Legislative Attorney

Tennessee General Assembly; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Pension plans

401(k) retirement plans

457(b) retirement plans

Paid annual leave

Paid sick leave

Paid compensatory leave

Paid parental leave (up to six weeks)

Professional development & continuing-

Job summary

The Tennessee General Assembly's Office of Legal Services is seeking applicants for the full-time position of Legislative Attorney. OLS provides legal services to state senators and representatives and offers a professional, collegial environment for developing subject matter expertise.

The attorney will draft legislation, staff committees, conduct legal research, render legal opinions, and provide legal advice as requested by lawmakers.

Qualifications

• Admitted to practice law in Tennessee or eligible via reciprocity.
• Strong knowledge of the Tennessee Code Annotated and the Tennessee Constitution.
• Experience in government or legal practice is a plus, but not required.
• Strong interest in the legislative process is highly preferred.
• Ability to remain professional and impartial in a political environment.
• Excellent research, analysis, and writing skills.
• Strong verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple drafting projects under tight deadlines.
• Good interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willing to work overtime during the legislative session when necessary.

Responsibilities

• Draft legislation and staff legislative committees.
• Conduct legal research and render legal opinions.
• Provide legal advice to state senators and representatives.
• Perform other legal or legislative services as requested.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Legislative drafting

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Time management

Education

Tennessee Bar Admission or eligibility via reciprocity

Job description

The Tennessee General Assembly's Office of Legal Services (OLS) is seeking applicants for the full-time position of Legislative Attorney. OLS is a nonpartisan, joint office that provides legal services to state senators and representatives. Legislative attorneys draft legislation, staff legislative committees, conduct legal research, render legal opinions and provide legal advice, and perform other various legal or legislative services at the request of the senators and representatives. As a Legislative Attorney, you will join a highly professional and collegial team and develop subject matter expertise, while engaging in a vital and challenging career.

Qualifications:

• Admitted to practice law in Tennessee or seeking admission via reciprocity.
• Working knowledge of the Tennessee Code Annotated and the Constitution of Tennessee.
• Prior government or legal practice experience is a plus, but not required.
• Strong interest in the legislative process is highly preferred.
• Ability to remain professional and impartial at all times while working in a political environment.
• Excellent research, analysis, and writing skills.
• Strong verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage, prioritize, and complete multiple drafting projects under demanding time constraints in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, legislative environment.
• Good interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work more than a 40-hour work week during the legislative session, including evenings, holidays, and weekends when necessary.

Compensation:

Competitive salary based upon experience.

Employees and their dependents are eligible for a wide range of comprehensive benefits including: health, dental, and life insurance; pension, 401(k), and 457(b) retirement plans; annual, sick, and compensatory leave; up to six weeks of paid parental leave; and a variety of other options to help employees maintain a work-life balance outside of the legislative session.

Additional benefits include yearly professional development and continuing legal education. Professional privilege taxes are paid by the state.

Job Type: Full-time

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Overtime

Applicants are encouraged to explore the legislature's website at www.capitol.tn.gov, which contains valuable information about the Office of Legal Services and the Tennessee General Assembly, including user and drafting guides and archived videos of committee meetings and floor sessions.

The Tennessee General Assembly is an Equal Opportunity Employer.