Attorney

West Virginia Legislature; Charleston (WV); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

West Virginia Legislature seeks a qualified attorney to provide nonpartisan legal counsel, research, drafting, and advisory services to support the legislative process. The attorney will work with legislators, committees, and staff on legislation, policy, statutory interpretation, and legislative procedure.

The position requires strong research and writing skills, sound judgment, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment with demanding deadlines.

Qualifications

• J.D. degree from an accredited law school.
• Admission to West Virginia State Bar, or eligibility and willingness to obtain admission.
• Strong legal research, analytical, and writing skills.
• Ability to interpret statutes, regulations, judicial decisions, and other legal authorities.
• Ability to communicate complex legal and policy matters clearly.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple assignments.

Responsibilities

• Drafting bills, amendments, committee substitutes, resolutions, and other legislative documents.
• Provide timely, practical legal counsel and technical assistance to legislators and staff.
• Conduct legal and policy research on proposed legislation and matters under consideration.
• Review proposed legislation for constitutional, statutory, procedural, technical issues and effects.
• Interpret state and federal statutes, regulations, judicial decisions, and other authorities.
• Serve as counsel to standing committees, subcommittees, and oversight bodies.
• Prepare bill summaries, memoranda, briefing documents, and committee materials.
• Attend committee meetings and legislative proceedings as necessary.
• Coordinate with state agencies and stakeholders to gather relevant information.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Time management

Collaboration

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Job description

The West Virginia Senate is seeking a qualified attorney to provide nonpartisan legal counsel, research, drafting, and advisory services in support of the legislative process. The attorney will work with members of the Legislature, legislative leadership, committees, and legislative staff on matters involving legislation, public policy, statutory interpretation, and legislative procedure. The position offers the attorney the opportunity to work directly on the development of state law and public policy across a broad range of substantive areas.

The position requires strong legal research and writing skills, sound professional judgment, discretion, and the ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced environment with demanding deadlines. The attorney must be able to analyze complex legal and policy issues and communicate that information clearly to legislators and staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The attorney’s duties may include:

• Drafting bills, amendments, committee substitutes, resolutions, and other legislative documents;
• Providing timely, practical legal counsel and technical assistance to members of the Legislature, legislative committees, and legislative staff;
• Conducting legal and policy research concerning proposed legislation and other matters under consideration by the Legislature;
• Reviewing proposed legislation for constitutional, statutory, procedural, technical, and other legal issues and advising on its potential legal effects;
• Analyzing and interpreting state and federal statutes, regulations, judicial decisions, administrative policies, and other legal authorities;
• Serving as counsel to standing committees, subcommittees, interim committees, and legislative oversight bodies as assigned;
• Preparing bill summaries, legal memoranda, briefing documents, committee materials, reports, and other written materials;
• Assisting committee chairs and members in preparing for and conducting meetings, and other legislative proceedings;
• Attending committee meetings, public hearings, stakeholder meetings, and other legislative proceedings as necessary;
• Working with state agencies, executive branch officials, attorneys, stakeholders, and members of the public to obtain and evaluate information relevant to legislative matters;
• Reviewing agency rules, reports, programs, expenditures, and other materials and assisting with legislative oversight of state agencies and programs;
• Monitoring significant developments in state and federal law that may affect West Virginia and advising legislators and staff as appropriate;
• Maintaining appropriate confidentiality regarding privileged, sensitive, or internal legislative matters and performing other legal and legislative duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school;
• Admission to the West Virginia State Bar, or eligibility and willingness to obtain admission as required for the position;
• Strong legal research, analytical, and writing skills;
• Ability to interpret statutes, regulations, judicial decisions, and other legal authorities;
• Ability to communicate complex legal and policy matters clearly and concisely;
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail;
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet strict deadlines;
• Ability to work professionally with legislators, staff, government officials, attorneys, stakeholders, and members of the public; and
• Ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference may be given to candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Legislative or governmental practice;
• Bill drafting or statutory interpretation;
• Administrative law;
• Constitutional law;
• State or federal regulatory matters;
• Litigation or appellate practice; or
• Experience working with state agencies, legislative committees, or other governmental entities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The successful candidate should possess:

• Excellent legal research and writing abilities;
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Knowledge of the legislative process or the ability to quickly develop such knowledge;
• Ability to draft precise statutory and legal language;
• Ability to identify legal and policy implications of proposed legislation;
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively;
• Ability to provide candid, professional, and legally sound advice on complex, sensitive, or controversial matters;
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and produce accurate, high-quality legal work under significant time constraints, including when issues develop rapidly or available information is incomplete; and
• A commitment to providing high‑quality legal services to the West Virginia Legislature.

Work Environment

The position is based at the West Virginia State Capitol in Charleston. Legislative attorneys generally work a regular professional schedule but must be available for extended and irregular hours during legislative sessions and other periods of significant legislative activity. Some travel may be required for interim meetings, conferences, site visits, or other legislative business.

Application Deadline

September 30, 2026