Legal Research Analyst

Senate Committees; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Senate Committees seeks a motivated Legal Research Analyst to coordinate their print and electronic library collections and conduct legal and legislative research related to tax policy. The role supports the nonpartisan staff under supervision of the Legal Research & Reference Librarian.

The candidate will manage acquisitions, cataloging, archival management, and respond to staff research needs in a fast-paced environment, balancing multiple priorities and deadlines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in political science or related field; understanding of the American legislative process.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and organize legal, legislative, and historical tax policy research.
• Catalog and manage library resources and archives.
• Monitor legislation and communicate findings to staff.
• Negotiate subscriptions and manage library budget.
• Archive work product per guidelines.

Skills

Independent work

Deadline management

Collaboration

Attention to detail

Research skills

Legal databases

Cataloging & archiving

Process improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree

MLIS preferred

Tools

Library databases

Cataloging software

Job description

The Joint Committee on Taxation seeks a highly motivated professional to join its nonpartisan staff as a Legal Research Analyst to coordinate and manage its print and electronic library collections and conduct legal and legislative research. The Legal Research Analyst will work under the direct supervision of the Joint Committee's Legal Research & Reference Librarian on a wide range of projects related to information management, including legal and legislative research, resource acquisition and cataloging, and archival management and records retention.

The ideal candidate is a self-directed, resourceful professional with a strong interest in legal librarianship and government information. They demonstrate initiative, sound judgement, and the ability independently to manage competing priorities, meet demanding deadlines, and balance short and long-term projects in a fast-paced environment.

Necessary skills include:

• Ability to work independently, anticipate needs, and take ownership of tasks through completion, with a strong sense of accountability and follow-through.
• Capacity to manage and reprioritize simultaneous projects and rigorous deadlines.
• Ability to balance research and administrative responsibilities while collaborating effectively with colleagues.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills and commitment to accuracy and timely execution.
• Sense of curiosity and resourcefulness when conducting research; adept at problem-solving.
• Familiarity with legal research and government information databases.
• Knowledge of best practices in cataloging and archiving.
• Ability to identify emerging needs, communicate concerns proactively, and recommend improvements to existing processes and workflows.

Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Conduct, organize, and curate legal, legislative, and historical research on tax policy matters.
• Manage a comprehensive collection of compiled legislative histories on taxation.
• Catalog library resources, such as treatises, periodicals, and congressional documents.
• Proactively monitor relevant legislation, congressional hearings, court cases, and research developments to identify and communicate information of interest to Committee Staff.
• Negotiate with vendors to secure subscriptions, while maintaining the overall library budget.
• Post, describe, and maintain publications on the Joint Committee's website.
• Archive work product (print and digital) in accordance with established guidelines and policies.

Requirements:

A bachelor's degree in political science, American history, information studies, legal studies, economics or other related field and an interest and understanding of the American legislative process – including prior congressional experience – sufficient to understand complex policy issues. Strong writing, communication, and research skills, including knowledge of specialized legal and legislative databases, and research experience are required. A Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree from an ALA-accredited program is preferred, however not required.

Salary and benefits:

Salary is commensurate with skills and experience.