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Legislative Intern Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

POSITION: Intern DEPARTMENT: Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) LOCATION: Alexandria, VA SEMESTER ... Legal and online research relating to international, federal, and state legislative issues.

Public Policy Intern

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$17.25 - $23/hr

Working with the entire Public Policy team, as the Public Policy Intern you will work ... of the legislative and regulatory policy process as well as the technology industry - Strong ...

Legislative Intern information

What does a legislative intern do?

A legislative intern assists lawmakers by researching policy issues, preparing reports, drafting correspondence, and attending hearings. They gain experience in government processes and often use tools like legislative databases and office software. The role typically requires strong communication skills and an understanding of legislative procedures.

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.

Do legislative interns get paid?

Legislative interns may be paid or unpaid depending on the organization or government office. Paid internships typically provide a stipend or hourly wage, while unpaid internships may offer academic credit or experience. It is important to check the specific internship opportunity for its compensation details.

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.

Is $30 an hour good for an intern?

For a legislative intern, $30 an hour is considered above average, as many internships in government or political settings typically pay between minimum wage and $20 per hour. Higher pay may reflect the intern's experience, responsibilities, or the location's cost of living. It's important to consider the internship's scope and benefits alongside the hourly rate.

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.

How hard is it to get an internship in Congress?

Securing a legislative intern position in Congress can be competitive due to high demand and limited openings. Applicants typically need strong academic records, relevant skills such as research and communication, and often must go through a formal application process that includes resumes, cover letters, and interviews.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Legislative jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Legislative jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Legislative Intern jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Legislative Intern job openings:
Infographic showing various Legislative Intern job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 9% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution.

Internship

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

POSITION: Intern
DEPARTMENT: Office of Legal Counsel (OLC)
LOCATION: Alexandria, VA
SEMESTER: Summer 2026 Interested Applicants ONLY
General Description:
NCMEC's Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) manages and oversees corporate legal work (e.g., contracts, presentation reviews, litigation, technical assistance requests, business record declarations) and legislative/public policy initiatives (international, federal, and state) for the organization. This includes drafting/negotiating contracts, prepping witnesses for court testimony, strategizing relating to legislative agendas to support NCMEC's mission, and lobbying and testifying relating to proposed and pending legislation.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Assist in preparing business record declarations at the request of U.S. and non-U.S. federal and state prosecutors to admit NCMEC reports in court proceedings.
  • Assist in drafting consultant and partnership agreements.
  • Legal research relating to case trends on issues pertinent to NCMEC's mission.
  • Legal and online research relating to international, federal, and state legislative issues.
  • Drafting summaries/analyses of legal and policy issues relating to NCMEC's mission.
  • Other duties as assigned.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES:
  • Completed at least 2 years of college with a focus on law, political science, public policy, criminal justice, or a related field
  • Minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4-point scale
  • Ability to perform searches in open source/social media platforms and legal research databases (e.g., Lexis, Pacer, etc.), including research relating to laws and statutes following orientation relating to these databases
  • Excellent organizational skills, report writing, and time management skills
  • Demonstrate quality control, attention to details, and high standards when writing emails/memos/summaries of work performed and when completing data entry
  • Ability and confidence in communicating questions and project summaries clearly to one or more OLC attorneys/staff members
  • Must be able to use discretion while handling and maintaining the confidentiality of highly sensitive information relating to NCMEC and/or case-related information
  • Ability to work independently

SALARY:
Although internships are unpaid positions, each intern will have the opportunity to acquire knowledge and hands-on experience in the position of his/her choosing and will receive academic credit through an approved program at his/her college or as a volunteer.
HOURS:
This is an in-person internship, with opportunity for a hybrid/remote schedule for certain weeks during the summer. The OLC Intern is required to work a minimum of 20 hours per week, between 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday, during Fall, Spring, or Summer semesters (based on divisional need and the Intern's performance there may be the opportunity to work over the course of multiple semesters/seasons). Interns will be excused to attend internship program functions and for academic holidays or vacations.