Policy Research Assistant - Government & Legislation (PT)

Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP in Washington, DC is seeking a Public Policy Assistant for a part‑time 20 hours per week role within the Government Advocacy & Contracting Group. You will conduct substantive issue research, attend hearings, and prepare summaries, memoranda and client‑facing presentations.

The position emphasizes strong writing, research, and analytical skills, with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast‑paced environment.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical and critical‑thinking abilities with exceptional attention to detail.
• Superior writing, editing and research skills.
• Practical understanding of executive and legislative branch processes.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Professional communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with team members at all levels.
• Strong Outlook, Excel and Word skills required.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Effective analytical, logical reasoning, and problem‑solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Conduct substantive issue research and monitor congressional and executive branch agency activity, including attending and compiling detailed notes for relevant hearings.
• Draft memoranda, white papers, and presentations for client‑facing meetings and internal briefings.
• Research, draft, and distribute comprehensive monthly reports detailing legislative, regulatory, and policy developments relevant to clients (Monthly and/or Weekly).
• Produce concise Week Ahead reports summarizing upcoming legislative hearings, meetings, and policy events, and prepare Week Recap documents highlighting significant activities and policy changes from the previous week (Weekly).
• Create and curate a weekly Federal Grants Newsletter identifying and summarizing relevant federal grant opportunities, application deadlines, and funding trends aligned with organizational goals (Weekly).
• Maintain and update an Appropriations/Earmarks Tracker to monitor the status, progress, and funding levels of key appropriations bills and budgetary items, with weekly updates during the appropriations request period.
• Document and summarize advocacy wins, legislative achievements, and successful engagements by the government affairs team for internal and external communications (Ongoing/Regular updates).
• Track scheduling and logistics for client fly‑ins, including drafting scheduling documents, briefing materials, and providing logistics support as needed.
• Draft and edit various materials, such as talking points, briefing memos, presentations, press releases, and correspondence for senior staff (As needed).

Skills

Analytical thinking

Excellent writing

Research

Time management

Professional communication

Excel

Word

Attention to detail

Tools

Excel

Word

Job description

Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP in Washington, DC is seeking a Public Policy Assistant for a part‑time 20 hours per week role within the Government Advocacy & Contracting Group. You will conduct substantive issue research, attend hearings, and prepare summaries, memoranda and client‑facing presentations.

The position emphasizes strong writing, research, and analytical skills, with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast‑paced environment.