Christopherson Advocates, LLC: Promoting Minnesota’s Improvement
H. K. Wilson
Crossing the threshold of the statehouse brings with it a sense of reverence. Here, the weight of history is as heavy as the Capitol dome. The bustle of state employees, public officers, and private citizens is exciting too. All are determined to carry out the state’s business.
Kirsten Christopherson Bailey, a lawyer and lobbyist, brings her dynamic energy to the environment. This energy is fueled by her passion for client advocacy. In 2020, Christopherson Advocates LLC was established by Bailey out of her passion for client advocacy, government relations, policy consulting, and legislative advocacy. Andy Eilers and Michael Mollner, her co-workers, work together to secure bipartisan support for issues that benefit nonprofit organizations and small business. This allows them to give voice to the underserved in Minnesota.
Christopherson Bailey states, “Our work is satisfying because it helps make people’s lives better.” “Some laws must be updated. It’s our clients that help us understand why and what needs to be changed. It’s unbelievably rewarding to be part of this process to improve people’s lives.
After completing her undergraduate studies in journalism, communications and public relations at St. Thomas University, Christopherson Bailey became interested in public policy and was offered a position as a staff member at the Minnesota Senate. After earning her law degree at the University of Minnesota Law School, she worked as a corporate transactional lawyer in Chicago and Minnesota before joining two Minnesota law firms that specialize in government relations. She no longer practices law but she retains her Illinois and Minnesota licenses. Her legal expertise is used to help clients solve complex problems.
Christopherson Bailey is a trusted advocate and leader in her field due to her experience in the legal and legislative environment. She is an agile strategist and quick thinker, who can pivot quickly when new information is revealed.
She says, “Additionally it is important to find the best way to communicate the plan to the client.” Clients want information in different formats, so it is our responsibility to adapt to their needs.
Promoting Minnesota’s Improvement
This flexibility was more crucial than ever during the pandemic. Maintaining relationships with legislators and their constituents required immediate adoption of new methods.
Christopherson Bailey states, “I have to praise my team.” “In the beginning it was just Michael. We did so much Zooming. Texting. And calling. It was a great year with many bills passing. We were able get funding for many important things and passed a major policy bill that was very significant to us both. Andy joined us last year when the Capitol was not yet fully open, but he did an amazing job of navigating the system and getting bills where they needed. They are both a credit to me and I am blown away at the number of people they have.
Although the pandemic disrupted Capitol routines, Christopherson Bailey’s team was determined to achieve success. The Fostering Higher Education Act, passed in June 2021 by Christopherson Bailey, gives fosters the chance to attend any Minnesota college or university with a combination of federal and state assistance and a last-dollar scholarship. A bill to establish an Office of the Foster Youth Ombudsperson was also passed. This will increase accountability in the foster system.
Christopherson Bailey explains some of the factors that make her team so successful. We take an ethical-first approach to lobbying, and we put members in a position of strength. We are able to quickly make friends and establish relationships by sharing good information. There are many types of lobbyists, and different things to lobby for. We stand proudly behind the clients we represent. We are proud to represent the people who need a voice at Capitol Hill. We love what we do and have a lot of fun doing it. We are surrounded by wonderful clients who believe in us.
Christopherson Bailey, a former staffer, recognizes the importance of legislative insiders to government advocacy. She and her team are able to communicate key issues with busy decision-makers with clarity and persuasion. They also have a deep understanding of the legislative and legal processes. Because of their diverse party affiliations, they can see beyond party lines and find solutions that others might not.
Christopherson Bailey said, “I really appreciate Andy & Michael.” They were my most trusted colleagues at Capitol and they were well-liked by both sides of the aisle. It is a wonderful story about how they met. Both were administrators on the Jobs committee. One from each chamber.
Mollner started his career as a field manager for the House DFL Caucus. Later, he moved to a staff post with the Minnesota House of Representatives. His keen understanding of the legislative process, and natural ability to connect to people, propelled him to the top of his profession. Mollner was a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives as a committee administrator.
Eilers joined the firm 2021 after a 10 year tenure at the Minnesota Senate. He was the administrator of the Jobs and Economic Development Committee from 2017-2021. This committee dealt with budget and policy issues, such as the COVID relief package passed in the 2020-2021 sessions. Eilers was also involved in multiple political campaigns before he began his legislative career. Eilers, like Mollner has gained the respect of his colleagues from all parties.
Mollner shares his perspective on finding common ground in a fractured political environment. “I have always tried to get along with people outside of politics. We discuss food, sports and family. These are the things that make it easy to connect with people. We might discover that we like the Twins, or we have a favorite restaurant. These things are always there for us to return to.”
Eilers says, “That’s sort of how we hit off.” “We got to know each other and began talking about sports and other interests. The fact that we ran the committee was bipartisan helped. All of us wanted the same results. You can build those relationships once you have opened up communication and started talking to the other side. This is how I have built many relationships at Capitol that will last a lifetime.
Christopherson Bailey says that mentoring others is also a key part of the firm’s core values. “I’ve had many mentors throughout my career and still look for mentors to help. They have helped me with advice on starting a business, what classes to take, and which law school to attend. It’s important to give back. It’s possible to always have a cup of coffee with someone, or to make a connection to help someone else. I believe this is an area in which my team does a great job.
We are here to give a bill a chance at passing.
The 2023 Session is underway and the atmosphere is electric as new members take office and people return to a fully reopened Capitol. Christopherson Advocates has also begun to take on new clients, and is preparing new strategies for the new legislative climate.
Mollner states, “The things that we are advocating are so important.” “The funds that we can provide literally transform people’s lives. We meet at the Capitol several times per week and are involved in the bills from the beginning to the end. It is difficult to pass legislation. Minnesota has many bills, and only a few get heard. We’re here to give a bill a chance at passing.
Eilers says that the clients she works with are all amazing people doing incredible things. “I had the opportunity to meet many executive directors and their staff in my previous roles and I am now able to represent them in another capacity.
Christopherson Bailey said, “Being physically able to visit the building is a huge deal, and it’s a great feeling to be able to see it in person again.” It has been an amazing journey working with so many clients. I am excited to see what the future holds. I am proud of the things I have accomplished and I am grateful to my team for their support. Our diverse personalities, perspectives and experiences are all used to solve problems and make people’s lives better.
A Glance
Christopherson Advocates, LLC
1400 Van Buren Street NE,
Ste. 200-219
Minneapolis, MN 55413.
(612) 217-2390
ChristophersonAdvocates.com
The Team
- Kirsten Christopherson Bailey, President
- Michael Mollner. Government Affairs Associate.
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Andy Eilers, Government Affairs Associate
Services
- Government Relations
- Lobbying
- Advocacy
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The post Christopherson Advocates LLC: Advocating for Minnesota appeared originally on Attorney at Law Magazine.