One of the most challenging and time consuming lobbying initiatives involves an all-out effort to move a piece of legislation through the legislative process, or to defeat a bill with otherwise strong legislative support. Major legislative campaigns involve in-depth political analysis, strategic planning and extensive negotiations. These campaigns require a strong commitment of time and resources on behalf of the firm and the client.

An affirmative campaign often involves comprehensive research and information gathering, drafting legislation and sponsor's memoranda, obtaining bill sponsors, drafting support memos on behalf of the client, seeking support from other interest groups, persistent written and personal communication with lawmakers, and organizing a grass roots efforts. The ultimate goal is to have the bill placed on a committee agenda, reported to the floor, passed in both houses of the Legislature, and signed into law by the Governor.

A major defensive legislative campaign is required when a lawmaker actively seeks passage of a bill that is opposed by the client. The ultimate goal is to halt the legislation's movement through the legislative process. This effort often entails the same level of commitment and lobbying activity as a major affirmative lobbying campaign.