Legislative Research Attorney

The Hawai'i State Senate; Honolulu (HI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

State retirement (pension)

Paid time off (PTO) and state holidays

On-site parking

Job summary

The Hawai'i State Senate Majority Research Office (SMA) is hiring Legislative Research Attorneys to provide legal research, policy analysis, and bill-drafting support to the majority party members of the Hawai'i State Senate.

During the Legislative Session, you'll be assigned to Senate Standing Committees, drafting documents and supporting Chairs; during the Interim, you’ll work on long-term research projects and legal memoranda.

Qualifications

• JD degree is required.
• Bar admission in good standing with HSBA is required.
• Ability to perform legal research and draft memoranda under tight deadlines.
• Clear and concise written communication; explain complex issues to non-legal audiences.
• Ability to interpret and apply statutory language.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration with staff and officials.
• Proficiency with standard virtual meeting platforms.

Responsibilities

• Draft bills, resolutions, and official committee reports.
• Attend Standing Committee hearings and take detailed notes; ensure adherence to Senate rules.
• Conduct legal and policy research; prepare memoranda for Senators and staff.
• Track assigned bills and resolutions through the legislative process.
• Prioritize deadlines and assist teammates to meet filing deadlines.
• Maintain confidentiality and professional diplomacy in a political environment.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Communication

Statutory analysis

Interpersonal skills

Time management

MS Office 365

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Bar admission (HSBA)

Tools

Microsoft Office 365

Job description

Agency: Hawai'i State Senate Majority Research Office (SMA)

Pay Range: $70,000 - $88,000/year, commensurate with experience

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent (probationary period through the 2027 Regular Session)

Location: Honolulu, Oahu - Hawai'i State Capitol (in-person)

Schedule: Monday-Friday, in-person; some evenings/weekends/holidays may be required during the Jan-May legislative session, depending on deadlines

Position Summery

The Hawai'i State Senate Majority Research Office (SMA) is hiring Legislative Research Attorneys to provide legal research, policy analysis, and bill-drafting support to the majority party members of the Hawai'i State Senate.

During the Legislative Session (January-May), you'll be assigned to one or more Senate Standing Committees, facilitating the committee process, drafting legislative documents, and directly supporting Committee Chairs under the Director's supervision. During the Interim, you'll shift to in-depth research projects, legal memoranda, and long-term legislative drafting.

This is a great fit for an organized, independent attorney who also thrives in a collaborative team environment and wants to make a direct, tangible impact on Hawai'i state policy.

Why Join Us

• Direct public impact: your legal research and drafting helps facilitate legislation that affects the residents of Hawai'i.
• Comprehensive state benefits, including medical/dental/vision coverage and a state retirement (pension) plan.
• Meaningful variety: committee work, hearings, and research keep the role dynamic across session and interim periods.
• Collegial, mission-driven team culture supporting the Senate majority's legislative functions.

Key Responsibilities

• Legislation & Drafting: Draft bills, resolutions, and official committee reports.
• Committee Support: Attend Standing Committee hearings, take detailed notes, and ensure adherence to Senate rules and quorum requirements.
• Research & Legal Analysis: Conduct fact-finding, evaluative, and investigative research; prepare legal and research memoranda related to legislation for Senators and staff.
• Legislative Tracking: Track assigned bills and resolutions through the legislative process.
• Workflow & Deadlines: Prioritize across multiple concurrent deadlines and assist teammates to ensure all filing deadlines are met.
• Professionalism: Maintain strict confidentiality and professional conduct at all times.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
• Bar Admission: Admitted and in good standing with the Hawai'i State Bar Association (HSBA).
• Legal Research & Writing: Demonstrated ability to perform legal research and draft legal memoranda or opinions under tight deadlines.
• Communication: Ability to write clearly and concisely and explain complex legal or policy issues to non-legal audiences.
• Statutory Analysis: Ability to quickly interpret, digest, and apply statutory language.
• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to build strong working relationships with co-workers, staff, and elected officials.
• Adaptability: Comfortable shifting priorities quickly in a fast-paced environment.
• Technical: Proficient with Microsoft Office 365 and standard virtual meeting platforms.
• Work Authorization: Open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or lawful permanent residents.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of the legislative process or prior government/legislative experience.
• Prior experience drafting legislation.
• Familiarity with Hawai'i state laws, county ordinances, or local government structure.
• Background in criminal law, consumer protection, insurance, employment/labor law, or public health.

Licenses & Certifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) — required.
• Active membership in good standing with the Hawai'i State Bar Association (HSBA) — required.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Strong reading comprehension, organizational, and time-management skills under accelerated timelines.
• Exceptional legal writing and analytical ability.
• Clear verbal and written communication with diverse stakeholders, including elected officials.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and professional diplomacy in a politically sensitive environment.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team.

Work Environment & Schedule

This is an in-person role based at the Hawai'i State Capitol in Honolulu, Oahu. Standard hours are Monday-Friday. During the Legislative Session (approximately December/January through May), extended hours - including evenings, weekends, and holidays - are often required to meet committee and filing deadlines.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug insurance.
• Paid time off (PTO), including state holidays.
• State retirement (pension) plan.
• On-site parking available at the Hawai'i State Capitol.