How a Passion for Law and Service Shapes Work on the Hill
This week, we spoke to Jaymey Hedberg, Legislative Correspondent for the Office of Senator Marsha Blackburn.
Can you walk us through your career path and the steps that led you to where you are now?
I was always a history nerd growing up, memorizing the Constitution and Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address to recite for my family in our living room (top hat and all), but growing up I fell in love with writing: short stories, songs, poetry, pretty much anything. In high school, that passion came full circle when I wrote an audio essay for the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)’s audio-essay competition Voice of Democracy entitled “Is This the Country the Founders Envisioned?” which performed well in my home state of Michigan. I had the honor of delivering my speech to veterans in my district, and that experience got me thinking that writing could live beyond pages on bookshelves; it could live in the minds and hearts of people.
Because of this realization, I blended my passions and pursued political science, law, and journalism in college. Each professional opportunity since then has been centered on the importance of relationships. From my very first newspaper article to my current role, each right next opportunity was one right person away.
Fast forward to internships in journalism, campaigns, communications, and law, I certainly gained tangible skills, but more importantly gained mentors and people in my corner to this day. Specifically, accepting an internship offer at the Tennessee Office of the Attorney General was one of the easiest decisions that would also prove the most impactful. It was there that my initial interest in the law took flight and form, becoming a passion and a purpose. However, feeling called to move to Washington, D.C., I accepted the amazing opportunity I now get the privilege of clocking into every day – the honor of working on the Judiciary portfolio for Senator Blackburn.
From covering local politics and elections at a newspaper, to working on campaigns, to state government, and now representing the great state of Tennessee in Washington, I’ve been able to see the people and the issues of this state through different levels and lenses, which is the throughline that shapes my work and role today. If I could sum up my career trajectory thus far, I would point to the Seneca quote: “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” In that way, I think we make our own luck, but the opportunities are gifts we collect along the way from the generosity and belief from others, and from I believe, God.
Which policy areas or legislative issues are you most passionate about and how do you stay informed and engaged in those specific areas?
As someone planning to attend law school, I’m especially passionate about protecting First Amendment liberties. Constitutional law has always fascinated me, and it remains the lens through which I view most legal and policy issues, both in my work and in my personal study. One habit I developed from both journalism and law classes is the involuntary reflex to read (everything). Specifically, I try to keep my finger on the pulse of ongoing litigation, especially in cases before the Supreme Court. I listen to oral arguments, read decisions in full (including dissents and concurrences!), and related commentary like news coverage, law reviews, amicus briefs, academic analyses, etc. I can then apply what I learn to the policy space, and track moving legislation that touches on these issues.
It’s crucial to understand both the genesis and present state of legal issues, and how that often overlaps with current events. For this reason, I love to attend panels and roundtables, briefings, and legal forums that dive into competing legal interpretations and how those play out in practice. I also strive to always be a student, even if I am not yet in the law classrooms, enrolling in free online courses that colleges offer relating to the history and application of the law.
Describe a challenging or rewarding project that significantly influenced your growth as a professional. How did you handle the challenge and how did it shape your approach to legislative work?
This may be a more philosophical answer, but I’ve found that the most challenging part of working in this space is also what makes it the most rewarding. In policy work, you’re constantly confronted with what’s broken: unmet needs, systemic and social division, and other policies and decisions contrary to your values which can be incredibly discouraging at times.
However, I think the key to approaching this is to listen to and learn from those concerns and realities without becoming paralyzed by them. The more you research issues and the more you discuss with constituents and other concerned stakeholders, the more anger and frustration you tend to feel. From that, though, you can become even more motivated and more determined to act. The work we do is not chasing some utopian illusion but making reality a bit better. Keeping the course without losing heart, even if at times you are not gaining ground, that’s the hard part.
What’s one piece of advice you would offer to those hoping to succeed as a Senior Policy Advisor on Capitol Hill?
Since I’m not yet a Senior Policy Advisor, I’ll offer advice to myself and anyone else hoping to grow on Capitol Hill. The first and most foundational advice is to be curious and humble. There will always be someone with more experience, a longer resume, or a larger portfolio, but eagerness to learn, teachability, and drive are all things you can control. That’s your advantage, and that’s what sets you apart.
Next, I would obviously advise learning from those who are doing what you aspire to do, but also from those whose paths look completely different from what you envision yours to be. The Venn diagram of successful people doesn’t overlap in job titles; it overlaps in their character, work ethic, and humility.
Finally, if you’re the youngest or least experienced person in the room, you’re probably in the right place. If you ever feel like the smartest person there, it might be time to find a new room or at least start knocking on some different doors. Growth doesn’t come by only sharing your knowledge; it comes from learning from the knowledge of others.
What do you believe sets Capitol Hill apart as a unique work environment, and how do you navigate its challenges in your everyday work?
I once heard that living and working in D.C. is comparable to dog years…one year feels like seven. I couldn’t think of a better way to describe the pace here. The days are long, the weeks fly by, and so much changes in just one year. That’s the first distinction from most places. It’s also a deeply transient city, where many are passing through for just a time or a season. Things can feel unstable when people are constantly coming and going, but that’s also part of its dynamic beauty.
Because of the sense of urgency and quick pace, it can also be difficult to be present and content, which can be both a professional and personal struggle for many. Most of our jobs require that we carry them in our hand or back pocket 24/7. Establishing balance and separation can be tough. Another temptation here is to always be focused on the next thing, whether that’s a promotion, the next policy item, meeting, or even the next recess. It is easy to lose sight of all the good work happening in the midst of all that still needs to be done, making it hard to sit in the wins, gratitude, and contentment.
I try to overcome these challenges by intentionally creating space to pause and take inventory during the work day, whether that’s a “Vitamin D stroll” in a courtyard, a coffee with a friend, or a midday devotional, it’s vital to take a step back and remember that my very being here is a testament to my passion, persistence, and purpose, and each day is an opportunity to fulfil it.
Word association, what is the first word that comes to mind for each of these?
Policy – Impact
Networking – Opportunities
Writing Skills – Swiss Army Knife
Working on Capitol Hill – Passion
Leadership Connect – Community
