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Legislative Research Intern Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Legislative Research Intern information

What does a legislative research intern do?

A Legislative Research Intern assists lawmakers, policy analysts, or advocacy organizations by researching legislation, tracking bills, and summarizing policy issues. Their work often involves gathering data, preparing briefs, attending committee hearings, and supporting communication with constituents or stakeholders. This role provides valuable exposure to the legislative process, public policy analysis, and the workings of government. Interns develop research, writing, and analytical skills that are beneficial for future careers in law, public administration, or politics.

What is the difference between Legislative Research Intern vs Legislative Assistant?

AspectLegislative Research InternLegislative Assistant
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or holding a bachelor's degree, some internships may require related courseworkUsually requires a bachelor's degree; some positions prefer or require a master's degree or relevant experience
Work EnvironmentTemporary, entry-level position often during academic breaks or summerFull-time, professional role within legislative offices or government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by government offices, legislative bodies, and advocacy groups for research supportCommonly employed in legislative offices, government agencies, and policy organizations

While both roles involve legislative work, a Legislative Research Intern typically focuses on assisting with research tasks during an internship period, often as a student. A Legislative Assistant holds a more permanent, professional position with broader responsibilities, including policy analysis, constituent communication, and legislative strategy.

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

To thrive as a Legislative Research Intern, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a background in political science, law, or public policy. Familiarity with legislative tracking systems, government databases, and proficiency in research software like LexisNexis are typically required. Excellent written and verbal communication, organization, and the ability to work independently are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure accurate analysis, effective communication of findings, and valuable support to legislative teams in a fast-paced policy environment.

What kinds of projects or tasks can a legislative research intern expect to work on during a typical week?

As a Legislative Research Intern, you can expect to assist with tracking bills, summarizing legislative proposals, preparing briefing materials, and conducting in-depth research on policy issues. Interns often work closely with legislative aides and policy analysts, attend committee hearings, and help draft memos or reports for lawmakers. The role requires strong attention to detail and the ability to synthesize complex information into clear, concise summaries. Collaboration with team members is common, and you may be asked to provide quick research support in a fast-paced environment.
What job categories do people searching Legislative Research Intern jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Legislative Research Intern jobs in Colorado are:
Infographic showing various Legislative Research Intern job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Legislative Legal Services Intern

State of Colorado

Denver, CO

Part-time, Internship

Posted 16 days ago


State Of Colorado rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 95 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

36th of 50 rated states


Job description

Department Information Are you interested in an internship where you don't just interpret or apply the law, but actually help make it. Consider interning with the Office of Legislative Legal Services, the nonpartisan in-house counsel for the Colorado General Assembly. We offer an exciting and varied internship experience to motivated law students with an interest in the legislative process and state policy.

About the Office of Legislative Legal Services The office facilitates and supports the legislative work of the General Assembly and protects the General Assembly's organizational interests without participating in its politics. We draft legislation for all 100 state legislators, and we conduct research for and provide legal advice to the legislators and their staff. We also serve the people of Colorado directly by publishing and annotating the Colorado Revised Statutes, reviewing and commenting on potential new laws proposed by citizens exercising their initiative rights, and providing to the public information related to the work of the General Assembly.

Description of Job About the Internship Program The Office of Legislative Legal Services internship program invites you to apply your research, writing, interpersonal, and analytical skills to help address Colorado's most pressing public policy problems. Interns receive extensive mentoring and engage with a range of substantive issues through work with each of the subject matter teams. (Please find each team's subject matter expertise listed here: https://content.leg.colorado.gov/agencies/office-legislative-legal-services/team-subject-matters Interns can expect a variety of unique and rewarding experiences including: Legislative bill drafting; Conducting legal research and reviewing other states' laws; Meeting with legislators and lobbyists; Staffing legislative committee hearings; Attending floor debates; and Preparing official annotations to Colorado appellate opinions

The internship program is a strictly "for-credit" opportunity, offered during the legislative session (mid-January through early May). Interns are not paid for their experience at the office. The position is part-time, with the actual number of hours to be negotiated between the intern and the mentoring attorney.

A minimum commitment of twelve hours per week is required, and three days a week is preferred to ensure a meaningful experience. The internship requires in-person work at the State Capitol complex. Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights Candidate Qualifications The Office of Legislative Legal Services seeks a flexible, enthusiastic, and motivated 2L or 3L student who possesses strong writing skills and excellent people skills.

Bring your sound professional judgment, your ability to set aside your own biases, and, perhaps most of all, your intellectual curiosity. Having taken a legislative drafting course or a legislative process course is a plus, but not required. Supplemental Information Application Materials If interested, please apply and upload your resume, a writing sample, and a brief cover letter that highlights the reasons for your interest and any relevant experience to Applications must be submitted no later than August 20, 2026.

The Office of Legislative Legal Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by law. All qualified applicants are given equal opportunity, and employment decisions are based exclusively on job-related factors.


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