Legislative & Regulatory Advocate

Nielsen Merksamer LLP; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with firm match

Paid time off and firm holidays

Professional development

Discretionary bonus

Job summary

Nielsen Merksamer LLP in Sacramento is seeking a Legislative & Regulatory Advocate to support the firm’s lobbying and government affairs practice by monitoring legislation, conducting policy research, tracking rulemaking, and helping prepare clients for engagement with lawmakers and agencies.

This role suits a detail-oriented policy professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and wants hands-on exposure to the legislative process and regulatory rulemaking.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, Public Policy, Government, Law, Communications, or related field.
• Five years of experience in a legislative office, executive/regulatory agency, trade association, advocacy organization, or lobbying/govt affairs or law firm.
• Strong understanding of the federal and/or state legislative and regulatory process.
• Excellent research and analytical skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including comfort presenting to clients and speaking in formal settings.
• Ability to synthesize complex policy issues into clear, concise materials.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational/project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple clients’ matters and deadlines simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Track pending federal and/or state legislation, committee hearings, markups, and floor activity relevant to client interests.
• Track and analyze legislative and executive branch hearings, identifying key takeaways and implications for clients.
• Monitor agency rulemakings, NPRMs, public comment periods, and guidance documents.
• Maintain and update legislative and regulatory tracking systems/databases for multiple clients.
• Draft bill summaries, regulatory analyses, hearing memos, and issue briefs.
• Analyze and report on the potential impact of proposed legislation or regulations on client industries.
• Meet with clients to provide legislative and regulatory briefings and updates.
• Draft comment letters, testimony, and correspondence to legislators and regulators.
• Develop relationships with key coalition members and identify opportunities for collaboration.
• Draft client reports summarizing key issues, progress, and priorities.

Skills

Strong written and verbalCommunication

Attention to detail

Project management

Discretion and sound judgment

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in political science, Public Policy, Government, Law, Communications, or related field

J.D. or graduate degree in public policy (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Policy-tracking platforms

Job description

Reports To:

Missy Johnson, Senior Director of Government Affairs

Employment Type:

Full-Time, Exempt

About the Firm

Nielsen Merksamer is one of the nation's preeminent political law, government law, and lobbying firms, serving a national clientele on campaign, lobbying, and ethics compliance; legislative and administrative advocacy; election law; and high-stakes political and constitutional litigation. The firm is the go-to choice in California for navigating state and local government, and nationally for guidance on the complex laws governing political participation.

Position Summary

The Legislative & Regulatory Advocate supports the firm's lobbying and government affairs practice by monitoring legislative and regulatory activity, conducting policy research and analysis, tracking legislation and rulemaking, and helping prepare clients for engagement with lawmakers and agencies. This role is well-suited for a detail-oriented policy professional who thrives in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment and wants hands-on exposure to the legislative and rulemaking process.

Key Responsibilities

Legislative & Regulatory Monitoring

• Track pending federal and/or state legislation, committee hearings, markups, and floor activity relevant to client interests
• Track and analyze legislative and executive branch hearings, identifying key takeaways and implications for clients
• Monitor agency rulemakings, notices of proposed rulemaking (NPRMs), public comment periods, and guidance documents
• Maintain and update legislative and regulatory tracking systems/databases for multiple clients

Research & Analysis

• Draft bill summaries, regulatory analyses, hearing memos, and issue briefs
• Analyze and report on the potential impact of proposed legislation or regulations on client industries
• Research legislator background, voting records, committee jurisdiction and policy positions
• Draft legislation and prepare legal analysis, as requested by clients

Client & Lobbyist Support

• Meet with clients to provide legislative and regulatory briefings and updates
• Meet with legislators, legislative staff and administration officials on behalf of clients
• Prepare briefing materials, talking points, and leave-behinds for client meetings and capital/agency visits
• Develop relationships with key coalition members, identify opportunities for collaboration and synergy in client policy priorities
• Draft comment letters, testimony, and correspondence to legislators and regulators
• Testify before legislative committees or regulatory bodies on behalf of clients, as needed
• Assist in developing advocacy strategies and coalition-building materials
• Draft client reports summarizing key issues, progress, and other relevant priorities.

Qualifications Required

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, Public Policy, Government, Law, Communications, or related field
• Five years of experience in a legislative office, executive/regulatory agency, trade association, advocacy organization, or lobbying/government affairs or law firm.
• Strong understanding of the federal and/or state legislative and regulatory process
• Excellent research and analytical skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including comfort presenting to clients and speaking in formal settings (e.g., hearings, briefings)
• Ability to synthesize complex policy issues into clear, concise materials
• Attention to detail and strong organizational/project management skills
• Ability to manage multiple clients’ matters and deadlines simultaneously

Preferred

• Familiarity with state lobbying disclosure requirements
• Experience with legislative tracking platforms
• Existing relationships or familiarity with relevant committees, agencies, or policy areas
• J.D. or graduate degree in public policy is a plus but not required

Skills & Attributes

• Discretion and sound judgment in handling sensitive and confidential client and political information
• Strong interpersonal skills and professional presence with government officials and clients
• Adaptability in a fast-moving, deadline-intensive environment
• Nonpartisan, client-service orientation
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and comfort learning specialized policy-tracking and customer relationship management tools

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $100,000–$250,000, commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with firm match
• Paid time off and firm holidays
• Professional development and bar/license reimbursement (if applicable)
• Discretionary bonus.

Nielsen Merksamer is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, creed, ethnic or national origin, ancestry, age, disability, veteran or military status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, domestic partner status, and other categories protected by applicable laws, or in retaliation for opposition to any practices forbidden under this policy.