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Legislative Intern Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Legislative Intern information

See Indiana salary details

$8

$19

$41

How much do legislative intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for legislative intern in Indiana is $19.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $18.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Legislative Intern, you need strong research, analytical, and writing skills, often supported by coursework in political science, public policy, or related fields. Familiarity with legislative tracking systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and document management tools is typically important. Exceptional communication, attention to detail, and adaptability help you excel in fast-paced, collaborative environments. These skills ensure you can effectively support legislative staff, manage information, and contribute to the policymaking process.

What kinds of projects and responsibilities can a Legislative Intern expect to handle during their internship?

As a Legislative Intern, you can expect to assist with a variety of tasks such as conducting policy research, drafting memos or briefs, attending committee hearings, and helping with constituent correspondence. Interns often support legislative staff in preparing for meetings and may be asked to summarize complex legislative issues into concise reports. This hands-on experience offers valuable exposure to the legislative process and provides opportunities to collaborate with lawmakers, staffers, and other interns, making it an excellent way to build relevant skills and professional connections.

What are legislative interns?

Legislative interns are individuals, often students or recent graduates, who work temporarily for legislators, government offices, or advocacy organizations to gain firsthand experience in the legislative process. Their duties typically include conducting research, attending committee meetings, drafting correspondence, and assisting with constituent services. The internship provides valuable insight into how laws are made and the daily operations of a legislative office, making it a popular stepping stone for those interested in careers in government, public policy, or law.

What is the difference between Legislative Intern vs Legislative Assistant?

AspectLegislative InternLegislative Assistant
Required CredentialsTypically students or recent graduates, some internships require coursework in political science or related fieldsUsually college graduates with relevant experience, sometimes with a background in political science or law
Work EnvironmentTemporary, entry-level position within government offices, legislative bodies, or advocacy groupsFull-time, professional role supporting legislators with research, policy analysis, and constituent communication
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by government offices, legislative chambers, and political organizations for training and entry-level supportCommon in legislative offices, government agencies, and political consulting firms for ongoing legislative support

In summary, a Legislative Intern is an entry-level, temporary position often held by students or recent graduates gaining exposure to legislative processes. A Legislative Assistant is a more experienced, full-time role involving substantive policy work and ongoing support for legislators. Both roles are essential in the legislative process but differ in responsibilities and experience requirements.

What are the most commonly searched types of Legislative jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Legislative jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Legislative Intern jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Legislative Intern job openings:
Infographic showing various Legislative Intern job openings in Indiana as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 21% Internship, 75% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,314 per year, or $19.9 per hour.
Government Services Legislative Intern

Government Services Legislative Intern

Barnes & Thornburg

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

Full-time, Internship

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Barnes & Thornburg rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 17 rated law firms


Job description

Legislative Intern Position

Barnes & Thornburg LLP is seeking a minimum of two (2) individuals to serve as Legislative Interns for its downtown Indianapolis office location. The interns will assist the partners and lobbyists in the firm's Government Services Practice with activities related to the first legislative session of the 54th Indiana General Assembly. This competitively paid internship will begin January 4, 2027 and conclude on April 30, 2027. The internship will be a full-time (40 hours per week), on-site experience with regular participation in legislative activities at the Indiana State House and routine communication with firm clients at the direction of the intern's supervisory attorney(s).

Key Responsibilities

  • Each intern will be assigned to support one (1) or more partner(s) or attorney(s) throughout the duration of the legislative session. Such support will include assistance with drafting client communications, researching legislation and current statutes, and helping with client legislative events.
  • Interns will routinely create and prepare client reports using customized legislative software (training will be provided) on legislation, amendments to legislation, and legislative hearings, the Indiana State Budget process, conference committees and other legislative matters.
  • Each intern will assist in the preparation of a weekly legislative newsletter for clients and the creation of customized presentations for industry sectors and clients as directed by the intern's supervising attorney.
  • Interns will write legislative update reports, talking points, various communications, and alerts often under short deadlines/time constraints due to the pace of the legislative session.
  • Monitor and track the progression of bills – including, but not limited to, in person attendance of committee hearings and events at the Indiana State Capitol.
  • Assist clients in preparing for and participating in Day at the State House events and other legislative event activities.
  • Assist with research and writing of legislative proposals.

The employee must be able to perform all essential job duties and responsibilities of this position satisfactorily and as outlined, with or without reasonable accommodations. Reasonable accommodation requests may be accommodated, absent undue firm hardship.

Qualifications

  • Possess a bachelor's degree or higher-level degree.
  • Previous experience with the Indiana General Assembly will be preferred.
  • Previous government or political background or government intern experience desired.
  • Possess strong communication and public-speaking skills including the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse internal and external clientele or audience.
  • Knowledge and understanding of state governmental processes.
  • Be self-directed, proactive, and confident individual.
  • Possess excellent time management, planning, organizational, team and interpersonal skills to respond to client requests on a regular and consistent basis.
  • Working knowledge in Microsoft Office.
  • Ability to work a minimum of 40 hours a week, including evening hours as necessary.

This job description is intended to describe the general requirements of this position. As such, it is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of job duties or responsibilities required in this job. Subject to firm needs, duties and responsibilities of this position may change at any time, on a temporary or permanent basis, and with or without notice.

Normal office environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, temperature and the like.

Barnes & Thornburg is committed to equal employment opportunity in both principle and as a matter of policy. We will recruit, hire, train, promote, compensate and provide benefits to all applicants and employees without regard to ancestry, sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, religion, religious creed, mental and/or physical disability, medical condition, military and/or veteran's status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state and local laws. This policy applies to all recruiting, hiring, promotions, upgrades, layoffs, compensation, benefits, terminations and all other privileges, terms and conditions of employment. The firm complies fully with all federal, state and local equal employment opportunity laws.