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Legislative Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Ryan, LLC

Director, Legislative Affairs

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

The Legislative Affairs Director will assist the Principals and Advocacy Services Practice with all legislative efforts including drafting and tracking legislation, working with internal subject ...

Cna

Corporate Compliance Senior Consultant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$72K - $141K/yr

At CNA, we strive to create a culture in which people know they matter and are part of something ... Engage in the full lifecycle of law change management, including intake of legislative and ...

New

CNA

Corporate Compliance Senior Consultant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$72K - $141K/yr

At CNA, we strive to create a culture in which people know they matter and are part of something ... Engage in the full lifecycle of law change management, including intake of legislative and ...

New

ADL

Associate Regional Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

Work with national and divisional partners to monitor and track relevant legislation in the relevant states, providing regular reports to regional and divisional teams. * Assist in state legislative ...

Adl

Associate Regional Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$41K - $51K/yr

Work with national and divisional partners to monitor and track relevant legislation in the relevant states, providing regular reports to regional and divisional teams. * Assist in state legislative ...

Braven

Head of Public Policy

Chicago, IL · On-site

$122K - $149K/yr

Design and facilitate necessary legislative training and professional development for staff and alumni who engage in public policy opportunities and engagements * Assist with planning an execution of ...

Braven

Head of Public Policy

Chicago, IL · On-site

$122K - $149K/yr

Design and facilitate necessary legislative training and professional development for staff and alumni who engage in public policy opportunities and engagements * Assist with planning an execution of ...

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All JobsLegislative JobsLegislative Assistant JobsLegislative Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL

Legislative Assistant information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$30.9K

$66.1K

$124.6K

How much do legislative assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for legislative assistant in Chicago, IL is $66,118.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,300.00 and $73,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a legislative assistant do?

Legislative assistants work for elected or appointed officials, advocacy groups, or non-profit organizations that wish to change laws for their cause. They write, edit, and track legislative bills as they go through the legislative process. Other job duties for legislative assistants include garnering support for proposals, responding to constituents, and writing speeches for their employers to introduce legislation to committees.

What are some common challenges faced by legislative assistants in managing competing priorities during a legislative session?

Legislative Assistants often juggle multiple responsibilities, such as tracking bills, preparing briefing materials, and responding to constituent inquiries, all while supporting their legislator’s agenda. During a legislative session, deadlines can be tight and priorities may shift rapidly based on new developments or constituent needs. Effective organization, clear communication, and adaptability are essential to manage these competing demands while ensuring that critical tasks are completed accurately and on time.

What is the difference between Legislative Assistant vs Legislative Aide?

AspectLegislative AssistantLegislative Aide
Required CredentialsOften a bachelor's degree in political science, public administration, or related fieldsTypically an associate's or bachelor's degree, sometimes entry-level
Work EnvironmentOffice settings, working closely with legislators and staffOffice or district settings, assisting with administrative tasks
Employer & Industry UsageLegislative offices, government agencies, advocacy groupsLegislative offices, government agencies, congressional offices
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, responsibilities, and career pathsEntry-level position, job duties, and qualifications

In summary, a Legislative Assistant typically has more advanced responsibilities, requiring higher education and experience, while a Legislative Aide often serves as an entry-level support role. Both work in legislative environments but differ in scope and qualifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a legislative assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Legislative Assistant, you need strong research, writing, and analytical skills, often backed by a degree in political science, public policy, or a related field. Familiarity with legislative tracking software, databases, and government procedures is typically required. Excellent communication, organization, and relationship-building skills help you navigate fast-paced political environments and support legislators effectively. These skills are crucial for providing accurate policy analysis, drafting legislative materials, and ensuring smooth legislative operations.

What does a legislative assistant do?

A Legislative Assistant supports lawmakers by researching policy issues, drafting bills and speeches, and helping manage legislative agendas. They analyze legislation, prepare briefings, and communicate with constituents and stakeholders. Legislative Assistants play a key role in ensuring their office is informed and responsive to the needs of both the legislator and the public.
More about Legislative Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Legislative jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Legislative jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Legislative Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL? For Legislative Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Legislative Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Legislative Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Legislative Assistant jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Legislative Assistant job openings:
Legislative Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Legislative Assistant job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,118 per year, or $31.8 per hour.

Director, Legislative Affairs

Ryan, LLC

Chicago, IL • Hybrid

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Why Ryan?

