Institute of Politics

Overview of Organization:

Third Reading Consulting Group is a firm with seasoned lobbying professionals who navigate the legislative process and halls of government with integrity, influence, and savvy.

The firm has played central roles in shaping Illinois policy and politics for decades, maintaining strong relationships with lawmakers, members of the executive branch, statewide associations, staff, and others in our industry.

At Third Reading, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. The firm’s lobbyists pair their insight and expertise with a full slate of services to execute a winning strategy that is unique to a client’s goals and bottom line.

Internship Summary:

We are a lobbying firm, focus the majority of our practice before the Illinois General Assembly. Interns will have the opportunity to research and evaluate policy, plan events, catalogue contacts for both policy and political offices, and visit the Capitol. Interning with us will give you the ability to see the reality of lobbying first-hand. We have an office in the Beverly neighborhood of Chicago, and also in Springfield. We all live in or nearby Chicago, but are in Springfield the majority of the time January through May. Accordingly, while we are happy to meet in person when we are in the Chicago area, we expect that much of our work together will be via phone/Zoom/email.

Responsibilities:

• Public policy research
• Illinois General Assembly committee hearing coverage
• Memo drafting
• News coverage
• Administrative office responsibilities

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Acute attention to detail
• High degree of professionalism

About the Supervisor:

Ben has over 20 years of experience practicing law, for the majority of which he has specialized in government affairs. He has practiced law at several firms, clerked for the Chief U.S. District Court Judge for the Southern District of Alabama, and served in-house as a multi-state governmental affairs professional on behalf of a national, publicly traded company. He is experienced at influencing and interpreting legislation and working with government officials, corporate team members, employees of competing businesses, and other outside counsel. He serves on the Board of Trustees of the National Association of State Lobbyists, is on the Board of Illinois’ Business and Industry Federation of Economic Concern, and is active with the State Government Affairs Council. Ben also previously completed SGAC’s Professional Certificate Program, which is the only program of its kind designed specifically for state government affairs professionals. He also serves as an elected Commissioner of the Kenilworth Park District. On a pro bono basis, he serves on the Policy and Government Affairs Committee of the Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center. This nonprofit organization coordinates the efforts of child protection staff, law enforcement, family advocates, medical experts, and mental health clinicians under one roof on behalf of victims of child sexual abuse. Ben holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from the University of Michigan and a law degree from the University of Notre Dame, where he graduated cum laude. He also is an Eagle Scout in what is now known as Scouting America.

Eligibility:

Graduate students Undergraduate students Domestic students

Location, Modality, and Commute:

Leaning Remote Due to the legislative session, we are largely available via phone and electronically. Interns are welcome to come to Springfield as available, and we are happy to meet in Chicago when available. 9009 South Western Avenue, Chicago, IL; 220 East Adams Street, Springfield, IL

Start and End Date:

The Academic Year internships will take place according to the IOP’s timeline, with specific dates and weekly hours to be determined by the employer partner and intern during the interview process:

• Onboarding: November – December 2026
• Intern Work Period: January – May 2027