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Legislative Lawyer Jobs in Springfield, IL (NOW HIRING)

Staff Attorney

Springfield, IL ยท On-site

$76K/yr

LEGISLATIVE REFERENCE BUREAU 112 State House, Springfield, Illinois 62706-1300 Phone: 217/782-6625 Staff Attorney Legislative Reference Bureau is a nonpartisan legislative support services agency ...

Staff Attorney

Springfield, IL ยท On-site

$76K/yr

LEGISLATIVE REFERENCE BUREAU 112 State House, Springfield, Illinois 62706-1300 Phone: 217/782-6625 Staff Attorney Overview The Legislative Reference Bureau is a nonpartisan legislative support ...

Legislative Lawyer information

See Springfield, IL salary details

$29.8K

$63.7K

$120K

How much do legislative lawyer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for legislative lawyer in Springfield, IL is $63,667.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,600.00 and $70,900.00 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 near Springfield, IL are hiring for Legislative Lawyer jobs?

Cities near Springfield, IL with the most Legislative Lawyer job openings:

Infographic showing various Legislative Lawyer job openings in Springfield, IL as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,667 per year, or $30.6 per hour.

Staff Attorney

Springfield, IL โ€ข On-site

$76K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

LEGISLATIVE REFERENCE BUREAU

112 State House, Springfield, Illinois 62706-1300
Phone: 217/782-6625

Staff Attorney Job Description

Legislative Reference Bureau is a nonpartisan legislative support services agency that provides drafting services to the Illinois General Assembly.

The Bureau's staff attorneys are responsible for providing General Assembly members, legislative staff, State officers and officials, and others with the legal assistance necessary to prepare bills, amendments, resolutions, and other legislative documents.

The staff attorney position with the Bureau is a salaried, full-time position, with compensatory time awarded for overtime work. Compensation is based on individual qualifications and experience, beginning at $76,000 per year.

  • Paid time off
  • Participation in an employer-sponsored pension plan
  • Access to a deferred compensation program
  • Health, vision, and dental insurance benefits

Generally, the Bureau's hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. However, the position requires availability to work on evenings, weekends, and holidays during certain times of the year because of legislative requirements. This position is not eligible for remote or hybrid work.

The position requires a law degree and admission to (or eligibility for) the Illinois Bar. A staff attorney must be an excellent writer, must be able to work cooperatively and communicate effective with the Bureau's staff and its legislative clients, and must fulfill the trust imposed by the General Assembly on the Bureau, including the obligation to maintain strict confidentiality.

The Legislative Reference Bureau is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, disability, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital status, order of protection status, military status, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law.

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