Legislative Council Staff Attorney

NCSL Juvenile Justice Principles Work Group; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 81,000 - 141,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance (fully paid)

Job summary

North Dakota Legislative Council in Bismarck seeks a staff attorney to support the Legal Division. The role involves drafting and reviewing proposed legislation, providing counsel on statutes and court decisions, and conducting rigorous legal research to produce reports and analyses.

The position requires a JD, admission to ND or eligibility, strong written/spoken skills, and the ability to work under deadlines.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school.
• Admitted to practice in North Dakota or able to seek admission.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Authorized to work in the United States.
• Experience with North Dakota legislative drafting and procedure.

Responsibilities

• Draft and review proposed legislation.
• Provide information on legislation and the legislative process.
• Provide legislative counsel and analyze legal documents.
• Conduct general and specialized legal research and prepare reports.
• Perform professional legal staff work for legislative bodies and committees.
• Staff and present to legislative committees; respond to inquiries.
• Supervise staff as necessary.
• Perform other duties as directed by leadership.

Skills

Effective communication

Legal writing

English proficiency

Statutory analysis

Confidentiality

Team collaboration

Travel willingness

Education

Juris Doctorate

Tools

Legal research tools

Job description

Range: $6,772 - $11,735 monthly, based on relevant experience and qualifications.

State of Vermont - Office of Legislative Counsel

$85,000 per year or more, depending on qualifications and experience.

Summary of Work: The North Dakota Legislative Council provides staff services to the legislative branch and consists of attorneys, accountants, researchers, and auxiliary personnel. Under the direction of the Legal Division Director, the Legislative Council staff attorney supports the work of the Legislative Council.

Responsibilities

Duties and Tasks

A Legislative Council staff attorney will:

• Draft and review proposed legislation.
• Provide information on legislation and the legislative process.
• Provide legislative counsel and analyze legal documents.
• Conduct general and specialized legal research and prepare reports and analysis on findings.
• Perform professional legal and legislative staff work for the Legislative Management and its committees, the Legislative Assembly and its committees, and legislators.
• Staff and make oral presentations to legislative committees and respond to requests for spontaneous explanations of complex matters.
• Supervise staff as necessary.
• Perform other duties as directed by the Legal Division Director or the Director of the Legislative Council.

Essential Skills and Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, to explain and summarize legislation, court decisions, complex written material, detailed research documents, and administrative rules.
• Ability to draft correspondence, memorandums, and legislation clearly and concisely in a manner to accurately complete requests.
• Proficiency in the English language.
• Ability to conduct legal analysis of statutes, rules, and judicial decisions and derive logical conclusions.
• Ability to develop and maintain expertise in assigned areas of law.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle politically sensitive work.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines with minimum supervision.
• Ability to remain objective, nonpartisan, and professional regarding all legislative matters.
• Ability to occasionally travel and conduct work at sites away from the office.
• Broad working knowledge of federal and state law and statutory construction principles, state code format and publication process, administrative law and procedure, and of the legislative process.
• Knowledge of legal research sources and application of legal research methods.
• Knowledge and understanding of computer programs relating to legal research and the legislative process.
• Knowledge of the structure and relationships of federal, state, and local government.
• Experience with North Dakota legislative drafting and procedure.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.
• Admitted to practice law in North Dakota or the ability to seek admission.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Fully paid single or family health insurance.
• Attach a cover letter, resume, and references. Also, provide details in the employment history sections of the online application form on how your education, experience, and skills will qualify you for this position.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Posting will remain open until filled.

Additional Information

For more information about the position or general questions about the application procedures, contact: Lori Ziegler Legislative Administrative Officer North Dakota Legislative Council 701-328-2916 [e-mail] TTY Number: ND Relay Service 1-800-366-6888.