In this paper we argue that lobbying strategies may be seen as a function of the robustness of lobbying regulation in place in the jurisdiction. Regulations (i.e. robust or weak) set the tone for the type of transparency that is required when lobbying and the 'equality' of access lobbyists have to decision makers. This paper seeks to outline a research design of how to capture this, as well as present some preliminary results based on elite interviews in Ireland and the UK.