Legislative Attorney

the South Dakota State Government • Pierre, SD

12d • Onsite

About The Position

This is a full-time position with the Legislative Research Council, in Pierre, SD. The Legislative Research Council, which is the nonpartisan research and support staff to the South Dakota State Legislature, is accepting applications for a permanent, full-time Legislative Attorney. An applicant must have an interest in the legislative process and be results-oriented, honest, discrete, trustworthy, and articulate.

Requirements

• A Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school.
• An active license in good standing with the State Bar of South Dakota, or the ability to become eligible for and become admitted to the State Bar of South Dakota within one year after employment.
• The ability to remain objective and nonpartisan in relation to all legislative matters, maintain confidentiality, and handle politically sensitive work.

Nice To Haves

• Very strong writing skills.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• A willingness to develop expertise in various subject areas.
• The ability to communicate, both orally and in writing, in a manner that clearly and efficiently conveys information to legislators and the public.
• The ability to work under tight deadlines and extended hours during the legislative session.

Responsibilities

• Assist legislators by providing accurate, objective, and relevant research information, informed by a professional understanding of the law.
• Compile data and conduct general and legal research for legislative committees and individual legislators and present alternative solutions for their consideration.
• Confer with and advise legislators on legislative legal questions.
• Draft and edit bills, resolutions, and amendments to implement legislators' ideas.
• Staff standing committees of the South Dakota Legislature during legislative sessions, consulting with committee chairs to develop agendas and obtain testimony, and preparing committee reports.
• Staff interim committees, consulting with committee chairs to develop agendas, assisting with meeting arrangements, preparing background materials, and preparing final reports.
• Review administrative rules for form, style, clarity, and compliance with statutory authority.
• Research and write issue memoranda and develop other resources on selected topics for review and use by the Legislature, Legislative Research Council staff, and the public.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree