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Legislative Attorney Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

Staff Attorney

Manhattan, NY ยท On-site

$83 - $100/hr

Staff Attorney - The Weinberg Center for Elder Justice - Immediate Opportunity Join Our Team at The ... Engage in policy and legislative work on elder justice issues * Build and maintain relationships ...

Staff Attorney

Bronx, NY ยท On-site

$83K - $100K/yr

) Staff Attorney - The Weinberg Center for Elder Justice - Immediate Opportunity Join Our Team at The ... Engage in policy and legislative work on elder justice issues * Build and maintain relationships ...

Staff Attorney - The Weinberg Center for Elder Justice - Immediate Opportunity Join Our Team at The ... Engage in policy and legislative work on elder justice issues * Build and maintain relationships ...

Advises the General Counsel concerning proposed legislative changes, including developing legal ... FOIL requests AGENCY ATTORNEY - 30087 Qualifications 1. Admission to the New York State Bar; and ...

Advises the General Counsel concerning proposed legislative changes, including developing legal ... FOIL requests AGENCY ATTORNEY - 30087 Qualifications 1. Admission to the New York State Bar; and ...

Temporary Staff Attorney, Foreclosure

Manhattan, NY ยท On-site

$86.52 - $157.07/hr

Advocate for legislative reforms and policy changes including continued funding for HOPP * Work with pro bono lawyers and partner organizations * Represent the Civil Practice and LAS in the community

Agency Attorney

Jamaica, NY ยท On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

Advises the General Counsel concerning proposed legislative changes, including developing legal ... FOIL requests AGENCY ATTORNEY - 30087 Qualifications 1. Admission to the New York State Bar; and ...

Associate Attorney

New York, NY ยท On-site

$175K - $200K/yr

We are currently looking for an associate-level Attorney to provide legal advice on corporate ... Monitoring relevant regulatory and legislative changes and requirements * Working with internal ...

We are currently looking for an associate-level Attorney to provide legal advice on corporate ... Monitoring relevant regulatory and legislative changes and requirements * Working with internal ...

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Showing results 1-20

Legislative Attorney information

See New York salary details

$32.8K

$70.2K

$132.4K

How much do legislative attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for legislative attorney in New York is $70,219.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,100.00 and $78,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

What job categories do people searching Legislative Attorney jobs in New York look for?

The top searched job categories for Legislative Attorney jobs in New York are:

Infographic showing various Legislative Attorney job openings in New York as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% In-person, 12% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,219 per year, or $33.8 per hour.

Legislative Committee Counsel

New York, NY โ€ข On-site

New York City Council
Public Administrationย โ€ขย 1 - 5K employees

$75K - $102K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

The Legislative Division supports the legislative and policy work of the New York City Council. The Division is comprised of the Governmental Affairs Division, Human and Social Services Division, Infrastructure Division, Legislative Counsel and Drafting Division, Compliance Division, and Data Operations and Web Development Division. The Governmental Affairs, Human and Social Services, and Infrastructure Divisions provide bill drafting, legal analysis, hearing coordination, and oversight for the majority of the City Council's committees. Committee staff includes one or more legislative committee counsels and one or more policy analysts that, together, provide legal and policy advice to the Speaker, Committee Chairs, and Council Members on issues facing the City. Legislative committee counsels are additionally responsible for negotiating and drafting final legislation to present to the City Council for a vote.
We are seeking top-notch dedicated attorneys to serve as committee counsels to one or more of the following City Council committee(s):
  • Housing and Buildings
  • Consumer and Worker Protection

Please express any preference and/or relevant experience for the above issue areas in your application.
SALARY RANGE:
$75,934 to $102,521
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Drafting, amending and negotiating local legislation.
  • Conducting legal research and analyzing legal and policy issues.
  • Overseeing legislation as it moves through the legislative process.
  • Advising Council Members and their staff.
  • Working with various stakeholders outside of the City Council.
  • Staffing one or more City Council committees.
  • Preparing for and organizing committee hearings, and drafting committee reports and committee briefing papers.
  • Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Applicants must be admitted to the New York State Bar or must be in the process of applying for admission.
  • Must possess superior writing, research, and analytical skills.
  • Strong communication and organizational abilities, and excellent academic credentials.
  • Able to use discretion and judgment when necessary to handle confidential information.
  • Able to interact successfully with elected officials and other stakeholders.
  • Hard-working, detail-oriented, and committed to public interest work.
  • Able to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.
  • Client-oriented and a team player.
  • General computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Word and Outlook are essential. Proficiency with Westlaw is strongly preferred.
  • Familiarity with New York City government and/or housing policy is a plus.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
New York City residency required within 90 days of appointment.
Bar admission is required to be placed in the title of Legislative Counsel. For persons not admitted to the bar, upon appointment to the New York City Council, they will be placed in the title of Legislative Analyst until they are admitted to the practice of law in New York State.
For eligible employees, health, dental and vision insurance coverage are offered upon hire. Retirement plans, deferred compensation plans, group life insurance, paid time off and paid holidays, training resources, health & fitness reimbursement and wellness programs are also available.
The New York City Council makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact EEOOfficer@council.nyc.gov .
HOW TO APPLY:
Qualified candidates should forward their resume and a cover letter to:
E-MAIL: counciljobs@council.nyc.gov
MAIL: New York City Council
Attn: Personnel Services/Recruiting (LCC)
250 Broadway, 26th Floor
New York, New York 10007
FAX: 12124014711
While we sincerely appreciate all applications, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
The New York City Council is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.