  • Hybrid Work Options

  • Award-Winning Culture

  • Generous Personal Time Off (PTO) Benefits

  • 14-Weeks of 100% Paid Leave for New Parents (Adoption Included)

  • Monthly Gym Membership Reimbursement OR Gym Equipment Reimbursement

  • Benefits Eligibility Effective Day One

  • 401K with Employer Match

  • Tuition Reimbursement After One Year of Service

  • Fertility Assistance Program

  • Four-Week Company-Paid Sabbatical Eligibility After Five Years of Service

For this role, we will consider candidates anywhere in the U.S.
The Legislative Affairs Director will assist the Principals and Advocacy Services Practice with all legislative efforts including drafting and tracking legislation, working with internal subject matter experts to develop the firm's state legislative agendas, and coordinating with external lobbyists and third-party groups. They will work to identify, improve, and drive efficiencies and fairness in the tax administration process.
This is a high-profile role offering significant room for career growth. Qualified candidates will have strong experience in tax policy, communications, and government affairs. Property Tax policy experience is required, and multi-state property tax experience is strongly preferred.
We will consider individuals who are ready for a promotion and currently at the Manager or Senior Manager level.
If this is you or someone you know, we would like to speak with you. Please submit your resume or contact us directly if you want to learn more.
Contact: Rebecca.Turton@Ryan.com or Andra.Kayem@ryan.com
Come be a part of the excitement at Ryan. We are a Great Place to Work!
Summary
The Legislative Affairs Director assists the Principal and the Advocacy Services Practice with directing, implementing, managing, coordinating, overseeing, and supervising multistate legislative efforts of the Firm, or the Firm's clients as needed. This includes, without limitation, drafting, reviewing, and tracking proposed state legislation that we support and oppose. They are the lead with internal subject matter experts developing the Firm's state legislative agendas and working through hearings, testimony, amendments, and all other legislative functions. The Director coordinates with external lobbyists, third party groups and other policy influencers and may be required to register as a lobbyist and give testimony.
The Legislative Affairs Director also assists the Practice Leader with drafting, reviewing, and implementing policies and procedures pertaining to the Advocacy Services Practice. They will lead communications both internally and externally as needed.

Duties and responsibilities:

People:

  • Leads development of legislative agendas for assigned states.
  • Coordinates with subject matter experts from Practices on content, amendments, and passage of legislation.
  • Coordinates testimony and may be called upon to testify.
  • Leads coordination with external groups and lobbyists in support of legislative efforts.
  • Provides legislative expertise to other departments where needed and may be asked to give written, PowerPoint and formal public presentations.
  • Supports Principals with political insights and tracking and policy campaign management.

Client:

  • Assists with and manages client-related state legislative efforts.
  • Develops client workplans and schedules associated project deliverables.
  • Prepares and conducts client presentations.
  • Reviews and reconciles client data and identifies tax issues to research.
  • Responds to client inquiries and requests from state agencies.
  • Researches and provides legislative insights, threats, opportunities and trends.

Value:

  • Plans and directs various aspects of the Firm's Legislative Affairs Practice.
  • Supports coordination of the Firm's multistate legislative agenda.
  • Assists in managing the Firm's relationship with its outside counsel and lobby groups.
  • Tracks and monitors tax legislation in various states.
  • Drafts and reviews proposed state tax legislation including amendments.
  • Interprets laws, rulings, and regulations for the Firm.
  • Prepares and reviews state lobby reports as needed.
  • Maintains comprehensive database of public policy initiatives and facilitates status update meetings.
  • Performs research and advises on state tax legislative matters.
  • Writes communications documents some of which are: white papers, testimony, update documents (internal and external), persuasive one pagers, and more.
  • Manages complex state and local tax projects.
  • Negotiates tax resolutions with state agencies.
  • Negotiates tax issues, ideas and policies with elected officials, agencies, thought leaders and their staff members.
  • Assists with other projects as needed.

Education and Experience: Juris Doctor Degree ("JD") from an accredited law school and at least seven years related experience in a similar environment. Understanding of State and Local Tax policies and statutes. Experience in tax policy, communications and government affairs. Specifically, property tax policy experience is required. Multi-state property tax experience is strongly preferred.

Computer Skills: To perform this job successfully, an individual must have intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Internet navigation and research.

Certificates and Licenses: Valid driver's license required. License to practice law within the United States required. Membership to the American Bar Association preferred. May be required to register as a lobbyist.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This job directly supervises employees in the Legislative Affairs Practice and carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the Firm's policies and applicable laws.

Work Environment:

  • Standard indoor working environment.
  • Occasional long periods of sitting while working at computer.
  • Position requires regular interaction with coworkers, clients and elected and appointed government officials in person, via e-mail and telephone.
  • Requires some evening and weekend hours.
  • Independent travel requirement: 30 to 50%

Equal Opportunity Employer: disability/veteran

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