ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Legislative Counsel Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Office of Legislative Counsel

Proofreader

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$5.7K - $5.9K/mo

Permanent, Full Time Department Information The Office of Legislative Counsel (OLC) is a small civil service department whose mission is to provide responsive nonpartisan and confidential legal ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsLegislative Counsel Jobs

Legislative Counsel information

See salary details

$33.5K

$139.4K

$234.5K

How much do legislative counsel jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for legislative counsel in the United States is $139,438.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,000.00 and $197,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Legislative Counsel vs Legislative Analyst?

AspectLegislative CounselLegislative Analyst
Required CredentialsLegal degree, law license, legal experienceDegree in public policy, political science, or related field
Work EnvironmentLegal offices, government agencies, legislative bodiesLegislative offices, government agencies, research settings
Employer & Industry UsageLegislative bodies, government legal departmentsLegislative offices, government research units
Common Search & ComparisonLegal expertise, drafting laws, legal advicePolicy analysis, legislative research, recommendations

Legislative Counsel primarily provides legal expertise, drafts legislation, and offers legal advice within legislative bodies. In contrast, Legislative Analysts focus on policy research, analyzing proposed laws, and advising lawmakers on legislative impacts. Both roles are essential in the legislative process but differ in their focus and qualifications.

What are Legislative Counsel?

Legislative Counsel are legal professionals who provide advice and assistance in the drafting, analysis, and interpretation of laws and regulations. They typically work for legislative bodies, such as state legislatures or Congress, helping lawmakers understand the legal implications of proposed bills and amendments. Legislative Counsel ensure that proposed legislation is clear, legally sound, and consistent with existing laws. Their work is essential to the legislative process, helping to shape effective and enforceable laws.

How does a Legislative Counsel typically collaborate with lawmakers and policy staff during the legislative process?

Legislative Counsels work closely with lawmakers, committee staff, and policy advisors to draft, review, and revise proposed legislation. They provide legal analysis and ensure that bills are compliant with existing laws and constitutional requirements. Regular meetings, consultations, and briefings are common, allowing Legislative Counsel to clarify legal language, address policy concerns, and respond to technical questions. This collaborative environment requires strong communication skills and the ability to translate complex legal concepts into accessible language for non-legal colleagues.

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

To thrive as a Legislative Counsel, you generally need a law degree (JD), strong legal research and writing skills, and a solid understanding of legislative processes. Familiarity with legal research databases (such as Westlaw or LexisNexis), bill drafting software, and legislative tracking systems is typical. Exceptional analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for interpreting laws and advising lawmakers. These competencies ensure the creation of clear, legally sound legislation and effective advocacy within the legislative environment.
More about Legislative Counsel jobs
What cities are hiring for Legislative Counsel jobs? Cities with the most Legislative Counsel job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Legislative Counsel jobs? The most popular types of Legislative Counsel jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Legislative Counsel jobs? The top employers for Legislative Counsel jobs are:
What states have the most Legislative Counsel jobs? States with the most job openings for Legislative Counsel jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Legislative Counsel jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Legislative Counsel jobs are:
Legislative Counsel jobs near you
Infographic showing various Legislative Counsel job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $139,438 per year, or $67 per hour.
Attorney/Legislative Counsel

Attorney/Legislative Counsel

State of Virginia

Richmond, VA

$82K/yr

Other

Re-posted 6 days ago

State Of Virginia rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 50 rated states

Job description

Attorney/Legislative Counsel

Apply now Job no: 5107254
Work type: Full-Time (Salaried)
Location: Richmond (City), Virginia
Categories: Law / Judiciary

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.

Advertised: 01 Jul 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 07 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

Back to search results Apply now Refer a friend

Whatsapp Facebook LinkedIn Email App

What State Of Virginia employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply