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Legislative Lawyer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

State of South Dakota

Legislative Attorney

Pierre, SD · On-site

$74K - $92K/yr

Job ID: 37502 - Legislative Attorney Agency: Legislative Research Council Location:Pierre, SD Closing Date: Open Until Filled This is a full-time position with the Legislative Research Council, in ...

CGA

Legislative Attorney

Hartford, CT

$99K - $104K/yr

Job Application JOINT COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE MANAGEMENT ROOM 5100, LEGISLATIVE OFFICE BUILDING ... attorneys for a unique legal opportunity in a dynamic environment. Examples of Duties Primary ...

Jackson Walker LLP

Legislative Coordinator

Austin, TX

The Legislative Coordinator works closely with attorneys, clients, Accounting, Accounts Payable, and other Firm professionals to ensure information is accurate, deadlines are met, and legislative and ...

New

Jackson Walker LLP

Legislative Coordinator

Austin, TX · On-site

The Legislative Coordinator works closely with attorneys, clients, Accounting, Accounts Payable, and other Firm professionals to ensure information is accurate, deadlines are met, and legislative and ...

New

West Virginia Legislature

Attorney

Charleston, WV · On-site

The attorney will work with members of the Legislature, legislative leadership, committees, and legislative staff on matters involving legislation, public policy, statutory interpretation, and ...

State of Montana

Lawyer

Helena, MT

$74K - $97K/yr

This Lawyer (1) or (2) position will collaborate with the legal team and work closely with DNRC ... legislative drafting. Supervision: It is not expected that this position will supervise staff.

State of Montana

Lawyer

Helena, MT · On-site

$74K - $97K/yr

This Lawyer (1) or (2) position will collaborate with the legal team and work closely with DNRC ... legislative drafting. Supervision: It is not expected that this position will supervise staff.

State of Montana

Lawyer

Helena, MT

$74K - $97K/yr

This Lawyer (1) or (2) position will collaborate with the legal team and work closely with DNRC ... legislative drafting. Supervision: It is not expected that this position will supervise staff.

Montana

Lawyer

Helena, MT · On-site

$74K - $97K/yr

This Lawyer (1) or (2) position will collaborate with the legal team and work closely with DNRC ... legislative drafting. Supervision: It is not expected that this position will supervise staff.

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Legislative Lawyer information

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How much do legislative lawyer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for legislative lawyer in the United States is $64,183.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $71,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a legislative lawyer?

Legislative lawyers are legal professionals who specialize in the drafting, analysis, and interpretation of legislation. They often work with lawmakers, government agencies, or legislative bodies to ensure that proposed laws are clear, effective, and comply with existing legal frameworks. Their responsibilities include researching legal precedents, providing legal advice on policy issues, and helping to shape public policy through the legislative process. Legislative lawyers play a crucial role in making sure that new laws are both enforceable and aligned with constitutional principles.

What are some typical challenges faced by legislative lawyers when drafting new laws or amendments?

Legislative lawyers often face challenges such as balancing the interests of various stakeholders, ensuring legal language is clear and enforceable, and keeping proposed bills compliant with existing laws and constitutional frameworks. They must also manage tight deadlines during legislative sessions and adapt quickly to last-minute changes or political negotiations. Effective communication and collaboration with legislators, policy analysts, and advocacy groups are essential to overcome these challenges and produce sound, effective legislation.

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

To thrive as a Legislative Lawyer, you need a law degree, admission to the bar, and deep expertise in legislative processes and statutory interpretation. Familiarity with legal research databases, drafting software, and legislative tracking systems is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, written and verbal communication, and negotiation skills help set you apart in this role. These skills are vital for effectively crafting, analyzing, and advocating for laws that align with legal standards and policy objectives.

What is the difference between Legislative Lawyer vs Legislative Analyst?

AspectLegislative LawyerLegislative Analyst
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), bar admissionBachelor's or Master's in political science, public policy, or law
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, government agencies, legislative officesGovernment agencies, think tanks, legislative offices
Employer & Industry UsageLegal practice, legislative advocacyPolicy analysis, legislative research
Common Search & ComparisonLegal expertise in legislationPolicy development and analysis

While both roles involve working within the legislative process, a Legislative Lawyer primarily provides legal advice, drafts legislation, and advocates for legal compliance. In contrast, a Legislative Analyst focuses on researching policies, analyzing legislative proposals, and advising lawmakers on policy impacts. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus within the legislative field.

What cities are hiring for Legislative Lawyer jobs?

Cities with the most Legislative Lawyer job openings:

What states have the most Legislative Lawyer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Legislative Lawyer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Legislative Lawyer jobs?

For Legislative Lawyer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Legislative Lawyer jobs near you

Legislative Attorney

Pierre, SD • On-site

State of South Dakota
See more jobs at State of South Dakotaexternal

$74K - $92K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

State Of South Dakota rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job ID: 37502 - Legislative Attorney
Agency: Legislative Research Council
Location:Pierre, SD
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
This is a full-time position with the Legislative Research Council, in Pierre, SD. For more information on the Legislative Research Council, please visit the LRC website.
The Legislative Research Council, which is the nonpartisan research and support staff to the South Dakota State Legislature, is accepting applications for a permanent, full-time Legislative Attorney. An applicant must have an interest in the legislative process and be results-oriented, honest, discrete, trustworthy, and articulate.
Duties and Responsibilities:
A Legislative Attorney will assist legislators by providing accurate, objective, and relevant research information, informed by a professional understanding of the law. The significant duties include:
  1. Compiling data and conducting general and legal research for legislative committees and individual legislators and presenting alternative solutions for their consideration;
  2. Conferring with and advising legislators on legislative legal questions;
  3. Drafting and editing bills, resolutions, and amendments to implement legislators' ideas;
  4. Staffing standing committees of the South Dakota Legislature during legislative sessions, consulting with committee chairs to develop agendas and obtain testimony, and preparing committee reports;
  5. Staffing interim committees, consulting with committee chairs to develop agendas, assisting with meeting arrangements, preparing background materials, and preparing final reports;
  6. Reviewing administrative rules for form, style, clarity, and compliance with statutory authority; and
  7. Researching and writing issue memoranda and developing other resources on selected topics for review and use by the Legislature, Legislative Research Council staff, and the public.

Minimum Qualifications:
  1. A Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school;
  2. An active license in good standing with the State Bar of South Dakota, or the ability to become eligible for and become admitted to the State Bar of South Dakota within one year after employment; and
  3. The ability to remain objective and nonpartisan in relation to all legislative matters, maintain confidentiality, and handle politically sensitive work.

Preferred Qualifications:
  1. Very strong writing skills;
  2. Strong research and analytical skills;
  3. A willingness to develop expertise in various subject areas;
  4. The ability to communicate, both orally and in writing, in a manner that clearly and efficiently conveys information to legislators and the public; and
  5. The ability to work under tight deadlines and extended hours during the legislative session.

Salary Range: For an entry level Legislative Attorney, the annual salary will range from $74,000 to $92,000. For a Senior Legislative Attorney with previous related experience, the annual salary will range from $88,000 to $130,000. The actual starting salary will depend on qualifications and experience.
Application Process: This position will remain open until filled. This position is exempt from the Civil Service Act and is employed at will. Any application or resume submitted for consideration will be kept confidential. Applications, consisting of a letter of interest and resume, should be submitted online (https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=4TP) or e-mail to:
South Dakota Legislative Research Council
500 East Capitol Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501
E-Mail: Legis.Resume@sdlegislature.gov | Phone: 605-773-3251

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