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Legislative Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

State of South Dakota

Legislative Attorney

Pierre, SD · On-site

$74K - $130K/yr

Job ID: 35400 - Legislative Attorney Agency: South Dakota Legislative Research Council Location: Pierre Salary: $74,000 to $130,000, depending on experience Closing Date: Open Until Filled This is a ...

Legislative Branch

Attorney

Washington, DC · On-site

Attorney Position The House Office of the Legislative Counsel (HOLC) is looking to hire up to two full-time Attorneys. Appointments to all positions in HOLC are made without regard to personal ...

US Legislative Branch

Attorney

Washington, DC · On-site

$100K/yr

The House Office of the Legislative Counsel provides legislative drafting services to the ... Qualifications: The minimum requirements for Attorneys include United States citizenship ...

City of North Miami Beach

Legislative Aide

Miami, FL · On-site

$45K - $67K/yr

Coordination with City Administration Works cooperatively with the Legislative Services Administrator, City Manager's Office, City Clerk, City Attorney, and City departments regarding legislative ...

Dykema

Legislative Coordinator

Lansing, MI · On-site

Under the direction of the Office Administrator, the Legislative Coordinator provides administrative assistance to Government Policy Advisors and Attorneys. The Legislative Coordinator drafts ...

Dykema

Legislative Coordinator

Lansing, MI · On-site

Under the direction of the Office Administrator, the Legislative Coordinator provides administrative assistance to Government Policy Advisors and Attorneys. The Legislative Coordinator drafts ...

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Legislative Attorney information

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$30K

$64.2K

$121K

How much do legislative attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for legislative attorney in the United States is $64,183.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $71,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Legislative Attorney Do?

As a legislative attorney, your job is to support a legislative body as they prepare reports, documents, and proposed materials. In this role, you may help determine whether or not a proposed bill complies with existing law and suggest solutions for any issues. You also ensure that the legislators follow the correct procedures throughout the process of creating laws. Legislative attorneys often write formal opinions examining the constitutionality, effect, or operation of a bill and provide these to others as necessary. The duties of this job can vary somewhat from area to area, but legislative attorneys almost always work directly for legislative bodies like city councils or state houses of representatives.

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

To thrive as a Legislative Attorney, you need a law degree, bar admission, and expertise in legislative research, statutory interpretation, and legal writing. Familiarity with legislative tracking systems, legal databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and government document management tools is common. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for advising lawmakers and drafting legislation. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure accurate, legally sound, and actionable guidance in the fast-paced legislative environment.

How does a Legislative Attorney typically collaborate with policymakers and other stakeholders during the legislative process?

Legislative Attorneys work closely with lawmakers, legislative staff, and subject matter experts to draft, analyze, and refine proposed legislation. They often participate in meetings or committee hearings to provide legal advice, explain the implications of legal language, and ensure proposed bills comply with state or federal laws. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as Legislative Attorneys must translate complex legal concepts into accessible language for non-lawyers and help build consensus among diverse stakeholders.

What is a Legislative Attorney?

A Legislative Attorney is a legal professional who specializes in analyzing, drafting, and interpreting legislation for government bodies, lawmakers, and committees. They provide legal advice on the implications of proposed laws and help ensure that legislation complies with existing legal frameworks. Legislative Attorneys also conduct legal research, prepare written opinions, and may assist in the legislative process by testifying before committees or advising on policy issues. Their work is essential to the development of clear, effective, and lawful public policy.

What is the difference between Legislative Attorney vs Legislative Analyst?

AspectLegislative AttorneyLegislative Analyst
Required CredentialsLaw degree, bar admission often preferredBachelor's or master's degree in political science, public policy, or related fields
Work EnvironmentLegal offices, government agencies, legislative bodiesLegislative offices, government agencies, policy research organizations
Employer & Industry UsageLegal departments within legislative bodies, government legal teamsLegislative offices, think tanks, policy analysis firms
Common Search & ComparisonLegal expertise, legislative process, policy reviewPolicy analysis, legislative research, data interpretation

While both roles work within the legislative environment, a Legislative Attorney primarily provides legal advice, drafts legislation, and ensures legal compliance. In contrast, a Legislative Analyst focuses on researching policies, analyzing legislative proposals, and supporting decision-making with data. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in legislative careers.

More about Legislative Attorney jobs
What cities are hiring for Legislative Attorney jobs? Cities with the most Legislative Attorney job openings:
What states have the most Legislative Attorney jobs? States with the most job openings for Legislative Attorney jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Legislative Attorney jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Legislative Attorney jobs are:
Legislative Attorney jobs near you
Infographic showing various Legislative Attorney job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,183 per year, or $30.9 per hour.

Legislative Attorney

State of South Dakota

Pierre, SD • On-site

$74K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

State Of South Dakota rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 50 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 50 rated states

Job description

Job ID: 35400 - Legislative Attorney
Agency: South Dakota Legislative Research Council
Location: Pierre
Salary: $74,000 to $130,000, depending on experience
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
This is a full-time position with the Legislative Research Council. For more information on the Legislative Research Council, please visit the LRC website.
The Legislative Research Council, which is the nonpartisan research and support staff to the South Dakota State Legislature, is accepting applications for a permanent, full-time Legislative Attorney. An applicant must have an interest in the legislative process and be results-oriented, honest, discrete, trustworthy, and articulate. A remote work option may be considered for the position. However, a full-time presence in Pierre is required during the legislative session and periodically throughout the interim.
Duties and Responsibilities: A Legislative Attorney will assist legislators by providing accurate, objective, and relevant research information, informed by a professional understanding of the law. The significant duties include the following:
  1. Compile data and conduct general and legal research for legislative committees and individual legislators and present alternative solutions for their consideration;
  2. Confer with and advise legislators on legislative legal questions;
  3. Draft and edit bills, resolutions, and amendments to implement legislators' ideas;
  4. Staff standing committees of the South Dakota Legislature during legislative sessions, consult with committee chairs to develop agendas and obtain testimony, and prepare committee reports;
  5. Staff interim committees, consult with committee chairs to develop agendas, assist with meeting arrangements, prepare background materials, and prepare final reports;
  6. Review administrative rules for form, style, clarity, and compliance with statutory authority;
  7. Research and write issue memoranda and develop other resources on selected topics for review and use by the Legislature, Legislative Research Council staff, and the public.

Minimum Qualifications:
  1. A Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school;
  2. An active license in good standing with the State Bar of South Dakota, or the ability to become eligible for and become admitted to the State Bar of South Dakota within one year after employment; and
  3. The ability to remain objective and nonpartisan in relation to all legislative matters, maintain confidentiality, and handle politically sensitive work.

Preferred Qualifications:
  1. Very strong writing skills;
  2. Strong research and analytical skills;
  3. A willingness to expand and develop expertise into various subject areas;
  4. The ability to communicate, both orally and in writing, in a manner that clearly and efficiently conveys information to legislators and the public; and
  5. The ability to work under tight deadlines and extended hours during the legislative session.

Salary Range:
For an entry level Legislative Attorney, the annual salary will range from $74,000 to $92,000. For a Senior Legislative Attorney with previous related experience, the annual salary will range from $88,000 to $130,000. Actual starting salary will depend on qualifications and experience.
Application Process:
This position will remain open until filled. This position is exempt from the Civil Service Act and is employed at will. Any application or resume submitted for consideration will be kept confidential. Applications, consisting of a letter of interest and resume, should be submitted online (https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=3SE) or e-mail to:
South Dakota Legislative Research Council
500 East Capitol Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501
E-Mail: Legis.Resume@sdlegislature.gov | Phone: 605-773-3251

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