Committee Attorney

The Hawai'i State Senate; Honolulu (HI); On-site; USD 56,000 - 84,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary range

Insurance

Temporary position

Job summary

The Hawaii State Senate seeks dedicated Committee Attorneys to support the legislative process. Under the supervision of the Committee Chairperson, the Committee Attorney performs complex legal research, drafts memoranda, and conducts rigorous reviews of proposed legislation and official committee reports.

Responsibilities include drafting and analyzing legislation, preparing briefing materials, and interpreting federal, state, and county laws to assess impact on governance.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Knowledge of standard legislative drafting techniques and legal research methodologies.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to present complex information clearly and concisely.
• High ethical standards and the proven ability to maintain confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive legal research on statutory, constitutional, and policy matters relevant to the committee's scope.
• Draft, review, and analyze proposed legislation, amendments, and committee reports for legal accuracy, clarity, and intent.
• Prepare legal memoranda, briefing materials, and policy summaries for the Committee Chairperson and committee members.
• Analyze federal, state, and county laws, rules, and procedures to evaluate their impact on government operations and programs.
• Monitor court decisions and precedent-setting opinions that may impact state and county governance.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding non-public legislative proceedings, discussions, and documents.
• Communicate legal concepts clearly, concisely, and effectively in both written materials and verbal briefings.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Drafting

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

J.D. degree

Job description

The Hawaii State Senate is seeking dedicated and detail-oriented Committee Attorneys to support the legislative process. Under the supervision of the Committee Chairperson, the Committee Attorney performs complex legal research, drafts legal memoranda, and conducts rigorous legal reviews of proposed legislation and official committee reports.

Examples of Duties

• Conduct comprehensive legal research on statutory, constitutional, and policy matters relevant to the committee's scope.
• Draft, review, and analyze proposed legislation, amendments, and committee reports for legal accuracy, clarity, and intent.
• Prepare legal memoranda, briefing materials, and policy summaries for the Committee Chairperson and committee members.
• Analyze federal, state, and county laws, rules, and procedures to evaluate their impact on government operations and programs.
• Monitor court decisions and precedent-setting opinions that may impact state and county governance.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding non-public legislative proceedings, discussions, and documents.
• Communicate legal concepts clearly, concisely, and effectively in both written materials and verbal briefings.

Typical Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Knowledge of standard legislative drafting techniques and legal research methodologies.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to present complex information clearly and concisely.
• High ethical standards and the proven ability to maintain confidentiality.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Active member of the Hawaii State Bar Association.

Core Competencies:

• Familiarity with federal, state, and county laws, organizational structures, administrative rules, functions, and public policy processes.
• Must possess strong legal research, writing, drafting, and analytical skills.
• Team player with the ability to multi-task, adapt to changing priorities, and work under deadlines.
• Experience in legislative, criminal, administrative law or public policy is a plus, but not required.

Other

• Must be able to work in-person at the Hawaii State Capitol in Honolulu, Oahu.
• Open to U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents.

Benefits & Details:

• Salary: $5,000-$7,500 per month for full-time positions, commensurate with experience and responsibilities
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Temporary position: December 2026 - May 2027.