Duties
Office Description:
The Office of the Legislative Counsel of the U.S.
House of Representatives (HOLC) transforms the policy goals of Members and
committees of the House into clear, concise, and legally effective legislative
language to help ensure that the legislation introduced and debated in
Congress, and the enacted laws of the United States, clearly express
congressional intent. HOLC carries out
this mission by providing expert legislative drafting services and related
legal services on a non-partisan, impartial, and confidential basis.
HOLC seeks to hire 2 attorneys starting in March
2027 and 3 attorneys starting in September 2027.
HOLC attorneys draft legislation and perform related legal functions on a nonpartisan basis in support of the Members and committees of the House of Representatives. HOLC attorneys address a broad spectrum of legal issues, including questions involving constitutional, statutory, and administrative law, and frequently provide legal analysis related to emerging and novel areas of Federal law. Attorneys in the office do not directly make policy but engage with policy for the purpose of making sure that legislation accurately reflects the policy of the committee or Member for whom it is being drafted. The duties of an HOLC attorney include the following:
- Drafting legislation and preparing bills at each stage of the legislative process.
- Analyzing policy proposals, engaging with clients, applying relevant legal principles and court decisions, and conducting research as necessary to prepare effective statutory language.
- Advising clients regarding the legal effect and constitutionality of proposed legislative measures in the context of existing laws and legislative procedure.
- Attending sessions of subcommittees and full committees of the House and conference committees between the House and the Senate.
- Responding to questions from legislators and legislative staff.
- Leading and participating in drafting sessions and other meetings, including both online and in person.
- Communicating with various stakeholders, at the request of the Member or committee, as necessary to draft legislation.
- After gaining sufficient experience, training and mentoring other attorneys.
HOLC attorneys perform these duties in response to the needs of the House, which sometimes requires working on short deadlines and working at night and on weekends.
A successful candidate will demonstrate the following:
- A commitment to nonpartisan public service, exceptional writing, legal analysis, interpersonal, and oral communication skills, a strong academic background, intellectual curiosity, and an openness to long-term employment with HOLC.
- The ability to work effectively alone and with others, an ability to work well under pressure, and an ability to maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and clients.
- The ability to analyze complex problems and handle difficult situations as they arise with judgment, tact, and discretion.
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Requirements
Conditions of employment
- USAJobs Conditions of Employment
Qualifications
Qualifications:
An HOLC attorney must meet the following minimum qualifications:
- Graduated from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association prior to the commencement of employment.
- Beginning not later than one year after such commencement, maintain an active membership in the bar of a State, the District of Columbia, or a territory of the United States.
- Be a U.S. citizen.
To apply to either the attorney or summer associate
position, please submit your resume, 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.
Either your cover letter or resume must indicate your citizenship.
The deadline to apply is October 27, 2026.
Supplemental Information
HOLC is an equal opportunity employer.
The Legislative Counsel, who is appointed by the
Speaker of the House, appoints and fixes the compensation of the personnel of HOLC,
subject to the approval of the Speaker. The starting salary for the attorney position
is $100,274.40 annually. The House offers
a comprehensive benefits package, including health and life insurance,
retirement benefits, transit benefits, and a student loan repayment
program.
Continued employment is contingent upon satisfactorily
completing a criminal history record check. Employment with the U.S. House of Representatives is at-will.
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
your resume, cover letter, a legal writing sample of no more than 10 pages, a copy of your law school transcript, 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.