An Advocate for Policy before Congress (with Christina Poehlitz)

Christina Poehlitz, an international policy advisor at Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholar LLP, helps us demystify the world of lobbying. Christina redefines lobbying as advocacy at its core—helping individuals and organizations navigate the intricate political and policy landscape of Washington, D.C. She highlights the critical role of amplifying constituents’ voices and strategically communicating their priorities to policymakers. Christina also shares practical insights into the timing of advocacy efforts, the workings of the congressional calendar, and how to make meetings impactful. This conversation is an eye-opening guide to understanding the importance of advocacy in shaping meaningful policy change.

STORY:

0:00 Introduction

1:14 Role in Big Law

2:13 Growing Up as a Diplomat's Daughter

2:54 Journey to Washington DC and Capitol Hill

5:11 Transition into Lobbying Career

7:01 Post-College Career Exploration

22:04 Modern Lobbying and Advocacy Work

30:03 AI's Role in Lobbying

31:35 Work-Life Balance and DC Life

36:39 Closing Thoughts

BIOGRAPHY:

Christina Poehlitz specializes in providing strategic advice and guidance to foreign governments and multinational corporations, including in Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Southwestern Asia, Central Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Her expertise helps clients navigate complex policies in matters related to national security, defense, and trade and investment. Christina helps her sovereign and private sector clients understand the evolving global and federal legislative landscape by keeping them apprised of relevant policy and regulatory developments and helps her clients implement comprehensive advocacy campaigns within the Legislative and Executive branches.

Christina helps raise her client’s profile on Capitol Hill and guides them through the federal funding and annual authorization processes by identifying funding and policy opportunities, and developing effective strategies to promote her client’s priorities. She received a B.A. in International Studies with a concentration on U.S. Foreign Policy and National Security from American University. She has native fluency in English and Spanish.

LINKS:

Website: https://www.arnoldporter.com/en/people/p/poehlitz-christina

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-poehlitz-a3380b157/