Commonwealth of Virginia

Attorney/Legislative Counsel

Commonwealth of Virginia  •  $83k/yr  •  Richmond, VA (Onsite)  •  4 days ago
Apply
AI can make mistakes so check important info. Chat history is never stored.

Job Description

Title: Legislative Counsel

State Role Title: Attorney

Hiring Range: Starting at $82,500

Agency: Div of Legislative Services

Location: General Assembly Bldg

Agency Website: https://dls.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

The Division of Legislative Services is seeking entry-level attorneys to join its legal services section. DLS is the agency responsible for providing nonpartisan legal and general research support services to the members of the General Assembly of Virginia, its standing committees, and interim commissions. The Attorney position is highly visible and entails drafting legislation, serving as committee counsel, and conducting research and policy analysis to support the work of the General Assembly.

Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Drafting legislation for members of the General Assembly, the Governor's Secretaries, and other state agencies.
  • Serving as legal counsel for a standing committee.
  • Conducting legal and legislative research and analysis.
  • Advising on the constitutionality or probable legal effect of proposed legislation.
  • Maintaining confidentiality and providing nonpartisan support services to legislators and legislative staff.
  • Complying with the Division's Employee Handbook.

Required Skills/Abilities:

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Excellent drafting and writing skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to learn new topics or subject matters.
  • Strong legal research and analytical skills.
  • Ability to engage in critical thinking and problem-solving.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Excellent time management and organizational skills.
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.
  • Ability to multitask and manage several projects simultaneously.
  • Ability to adapt to new, different, or changing circumstances and requirements in an open and professional manner.
  • Knowledge of the fundamentals of the legislative process.

Preferred Skills/Abilities:

  • Experience or education in legislative and/or regulatory drafting.
  • Work experience with a state legislature or a legislative agency in a nonpartisan role.

Persons with specialized education/coursework or work experience in one or more of the following areas are strongly encouraged to apply:

  • Public utilities, insurance, labor and employment, financial institutions.
  • Federal and state taxation.
  • State governance (such as Freedom of Information Act, Administrative Process Act, Public Procurement Act).
  • Artificial intelligence and other emergent technologies.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Graduate of an accredited law school.
  • Active member in good standing of the Virginia Bar, or in the process of taking the bar after graduation.

Pay Range: Starting at $82,500. Experienced candidates will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

To be considered for this position, you must submit a cover letter and resume.

Interviews will be scheduled for August 25-31, 2026. Please note in your cover letter if you have any constraints on your availability that week. Interviews will be conducted in person unless an accommodation is requested during the initial phone screen.

Contact Information:

Name: Eleni Georgiou

Email: egeorgiou@dls.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Commonwealth of Virginia

About Commonwealth of Virginia

The Commonwealth of Virginia is located in the South Atlantic region of the United States. It was the 10th state to be admitted to the Union on June 25, 1788. Home to approximately 8 million residents, Virginia is the 12th most populous state in the United States. The capital is Richmond, and its most populous city is Virginia Beach.

The narrative history of the Commonwealth of Virginia often begins with the founding of Jamestown in 1607, near what is now modern day Williamsburg, Virginia. Jamestown became the first permanent English settlement in the New World, and the Virginia General Assembly, established on July 30, 1619, is now recognized as the oldest legislative body in the western hemisphere. When Virginia became a royal colony in 1624, the robust tobacco trade that had been developing in Virginia helped establish the American colonies as a powerful economic force. During the American Revolution, Virginia witnessed the final surrender of British forces at Yorktown and later became known as the birthplace of many revolution-era figures and future American presidents, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. To date, 8 United States presidents have been born in Virginia, more than in any other state.

The modern government of Virginia is nearly identical in structure to the federal government, and is divided into 3 branches, these being the executive, legislative, and judiciary branches. The Virginia General Assembly is comprised of the 100-member House of Delegates and the 40-member Senate. A governor and lieutenant governor are elected every 4 years. Governors cannot be elected to or serve consecutive terms. Virginia’s judicial system consists of the Supreme Court of Virginia and the Court of Appeals of Virginia, the Circuit Courts, and the lower General District Courts and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts. Virginia has 13 electoral votes in presidential elections, and possesses 11 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Industry
Government & Public Safety
Company Size
1,001-5,000 employees
Headquarters
Richmond, VA
Year Founded
1776
Social Media