Attorney

House of Representatives•Washington, DC

About The Position

The House Office of the Legislative Counsel (HOLC) hires attorneys to draft legislation and perform related legal functions on a nonpartisan, impartial, and confidential basis in support of Members and committees of the House of Representatives. HOLC transforms policy goals into clear, concise, and legally effective legislative language that expresses congressional intent. Attorneys address a broad range of legal issues, including constitutional, statutory, and administrative law, and may provide legal analysis on emerging and novel areas of federal law. They do not make policy; they work to ensure legislation accurately reflects the policy of the Member or committee for whom it is drafted. HOLC plans to hire two attorneys starting in March 2027 and three attorneys starting in September 2027. The position requires a commitment to nonpartisan public service, strong writing, legal analysis, interpersonal, and oral communication skills, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively under pressure. Attorneys must use judgment, tact, and discretion when addressing complex problems and difficult situations. HOLC seeks candidates open to long-term employment with the office. The starting salary is $100,274.40 annually. The House offers health and life insurance, retirement benefits, transit benefits, and a student loan repayment program. Continued employment is contingent on satisfactorily completing a criminal history record check. Employment with the U.S. House of Representatives is at-will.

Requirements

Graduate from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association before commencing employment.
Beginning no later than one year after commencing employment, maintain active membership in the bar of a State, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory.
Be a U.S. citizen.
Demonstrate commitment to nonpartisan public service.
Demonstrate exceptional writing, legal analysis, interpersonal, and oral communication skills.
Have a strong academic background and intellectual curiosity.
Be able to work effectively alone and with others, work well under pressure, and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and clients.
Be able to analyze complex problems and handle difficult situations with judgment, tact, and discretion.
Submit a resume, cover letter, legal writing sample of no more than 10 pages, law school transcript, and names and contact information for at least three references.
Indicate U.S. citizenship in either the cover letter or resume.
Apply by November 3, 2026.

Responsibilities

Draft legislation and prepare bills at each stage of the legislative process.
Analyze policy proposals, engage with clients, apply relevant legal principles and court decisions, and conduct research as needed to prepare effective statutory language.
Advise clients about the legal effect and constitutionality of proposed legislative measures in the context of existing laws and legislative procedure.
Attend sessions of House subcommittees and full committees, as well as conference committees between the House and Senate.
Respond to questions from legislators and legislative staff.
Lead and participate in drafting sessions and other meetings, both online and in person.
Communicate with stakeholders at the request of a Member or committee as needed to draft legislation.
After gaining sufficient experience, train and mentor other attorneys.