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Legislative Research 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 · On-site

$17.25 - $23/hr

Key job responsibilities - Help develop Amazon's position on policy issues - Research policy ... of the legislative and regulatory policy process as well as the technology industry - Strong ...

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 are the most commonly searched types of Legislative Research jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Legislative Research jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Legislative Research Intern jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Legislative Research Intern job openings:
Infographic showing various Legislative Research Intern job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Full-time, Temporary, Internship

Re-posted 13 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.