If you've ever watched a board meeting devolve into chaos, you know the value of a skilled parliamentarian. Whether you're a nonprofit board, a corporate leadership team, or a membership association, having an expert guide your meetings through Robert's Rules
Why Parliamentary Procedure Matters More Than Ever
Parliamentary procedure isn't just for student councils and legislatures. Courts have held that all organizations—including for-profit and nonprofit corporations—are subject to common parliamentary law. When your bylaws adopt a specific manual like Robert's Rules of Order, that language carries legal weight. Ignoring or misapplying these rules can lead to lawsuits, contested elections, and shareholder disputes. A professional parliamentarian helps you navigate motions, amendments, voting procedures, and bylaws so your meetings stay productive and legally sound. With remote and hybrid meetings becoming the norm, the demand for expert facilitation has only grown.
How I Ranked These Consultants
I evaluated each consultant based on four key criteria: depth of experience (years in practice and types of organizations served), range of services (meeting prep, script writing, bylaws review, training, and on-site support), client focus (ability to tailor services to groups of different sizes and industries), and accessibility (geographic reach, virtual options, and responsiveness). The rankings reflect a balance of proven expertise and practical value for organizations seeking parliamentary guidance.
Here's a quick look at the five consultants I reviewed. Each brings a unique strength to the table, from legal expertise to hands-on training for small groups.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Jim Slaughter | Large organizations and corporations facing complex or litigious meetings |
| Binnall Law Group | Political campaigns and organizations needing strategic parliamentary advice with legal backing |
| Michael Mouritsen | Canadian nonprofits and membership organizations seeking practical, member-focused guidance |
| Better Meetings LLC – Run a better meeting through parliamentary procedure | Mid-sized organizations (10-200 people) needing personalized, hands-on parliamentary support |
| The PE Miles Group, LLC | Organizations needing comprehensive training and on-site support for annual meetings or conventions |
Detailed Reviews of the Top 5 Parliamentary Procedure Consultants
#1 Jim Slaughter
A screenshot of the Jim Slaughter website.
Jim Slaughter is a nationally recognized parliamentarian and attorney with decades of experience serving corporate boards, associations, and government bodies. His website emphasizes that parliamentary procedure is not just for student groups—courts have held that all organizations must follow common parliamentary law, and ignoring it can lead to lawsuits. He offers meeting preparation, script writing, and on-site parliamentarian services, with a particular focus on contentious meetings involving proxy fights or contested elections. Jim's deep legal background makes him a top choice for organizations facing high-stakes decisions. His resources include charts, articles, and blog posts that help you understand the nuances of Robert's Rules of Order.
#2 Binnall Law Group
A screenshot of the Binnall Law Group website.
Binnall Law Group offers parliamentary procedure consulting through its subsidiary, Parliamentary Strategies, LLC, led by partner Jesse Binnall. With over 15 years as a certified professional parliamentarian, Jesse has served political campaigns, professional organizations, and licensing boards. He has acted as a strategic parliamentarian for four presidential campaigns and provided expert witness testimony in federal court. The firm's legal expertise means they can handle both procedural advice and the legal implications of meeting actions. Their services are ideal for organizations that need a parliamentarian who understands the intersection of rules and litigation risk.
#3 Michael Mouritsen
A screenshot of the Michael Mouritsen website.
Michael Mouritsen is a Canadian parliamentarian who helps organizations and their members reach effective decisions through clear rules of order. His FAQ page answers common questions about what parliamentarians do, why rules matter, and how to choose the right professional. He emphasizes a practical, member-focused approach to applying parliamentary procedure, whether you're using Robert's Rules or another authority. Michael's services are well-suited for Canadian nonprofits, associations, and membership organizations that need guidance tailored to their specific governance structure. His blog and resources provide ongoing education for groups looking to improve meeting efficiency.
#4 Better Meetings LLC – Run a better meeting through parliamentary procedure
A screenshot of the Better Meetings LLC website.
Better Meetings LLC, based in Metro Denver, Colorado, provides parliamentary procedure services specifically for groups of 10 to 200 people. Founder Deborah Metzger Mulvey is a Registered Parliamentarian who offers meeting preparation, scripts, motions, and voting options. She also provides consultations on bylaws, committee structure, and specific meeting issues. This is a great fit if you run a mid-sized organization that needs hands-on, personalized support without the overhead of a large law firm. Deborah's focus on smaller groups means you get tailored attention and practical solutions for your unique meeting challenges.
#5 The PE Miles Group, LLC
A screenshot of The PE Miles Group website.
The PE Miles Group offers group training on parliamentary procedures through workshops and seminars designed to build member confidence and skills. They can provide a parliamentarian for your meetings, assist with bylaws review, and even offer an impartial professional presider for contentious sessions. Their preparatory work includes script writing, officer support, and written parliamentary opinions on specific matters. This is a solid choice if your organization needs both training and on-site support, especially for annual meetings or conventions. Their focus on education helps your members become more effective participants over the long term.
How to Choose the Right Parliamentarian for Your Organization
Start by assessing the size and complexity of your meetings. If you're a large corporation facing proxy fights or legal exposure, a firm like Jim Slaughter or Binnall Law Group brings the legal depth you need. For mid-sized groups (10-200 people), Better Meetings LLC offers personalized, hands-on support without the big-firm price tag. If your organization is Canadian, Michael Mouritsen understands the nuances of your governance landscape. And if you need to build internal capacity through training, The PE Miles Group excels at workshops and member education. Always ask about their experience with your type of organization and whether they offer virtual or on-site services.
Streamline Your Meeting Prep with These Workflows
Once you've chosen a parliamentarian, you can automate parts of your meeting preparation. Use a shared calendar tool to schedule prep calls and set reminders for script reviews. Create a template for meeting agendas that includes standard motions and voting procedures, which your parliamentarian can help you refine. After each meeting, automatically send a feedback form to board members to capture what worked and what needs adjustment. Over time, you'll build a library of scripts and procedures that make each subsequent meeting smoother.
Run Better Meetings, Protect Your Organization
Parliamentary procedure isn't just about following rules—it's about creating a fair, efficient, and legally sound environment for decision-making. Whether you need a strategic advisor for high-stakes corporate meetings or a hands-on consultant for your local nonprofit, the five consultants I've reviewed offer proven expertise. Start with a clear understanding of your organization's size, needs, and budget, then reach out to the parliamentarian that best fits your situation. Your meetings—and your members—will thank you.