Legislative Research Summer Associate

DHRM • Richmond, VA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Division of Legislative Services, the non-partisan primary legal and research agency of the Virginia General Assembly, is seeking a law student to serve as Legislative Research Summer Associate for the summer of 2027. The Research Associate will be assigned to work with the Division's attorneys on a variety of research projects, which may include: criminal and civil procedure, natural resources, education, taxation and public finance, transportation, business and commerce, and general laws. The Research Associate will also receive training and participate in legislative drafting. Assignments given to past Research Assistants have been diverse and have included researching and interpreting state and federal law; drafting responses to inquiries from members of the General Assembly regarding legislative matters, historical issues, or public policy; presenting material to legislative bodies; and publishing informational legal materials. Successful candidates must have a strong background in legal research, analysis, and electronic database searching, as well as excellent writing and presentation skills. Applicants should be resourceful, highly self-motivated, and able to meet tight deadlines. Demonstrated interest in the practice of public sector law is highly desirable. The position is full-time during the summer months, with the possibility of continuing part-time during the fall and spring. The position requires in-office presence in Richmond and has the option for some telework days. The desired candidate will be Richmond-based during the summer and either a rising 2nd year or 3rd year law school student. The desired candidate will not work more than 40 hours during the week.

Requirements

• Strong background in legal research, analysis, and electronic database searching.
• Excellent writing and presentation skills.
• Resourceful, highly self-motivated, and able to meet tight deadlines.
• Rising 2nd year or 3rd year law school student.
• Richmond-based during the summer.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated interest in the practice of public sector law is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Work with the Division's attorneys on a variety of research projects, which may include: criminal and civil procedure, natural resources, education, taxation and public finance, transportation, business and commerce, and general laws.
• Receive training and participate in legislative drafting.
• Research and interpret state and federal law.
• Draft responses to inquiries from members of the General Assembly regarding legislative matters, historical issues, or public policy.
• Present material to legislative bodies.
• Publish informational legal materials.

What This Job Offers

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