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Legislative Internship Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

nLeague Services Inc

Legal Assistant

Nashville, TN · On-site

... interns to ensure effective management of the State Board's legal work. * The paralegal/legal ... rulemaking, legislative analysis, revising State Board rules and policies, and responding to ...

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Legislative Internship information

What is a legislative internship?

A legislative internship is a temporary position that allows students or recent graduates to work alongside lawmakers, committees, or legislative staff within a government body such as a state legislature or Congress. Interns typically assist with research, drafting bills, attending hearings, and communicating with constituents. The experience provides valuable insight into the legislative process, public policy, and government operations, and can be an excellent stepping stone for a career in politics or public service.

What is the difference between Legislative Internship vs Legislative Assistant?

AspectLegislative InternshipLegislative Assistant
Required CredentialsTypically students or recent graduates, some internships may require coursework in political science or related fieldsUsually requires a bachelor's degree in political science, public administration, or related fields; some roles prefer experience or certification
Work EnvironmentTemporary, entry-level position within government offices, legislative bodies, or advocacy groupsFull-time, professional role supporting legislative processes, often with more responsibilities
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by government offices, legislative bodies, and political organizations for training and entry-level experienceEmployed by legislators, government agencies, or advocacy groups to assist with policy research and constituent services

In summary, a Legislative Internship is an entry-level, temporary position ideal for students or recent graduates gaining exposure to legislative work. A Legislative Assistant is a more permanent, professional role requiring relevant education and experience, with greater responsibilities supporting legislative functions.

What do you do as a legislative internship?

A legislative internship involves assisting legislators or legislative offices with tasks such as researching policy issues, preparing reports, drafting correspondence, attending hearings, and communicating with constituents. Interns gain experience in the legislative process, develop research and communication skills, and often work in a fast-paced political environment. The role typically requires strong organizational skills and knowledge of government procedures.

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, writing, and analytical skills, often supported by coursework or experience in political science, public policy, or related fields. Familiarity with legislative tracking software, Microsoft Office, and sometimes constituent management systems is valuable. Outstanding communication, attention to detail, and professionalism help interns build relationships and effectively support legislative staff. These skills are vital for contributing meaningfully to legislative processes and ensuring accurate, high-quality work in a fast-paced environment.

What types of projects and tasks can I expect to work on as a legislative intern?

As a legislative intern, you can expect to assist with a variety of tasks such as conducting policy research, drafting memos or correspondence, attending committee hearings, and summarizing legislative proposals. You may also help with constituent communication, organizing events, and supporting office staff with day-to-day administrative duties. These responsibilities provide valuable exposure to the legislative process and offer opportunities to collaborate with lawmakers, staffers, and other interns, making it a dynamic and educational work environment.

How much does a legislative internship make?

A legislative internship typically pays between $10 and $20 per hour, depending on the location, organization, and level of education. Some internships may be unpaid or offer stipends, especially in government offices or non-profit settings, and may require academic credit or specific skills such as research or communication.

What are the most commonly searched types of Legislative jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Legislative jobs in Tennessee are:

Legislative Internship jobs near you

Legal Assistant

nLeague Services Inc

Nashville, TN • On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Job ID: 65164

Department: TN SBE(State Board of Education)

Position: Legal Assistant

Location: 500 James Robertson Parkway, Davy Crockett Tower, 8th Floor, Nashville,  Tennessee    37243-1050

Duration: 4+ Months

Hybrid

Tennessee State Board of Education: Part-Time Paralegal or Legal Assistant 

  • The Tennessee State Board of Education (“State Board”) is seeking a detail-oriented and highly organized part-time paralegal or legal assistant to support the legal team in carrying out the Board’s statutory and regulatory responsibilities, and in advising the State Board on K-12 education law and policy. This position will report to the General Counsel (GC) and will work closely with the State Board’s attorneys, paralegals, and legal interns to ensure effective management of the State Board’s legal work. 
  • The paralegal/legal assistant will assist attorneys in legal research, drafting, document review, Board meeting preparation, rulemaking, legislative analysis, revising State Board rules and policies, and responding to inquiries from the media and the public regarding State Board matters. With support from the GC, the paralegal/legal assistant is also responsible for communicating with school districts, educators, and other stakeholders regarding K-12 matters and for providing administrative support to the legal team as requested by the GC.  
  • This position is an important opportunity to ensure Tennessee continues to adopt policies and standards that are in the best interest of students through advancement of the goals articulated in the Board’s Master Plan. 

About the Tennessee State Board of Education

  • The State Board’s mission is to ensure policies and systems are in place so that all Tennessee students are prepared for success after graduation. We work closely with the Tennessee Department of Education, the Tennessee Public Charter School Commission, local school districts, and stakeholders across the state to ensure equity, oversight, and transparency in K-12 education policy. 

Required Qualifications 

Candidates must have: 

  • An associate or bachelor’s degree. 
  • A paralegal certification or at least two years of experience as a paralegal, legal assistant, or in a similar role. 
  • Impeccable editing skills, including extraordinary attention to detail and the ability to review legal team documents for spelling, stylistic, and grammatical errors.  
  • Outstanding organizational skills. 
  • Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously. 
  • A demonstrated ability to meet and exceed expectations. 
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint). 
  • A commitment to confidentiality and ethical standards in handling sensitive information. 
  • Strong written and oral communication skills. 

Preferred Qualifications 

We prefer candidates with: 

  • Ability to conduct legal research. 
  • Proficiency in legal research tools (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis). 
  • Strong understanding of legal terminology, research methods, and administrative procedures. 
  • Experience working in or with K-12 schools. 
  • Experience working for the state of Tennessee. 
  • Understanding of Uniform Administrative Procedures Act. 

Job Responsibilities 

The paralegal/legal assistant is responsible for the following: 

  • Responding to K-12 legal questions from a variety of stakeholders, including school district representatives, governmental agencies, teachers, legislators, and advocates. 
  • Assisting with the preparation and coordination of rulemaking activities, including compiling public comments, drafting rulemaking notices and agendas, editing and filing rules, and preparing materials for the Joint Committee for Government Operations in the TN legislature. 
  • Supporting the GC in preparing rules and policies for Board meetings and other legal proceedings. 
  • Conducting legal research on K-12 education matters as requested by the GC. 
  • Tracking deadlines, rulemaking hearing schedules, and regulatory timelines to ensure compliance with applicable laws and procedures. 

Providing administrative assistance, including: 

  • scheduling meetings for the GC and legal team; 
  • Processing travel and expense reports; 

Filing legal documents; 

  • Responding to public requests to speak at Board meetings; 
  • Ensuring Board members and staff complete annual compliance forms; 
  • Procuring items required by the legal team; 

Printing and mailing SBE documents; 

  • Booking meeting rooms for team events; 
  • Assisting with scheduling and hosting Webex meetings for the Board’s leadership team; 
  • Compiling and organizing binders for Board meetings and administrative hearings 
  • Drafting, proofreading, and formatting legal documents, including rules, orders, memoranda, contracts, and correspondence. 
  • Maintaining and organizing legal team electronic files in accordance with state retention and confidentiality requirements. 
  • Perform other duties as assigned to support the work of the Office of General Counsel.