Entry Level Legislative Counsel Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Title: Legislative Counsel

State Role Title: Attorney

Hiring Range: Starting at $82,500

Agency: Div of Legislative Services

Location: General Assembly Bldg

Agency Website: https://dls.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Summary:

The Division of Legislative Services is seeking entry-level attorneys to join its legal services section. DLS is the agency responsible for providing nonpartisan legal and general research support services to the members of the General Assembly of Virginia, its standing committees, and interim commissions. The Attorney position is highly visible and entails drafting legislation, serving as committee counsel, and conducting research and policy analysis to support the work of the General Assembly.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Drafting legislation for members of the General Assembly, the Governor's Secretaries, and other state agencies.
• Serving as legal counsel for a standing committee.
• Conducting legal and legislative research and analysis.
• Advising on the constitutionality or probable legal effect of proposed legislation.
• Maintaining confidentiality and providing nonpartisan support services to legislators and legislative staff.
• Complying with the Division's Employee Handbook.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent drafting and writing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new topics or subject matters.
• Strong legal research and analytical skills.
• Ability to engage in critical thinking and problem-solving.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to multitask and manage several projects simultaneously.
• Ability to adapt to new, different, or changing circumstances and requirements in an open and professional manner.
• Knowledge of the fundamentals of the legislative process.

Preferred Skills/Abilities:

• Experience or education in legislative and/or regulatory drafting.
• Work experience with a state legislature or a legislative agency in a nonpartisan role.

Persons with specialized education/coursework or work experience in one or more of the following areas are strongly encouraged to apply:

• Public utilities, insurance, labor and employment, financial institutions.
• Federal and state taxation.
• State governance (such as Freedom of Information Act, Administrative Process Act, Public Procurement Act).
• Artificial intelligence and other emergent technologies.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduate of an accredited law school.
• Active member in good standing of the Virginia Bar, or in the process of taking the bar after graduation.

Pay Range: Starting at $82,500. Experienced candidates will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

To be considered for this position, you must submit a cover letter and resume.

Interviews will be scheduled for August 25-31, 2026. Please note in your cover letter if you have any constraints on your availability that week. Interviews will be conducted in person unless an accommodation is requested during the initial phone screen.

Contact Information:

Name: Eleni Georgiou

Email: egeorgiou@dls.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.