Asked & Answered: Uncertainty means opportunity in lobbying

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Experienced government relations attorney Tom Poul says that uncertainty is inherent in the legislative process.

That uncertainty also creates opportunity for the likes of Poul Haas Government Relations. Poul and Nancy Haas, both formerly of Messerli Kramer’s Government Relations Division, launched their St. Paul, Minnesota-based firm in January 2023.

“In general, clients hire us because there are a lot of unknowns,” Poul said. “They want insight. They want clarity. They want help with the people, the process and the politics.”

This year’s unprecedented start, with House Democrats boycotting and suing Republican counterparts over an allegedly “unlawful” session, is unlike anything Poul has seen.

“When the dust settles, it’s going to require bipartisan cooperation to get things done, particularly a budget,” Poul said.

Poul Haas offers traditional legislative support and engages with state agencies and the governor’s office. It also manages some of the associations it represents.

Name: Tom Poul

Title: Principal, Poul Haas

Education: B.A., political science, University of Minnesota-Duluth; J.D., William Mitchell College of Law

Q: Best way to start a conversation with you?

A: Talk about my dogs or others’. A comfort zone also is family, travel and hockey.

Q: Why law school?

A: In college, I got involved in student government. I ran for and was elected student body president and worked with the Board of Regents at the University of Minnesota. That was my first taste of politics and policy, and I liked it. That led to an internship in Washington, D.C., with Congressman (Bill) Frenzel. Most of the people whose jobs I thought would be interesting had law degrees.

Q: What are you reading?

A: I love history, so right now I’m listening to “Team of Rivals” by Doris Kearns Goodwin, about the genius and the kind of the trials and tribulations of Abraham Lincoln.

Q: Pet peeve?

A: Not having a response to an email, a call or a text.

Q: Best part of your work?

A: The people. I feel privileged to work with some of the best and brightest, talented individuals and professionals in government and business. There are so many people that are driven to either be successful or to make this place better.

Q: Most challenging?

A: Probably the schedule, particularly around the legislative session. There’s such unpredictability and uncertainty. With a family or other obligations, it’s hard to commit to a dinner or a show or spring break with the family or vacation. Any of those things during session are kind of on hold or you never know if they’re going to happen or not. You think it’s going to end by the end of May, but for the last number of years, it rolls into the summer. Special sessions aren’t so special anymore.

Q: Where would you take someone visiting your hometown?

A: Eden Prairie is a lot different now than when I grew up there. But it’s known for its parks and trails. The crown jewel is the Richard T. Anderson Conservation Area. You would never realize you’re in the suburbs when you’re walking through. It’s a little slice of heaven.

Q: Legal figure you admire?

A: (The late) Ramsey County District Court Judge James Campbell. He gave me my first job, as a judicial law clerk, as a freshman in law school. He taught me a lot about life and the law both with how he treated people in the courtroom. He listened. He was incredibly respectful, really compassionate.

Q: Misconception about your work?

A: There are a lot of stereotypes about lobbying: it’s corrupt, unethical or just plain shady. Those are completely inaccurate, misguided and vestiges of the past. The Campaign Finance Board has significant requirements on disclosure. We’re a pretty clean state when it comes to government interaction in the private sector. Lobbyists get a bad rap, but they play a critical role in the dialog between legislators and the public.

Q: Favorite book, movie or TV show about lawyers?

A: “The West Wing” was really well done. “The Brethren,” a book about the Supreme Court and what happens behind the scenes.