Somewhat off topic for this blog, but Influence today published a story I wrote, The Hub of Lobbying, which describes how Massachusetts—13th among the states in population—ranks third in spending on lobbyists, behind California and New York. Total lobbying-related spending in Massachusetts in 2002 was almost $54 million. Of that, $34.6 million went to the salaries and fees of lobbyists, and nearly a third of that went to just 10 firms — seven of which are run by lawyers or affiliated with law firms.

Photo of Bob Ambrogi Bob Ambrogi

Bob is a lawyer, veteran legal journalist, and award-winning blogger and podcaster. In 2011, he was named to the inaugural Fastcase 50, honoring “the law’s smartest, most courageous innovators, techies, visionaries and leaders.” Earlier in his career, he was editor-in-chief of several legal publications, including The National Law Journal, and editorial director of ALM’s Litigation Services Division.