Legislative Analyst I - Staff Attorney (Generalist)

DESCRIPTION OF WORK:

***Recruitment Range: $80,000 - $95,000 Annually***

Please Note: Posting will be utilized to fill two vacant positions.

OVERVIEW – LEGISLATIVE DRAFTING DIVISION OF THE NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY; STAFF ATTORNEY POSITION

The nonpartisan staff attorneys of the Legislative Drafting Division provide drafting services as well as legal and policy analysis for all 170 members of the North Carolina General Assembly. Staff attorneys assist legislators who request bill drafts proposing changes to the State's laws, often on novel or emerging issues. That assistance involves research and analysis of applicable law and related information to ensure the draft accomplishes the legislator's intent. Drafters must write clearly and concisely, often under tight time constraints and while juggling multiple requests. In addition, drafters often work in teams with the Fiscal Research Division and the House and Senate appropriations committees to draft the State's multi-billion-dollar biennial budget. During the legislative interim, drafters staff study committees, engage in professional development, and update multiple internal working documents and processes.

The General Assembly offers (i) competitive State salaries with opportunities for incremental promotions and raises due to a structured career progression plan, as well as longevity pay increases for every 36 months of State service with the General Assembly, (ii) remote work opportunities when the legislature is not in session, (iii) paid parental leave, (iv) pay for professional licenses as necessary for employment at the General Assembly, (v) professional development with organizations such as the National Conference of State Legislators and the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Government, and (vi) the opportunity to work with legislators and stakeholders from all political parties and across State and local government while gaining firsthand knowledge of the legislative process.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK – Staff Attorney 

The individual hired for this position will draft legislation related to various subject areas as needed with the expectation the individual will develop a specialized base of knowledge in those subject areas. Experience in and knowledge of criminal law is desired for one position.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

• Draft proposed legislation (bills and budget provisions), as well as amendments and proposed committee substitutes.

• Analyze laws, administrative rules, draft legislation, and other relevant materials.

• Accurately summarize (orally and in writing) laws, administrative rules, and draft legislation in a manner that is understandable to both attorneys and laypersons.

• Compile data and conduct legal research and analysis for individual legislators and committees, as directed.

• Meet with interest groups and government agencies at the direction of a legislator or committee.

• Staff legislative committees, assist with meeting arrangements, and prepare background materials.

• Make presentations to legislative committees.

• Perform other duties as directed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES:

• Practical knowledge or ability to learn federal, State, and local government organization and functions.

• Ability to perform legal research using appropriate methods of approach and source materials and following office procedures and norms.

• Ability to prepare opinions and draft legal and legislative documents.

• Ability to understand and interpret constitutional provisions, statutes, administrative rules, and legal precedents.

• Ability to analyze facts, evidence, and legal instruments.

• Ability to maintain composure and work cooperatively under pressure with legislators, legislative staff, and the public on a daily basis.

• Ability to work objectively and impartially with members of all political parties and on all policy issues.

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