Trenton, New Jersey attorney at law Martin J Milita Jr. has served in various capacities since 1979. As senior director at Duane Morris Government Strategies (DMGS), LLC, Martin J Milita uses his expertise to engage in legislative and regulatory lobbying, business development, and public procurement.
His career began with the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office in 1979 as an assistant district attorney. In 1981, he served as the Chief Deputy Attorney General, overseeing tax fraud and the Solid Waste Unit of the Antitrust Section. In 1990, Sills, Cummis & Riker Danzig hired him to serve as general counsel on environment law, government affairs, and corporate development. He became the CEO of Fiore Group Companies, Inc., a solid waste collection, transfer, and transportation company, in 1996.
In 2001, Mr. Milita cofounded Holman Public Affairs, LLC, and served as its managing director until 2012, when he moved on to DMGS. At DMGS, he obtains environmental permits, public financing, and tax incentives for public works projects, such as the New Jersey Turnpike’s northern widening permits. Mr. Milita also devised strategies for a Fortune 500 company to find a way to deal with the state’s electronic toll collection and secure a lucrative Medicaid Broker Enrollment contract for another Fortune 500 company.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
A typical day is a mix of research, networking, strategy, and advocacy. I work to influence policy decisions by engaging with lawmakers, government officials, and industry leaders. Here is how I make my day productive:
Morning: Start by reviewing news, policy updates, and legislative schedules. Staying informed helps me anticipate changes that could impact clients.
Meetings and Networking: Often attend meetings with legislators, government officials, and industry representatives. Building relationships is key to their success.
Research and Strategy: Analyze policies, draft proposals, and prepare talking points to strengthen advocacy efforts.
Public Engagement: Sometimes I speak at conferences, participate in panel discussions, or write opinion pieces to shape public discourse.
Tracking Legislation: Monitor bills and regulations to understand shifts in policy that may require quick action.
Evening Events: Attend fundraisers, networking events, or informal gatherings to deepen connections.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I bring ideas to life by turning concepts into actionable policies and influencing decision-makers to support their proposals. Here is how I do it:
Research and data collection. Before pitching an idea, I conduct thorough research. I analyze existing policies, study economic or social impacts, and gather data to support clients’ arguments.
Building a strong narrative. Craft compelling stories that make the ideas relatable. Whether it is highlighting real-world problems or highlighting potential solutions, a strong narrative helps win support.
Engaging with lawmakers and stakeholders. Present the ideas to policymakers, industry leaders, and interest groups, making sure they align with existing priorities. I always seek endorsements from influential figures.
Mobilizing public support. Public campaigns, media outreach, and advocacy events help shape public opinion, creating pressure for policymakers to act.
Negotiation and compromise. Legislation rarely moves forward without adjustments. I negotiate changes to ensure the ideas remain viable and gain broad support.
Tracking progress and adaptation. Once policies are introduced, I monitor developments and pivot strategies if necessary to ensure long-term success.
What’s one trend that excites you?
One trend that’s currently exciting is the regulation of artificial intelligence (AI). With AI rapidly transforming industries, policymakers are working on new laws to address ethical concerns, data privacy, and economic impacts. Lobbyists are actively shaping these discussions, advocating for balanced regulations that encourage innovation while ensuring responsible AI use.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Time Management. Prioritizing key meetings and deadlines ensures focus on the most impactful tasks.
What advice would you give your younger self?
It’s okay to fail—mistakes are steppingstones to growth, and failure is part of the journey.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
A metaphysical belief that souls agree to contracts or agreements before birth. These are often referred to as soul contracts or pre-birth agreements, and they outline the lessons, relationships, and experiences a soul will encounter in life, including hardships, failures and tragedies.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Networking. It is crucial because it helps people build relationships, discover opportunities, and grow professionally and personally. Professionally, networking is self-evident, but it is especially important for personal growth. Hearing success stories and learning from others keeps one driven, hones interpersonal skills, and provides encouragement in tough times.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
Practice mindfulness—deep breathing, meditation, or grounding techniques. I like to go for long walks in nature.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
One strategy that has helped me grow my business, legal and government relations, or as a CEO and advance my careers is relationship-building and networking. Successful businesspeople prioritize forming strong connections with policymakers, industry leaders, and influential stakeholders. These relationships allow them to gain trust, access key decision-makers, and effectively advocate for their business and their clients.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
My first business venture, a law partnership failed. At first, it was a terrible blow. After experiencing the setback, I focused on strengthening relationships with others, personally and professionally. I learned that life and business can be unpredictable. Even well-planned efforts can face unexpected resistance. Strong connections can help overcome obstacles and build momentum. The ability to adjust strategies quickly is crucial for long-term success. I learned that Winston Churchill’s famous quote is correct: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Government affairs is very much hands on; however, Quorum AI-powered public affairs software helps track legislation, manage stakeholders, and engage in grassroots advocacy. These tools help me stay organized, monitor policy changes, and effectively communicate with policymakers.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
I bought my 9-year-old granddaughter makeup. Seeing her joy in such a small purchase brought me the greatest delight. I’m smiling now.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
A book, End Times by Peter Turchin. It is an analysis of societal instability and political disintegration. Turchin, a scholar specializing in cliodynamics—a field that uses historical data and mathematical modeling to predict societal trends—argues that the US is experiencing a period of elite overproduction, economic inequality, and political polarization that could lead to significant upheaval. The book explores how historical patterns of social unrest can help explain current political tensions. Turchin suggests that when too many highly educated individuals compete for limited elite positions, it creates frustration and counter-elites who challenge the status quo. He also examines wealth disparities and declining living standards as key drivers of instability.
The book offers me valuable insights into the forces shaping modern political and economic landscapes.
Key learnings
- Strong connections with policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders are essential for professional growth and overcoming challenges.
- Embracing failure as a steppingstone to success and staying flexible in the face of unpredictable circumstances are crucial for long-term achievement.
- Successful business ideas emerge at the intersection of personal strengths, market needs, and customer demand, ensuring both passion and profitability.