Duties
The House Office of the Legislative Counsel (HOLC) is looking to hire up to three (3) full-time Attorneys to start in early 2026 (preferably February). Appointments to all positions in HOLC are made without regard to personal political affiliation and solely on the basis of fitness to perform the work.
Attorneys at HOLC assist the United States House of Representatives, and its Committees and Members, in drafting legislation and performing related legal functions on a nonpartisan basis. The legal issues encountered in furnishing this assistance involve constitutional, statutory, and administrative law questions, as well as questions in other fields of Federal law. An Attorney performs the following duties:
- Drafts legislation and prepares bills according to statutory style and format standards.
- Drafts bills and amendments at each stage of the legislative process, from introduction through conference.
- Analyzes policy proposals, engages with clients, applies relevant legal principles and court decisions, and conducts research as necessary to prepare effective statutory language.
- Advises clients regarding the legal effect and constitutionality of proposed legislative measures in the context of existing laws and legislative procedure.
- Attends sessions of a subcommittee and full committee of the House and of a conference committee between the House and the Senate; may respond as requested to questions from legislators and legislative staff; may assist members by being present to provide drafting assistance to members on the House Floor.
- May communicate with various stakeholders, at the request of the Member or Committee, as necessary to draft legislation.
- After gaining necessary experience in these duties and responsibilities, trains newly hired attorneys, provides mentorship to team members, and may assume a leadership role on teams.
- On a volunteer basis, may assist with office management initiatives to promote the effective operation of the office.
- Performs related duties as assigned
The ideal candidate should have a demonstrated commitment to nonpartisan public service, a strong academic background, and an openness to long-term employment with HOLC. The ideal candidate should actively and enthusiastically embrace and promote the HOLC's work culture, develop effective working relationships with other attorneys and employees, strive to provide exceptional service to clients, and serve as an effective role model for others.
Ideal candidates will have knowledge of legal principles, applications, and practices of law, as well as basic knowledge of fundamental subjects of law and legal research procedures. Strong written and oral communication skills, and the ability to remain impartial at all times with respect to the policies to be incorporated into a legislative proposal are a must for this position. Attorneys in this office are concerned with the legislative policy only for the purpose of making sure that the bill, resolution, or amendment accurately reflects the policy of the Committee or Member for whom it is being drafted. The ability to analyze complex problems and handle difficult situations as they arise with judgment, tact, and discretion, as well as excellent problem-solving skills, and a strong interest in learning within a high-performing environment are all key characteristics of a successful Attorney.
Requirements
Conditions of employment
- USAJobs Conditions of Employment
Qualifications
Qualifications:
The minimum requirements for Attorneys include United States citizenship, graduation from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association prior to the commencement of employment, and some experience performing legal work, which may be satisfied by employment during law school. Active membership in the bar of a State or the District of Columbia within one year of employment as a full-time attorney is required.
To be considered for this exceptional career opportunity, submit your résumé, cover letter, a legal writing sample of no more than 10 pages, a copy of your law school transcript, and the names, telephone numbers, and email addresses of at least three references.
Within the cover letter, please directly answer the following questions:
- What specifically interests you about this position and why would you like to work with the House Office of the Legislative Counsel (HOLC)?
- Are you a U.S. Citizen?
- Have you held an internship, fellowship, or similar position (paid or unpaid) in a partisan office? If so, did you seek out the placement, or were you placed there by your school or sponsoring organization? Please provide any relevant details, as well as your responsibilities.
Résumé should reflect years and months of employment and/or relevant legal experience.
Additional information
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
You will be evaluated using a structured interview process.
Required Documents
Cover Letter, Resume, Writing Sample, and Three References
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.