Summer Associate

House of Representatives • Washington, DC

2d

About The Position

The House Office of the Legislative Counsel (HOLC) provides nonpartisan, impartial, and confidential legislative drafting and related legal services to Members and committees of the U.S. House of Representatives. It translates policy goals into clear, concise, and legally effective legislative language so that legislation and enacted laws express congressional intent.

HOLC seeks four summer associates for 2027. This paid program is for law students who will be in the summer before their final year at an accredited law school. Under close supervision of HOLC attorneys, summer associates perform duties similar to those of the attorneys, including assisting with legislative drafting and legal analysis. The role may lead to an offer of full-time employment after law school, depending on performance and HOLC’s needs. Summer associates must serve for at least six weeks before August.

Requirements

• Be enrolled in a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.
• Have no more than one academic year remaining in law school after completing the summer associate program.
• Be a U.S. citizen.
• Demonstrate a commitment to nonpartisan public service.
• Demonstrate exceptional writing, legal analysis, interpersonal, and oral communication skills, and a strong academic background.
• Demonstrate intellectual curiosity and openness to long-term employment with HOLC.
• Work effectively independently and with others, under pressure, and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and clients.
• Analyze complex problems and handle difficult situations with judgment, tact, and discretion.
• Serve for at least six weeks before August.
• Submit a resume, cover letter, legal writing sample of no more than 10 pages, law school transcript, and contact information for at least three references.
• Indicate U.S. citizenship in either the cover letter or resume.
• Satisfactorily complete a criminal history record check.

Responsibilities

• Assist in drafting legislation and preparing bills at each stage of the legislative process.
• Analyze policy proposals, engage with clients, apply relevant legal principles and court decisions, and conduct research to prepare effective statutory language.
• Attend House subcommittee and full committee sessions, as well as House-Senate conference committees.
• 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.

Benefits

• Summer associates are generally eligible for benefits similar to those of HOLC attorneys for the duration of their employment.
• Federal employees have access to a comprehensive benefits package, subject to eligibility based on position type.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed