background information and a fact sheet on the issue. Q. What can I do to improve my effectiveness as a Capitol Counsel Team member? The Department of Legislative Affairs will help you stay current on the issues that are important to you through: • A free copy of the Legislative Bulletin • Legislative staff to answer any questions you may have Q. I know my legislator well – we went to law school together. Does this help? Absolutely. That makes you a "key contact." Communications from key contacts are very influential and play an important role in the ISBA's legislative advocacy program. But you must be sure to let us know about such relationships. Sign up today!