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Legislative Counsel Jobs (NOW HIRING)

New York City Council

Legislative Counsel

New York, NY · On-site

$75K - $102K/yr

The Legislative Divisions include Governmental Affairs, Human Services, Infrastructure, Legislative Counsel and Drafting, Compliance, Data Operations and Web Development. Governmental Affairs, Human ...

State of Oregon

Editor / Analyst 1

Salem, OR · On-site

$4K - $7K/wk

Office of the Legislative Counsel Salary Range: $4,860 - $7,288 Position Type: Employee Position Title: Editor / Analyst 1 The Office of the Legislative Counsel is seeking up to four (4) talented and ...

US Legislative Branch

Attorney

Washington, DC · On-site

$100K/yr

The House Office of the Legislative Counsel provides legislative drafting services to the committees and Members of the United States House of Representatives on a non-partisan, impartial, and ...

US Legislative Branch

Summer Associate

Washington, DC · On-site

$50K/yr

The House Office of the Legislative Counsel provides legislative drafting services to the committees and Members of the United States House of Representatives on a non-partisan, impartial, and ...

Office of Legislative Counsel

Proofreader

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$5K - $5K/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 ...

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Legislative Counsel information

See salary details

$33.5K

$139.4K

$234.5K

How much do legislative counsel jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $139,438 per year, or $67 per hour.
Legislative Counsel

Legislative Counsel

New York City Council

New York, NY • On-site

$75K - $102K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

The Legislative Divisions include Governmental Affairs, Human Services, Infrastructure, Legislative Counsel and Drafting, Compliance, Data Operations and Web Development. Governmental Affairs, Human Service and Infrastructure provides bill drafting, legal analysis, hearing coordination, and oversight for the majority of the City Council's committees Legislative Counsel and Drafting provides general bill drafting and legal analysis services and coordinates professional development efforts. Compliance reviews, monitors, and supervises City agencies, programs and policy implementation, tracking compliance with local laws. Data Operations performs statistical analyses of data sets to identify patterns, trends and systemic issues informing legislative and policy work. Web Development designs, maintains, codes, tests, and debugs document applications to facilitate the Legislative Division's business intelligence and back-office operations.
We are seeking a top-notch dedicated attorney to serve as Legislative Counsel in the Division of Legislative Counsel and Drafting.
SALARY RANGE:
$75,934 to $102,521
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Drafting local legislation.
  • Conducting legal research, 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 Council.
  • Staffing one or more Council committees.
  • Preparing, organizing committee hearings, 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, 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 is a plus.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
New York City residency required within 90 days of appointment.
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 (LCD)
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.

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