ADVISOR SPOTLIGHT
Darren Collier Provides Insight as a Lawyer, Lobbyist, Advisor and Alumnus at the Indiana University Bloomington A t Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, Darren Collier (Alpha 1986) represents many recognizable public and private
ber at a Trial Advocacy Workshop at Harvard University, an intensive course in trial analysis skills and techniques, where I help provide students with a unique perspective on how lawyers can best provide representation and suc- cessfully advocate for their clients. I am also a member of the Cozen O’Connor diversity committee where I work to champion diverse lawyers and lobbyists.
companies in their interactions with state government. As a lawyer special- izing in lobbying the Illinois General Assembly and the United States Con- gress, he helps his clients navigate a wide variety of public policy issues, combining his legal acumen with decades of experi- ence in Illinois state government and in the private sector. During the pandemic, Brother Collier quickly pivoted to help his clients with the myriad of state and city regulations affecting their day-to-day operations. Even with the demands of his schedule, he still finds time to give back to Kappa Alpha Psi y as a Chapter advisor to the Alpha Chapter. Q: Tell us more about your career path. Do you have advice for students who are trying to figure out their first job after they graduate? A: My experience includes govern- ment, legal and corporate roles. After law school, I worked in government in the Illinois Attorney General’s office and with the Illinois Housing Development Authority (which I am proud to say is now a client!). I also served as the execu- tive director of government affairs for the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. I now draw on all these roles and the people I met along the way in my role as a lobby- ist at Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies. I still work with many of the people I met after college or law school. As you develop in business, you eventually be- come an invaluable asset as you bring all your connections and relationships with you to every new role or experience. Q: Where do you typically look for when you are seeking professional develop- ment activities? A: I am a longtime visiting faculty mem-
Q: What has been the biggest challenge you have faced in your work?
A: When my son Cameron was younger, my biggest challenge was balancing work and home life. With my job, I spend a lot of time in Springfield, Illinois (at the state legislature) and in Washington, DC. I would do little things to extend my time at home like catching the last flight out or first flight in. I would take my son to school every day that I could and stop at Starbuck’s, which became a cherished routine that lasted until high school. I still balance work and time with my son, who is now a senior at Indiana University, and like his dad, is studying at the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs – and plan- ning to go to law school. I’m very proud of him and flattered that he has chosen a similar path.
I love my job. I know it’s cliché, but if you love what you do, you will really never work a day in your life. Q: What advice would you give to stu- dents who are starting a career in local or state government? A: If students are setting their sights on a career in politics, or policymaking, I suggest a hands-on approach , like getting a job with or volunteering for a campaign. It is more fun and meaning- ful if you find an up-and-coming city, state, or federal candidate who believes in some of the same things you do so you can grow with them as they ascend the political ladder. Follow your passions and find someone who shares your views and keep abreast of their careers as they get more responsibility and become a director, chief of staff, or attorney gen- eral. When they get into a higher-level position and they are looking to hire someone, they will say, “Hey, I know that guy!” It’s all about earning trust along the way, being seen, and proving you can get the job done.
Q: What is the most rewarding aspect of your work?
A: I still get a thrill when I see legisla- tion that I have worked on with a client – which started as a seed of an idea – pass into law. As one of the largest states in the country, Illinois is often an incubator and legislation that is passed in Chicago or Illinois often grows from local, to state to federal law. It is exciting to watch an issue you worked on locally become federal law. I really enjoy people and helping them achieve their goals by influencing policy.
THE JOURNAL ♦ SPRING 2021 | 53
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