Legislative Counsel

Pennsylvania Bar Association; Pennsylvania; Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) plan with employer contribution

Paid holidays and leave

Job summary

The Pennsylvania Bar Association (PBA) seeks an attorney for Legislative Counsel to shape public policy in Pennsylvania and monitor legislation. Working with Director of Legislative Affairs, you will analyze proposals, develop advocacy strategies, and represent the association before the General Assembly.

The role offers a hybrid work arrangement and opportunities to influence the administration of justice.

Qualifications

• Must be a current member of the Pennsylvania Bar in good standing.
• Minimum 2 years of government relations or public policy experience in PA.
• Strong legal research, analytical, and writing skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to interact effectively with legislators and staff.

Responsibilities

• Analyze legislation and provide legal and policy guidance on legislative initiatives.
• Communicate and work effectively with members and staff of the Pennsylvania General Assembly and other governmental and policy stakeholders.
• Advise and engage PBA members on legislative and governmental affairs matters.
• Develop and communicate legislative positions and advocacy strategies.

Skills

Legal research

Analytical thinking

Writing skills

Verbal communication

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Member of the Pennsylvania Bar in good standing

Job description

Position Summary:

The Pennsylvania Bar Association (PBA) is seeking an attorney with an interest in public policy, advocacy, and government relations to serve as Legislative Counsel. This is an opportunity to combine legal knowledge and analytical skills with direct involvement in shaping legislation and public policy in Pennsylvania.

Working closely with the Director of Legislative Affairs, the Legislative Counsel plays an important role in advancing the PBA's legislative priorities and representing the interests of Pennsylvania's legal profession before the General Assembly. The position involves analyzing and monitoring legislation, developing advocacy strategies, working directly with legislators and their staff, and advising PBA leadership, committees, and members on legislative and policy matters.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work on a diverse range of legal and public policy issues, build relationships with key policymakers and stakeholders, and contribute to initiatives affecting the legal profession and the administration of justice throughout the Commonwealth.

What we Offer:

The Pennsylvania Bar Association offers a comprehensive employee benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage, along with association-paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and travel accident insurance. Employees receive a competitive leave package, including accrued vacation and sick leave, two personal days, 12 paid holidays, and retirement benefits through a 401(k) plan featuring a 4% employer contribution and up to a 2% employer match. Additional benefits include jury duty, bereavement, kindergarten, family medical, and military leave.

The Pennsylvania Bar Association also offers a hybrid work arrangement, allowing eligible staff to work remotely for a portion of the workweek while maintaining an in-office presence to support collaboration, productivity, and organizational needs. Hybrid schedules are coordinated with supervisors and may be adjusted based on departmental responsibilities, business needs, and required in-person meetings, events, or training.

Duties and Responsibilities:

In addition to performing any duties that may be assigned by the Director of Legislative Affairs, the Legislative Counsel is responsible for the following:

• Help develop and implement legislative and advocacy strategies to advance the PBA's legislative priorities and policy positions.


• Build and maintain effective working relationships with members and staff of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, state agencies, and other stakeholders.


• Engage with legislators, legislative staff, and stakeholders on pending legislation and public policy issues.


• Represent the PBA at political and legislative events, including fundraisers.


• Monitor, review, and analyze proposed legislation and assess its potential legal and practical implications for the legal profession and the public.


• Assist in drafting legislation, amendments, and other legislative proposals to advance the PBA's objectives.


• Advise PBA committees and sections on legislative and policy matters and assist in developing recommendations and proposed legislative positions.


• Prepare legislative summaries, position letters, articles, and other written materials for PBA leadership, members, and publications.


• Represent the Legislative Department at PBA meetings and events.


• Assist with matters involving the PBA's Political Action Committee (PAC).

Qualifications:

• Membership in the Pennsylvania Bar in good standing.


• At least two years of experience in Pennsylvania government relations, legislative affairs or public policy.


• Strong legal research, analytical, and writing skills, including the ability to evaluate complex legislative and policy issues.


• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.


• Knowledge of the Pennsylvania legislative process and an ability to work effectively with legislators, government officials, and other stakeholders.


• Strong organizational skills, sound judgment, initiative, and attention to detail.


• The ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative team environment.

Essential Functions:

• Analyze legislation and provide legal and policy guidance on legislative initiatives.


• Communicate and work effectively with members and staff of the Pennsylvania General Assembly and other governmental and policy stakeholders.


• Advise and engage PBA members on legislative and governmental affairs matters.


• Develop and communicate legislative positions and advocacy strategies.

Reports To:

Director of Legislative Affairs

Salary Range:

Salary commensurate with experience

Term of Employment:

Full-time position

Evaluation:

Evaluated annually by the Director of Legislative Affairs