***Recruitment Range: $82,400 - $98,000 Annually***
Annual Salary Range: $82,400 - $115,000
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. Legislative drafters also work collaboratively in teams with the Fiscal Research Division and the House and Senate appropriations committees to craft 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.
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.
Ability to present information clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Ability and willingness to work independently, with other members of the Division, and as part of a coordinated cross-divisional team.
Ability to function as a conscientious employee with a strong work ethic who pays attention to work product and process details.
Ability to maintain proficiency with relevant software suites such as Office and Word-based drafting application.
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
An active license to practice law in North Carolina; offers of employment extended to applicants who do not have an active license to practice law in North Carolina are conditional on passing the Bar exam.
SUPPLEMENTAL AND CONTACT INFORMATION:
To apply, submit the NC General Assembly application packet through the NC General Assembly website: https://careers.ncleg.gov/. The application must be completed in its entirety and include detailed education and work history.
Applicants must also include a copy of the following documents when submitting the online application packet:
- Writing sample: The writing sample should reflect only the applicant’s own work and should have any information identifying the applicant removed. The writing sample must include a separate note indicating the extent to which the sample has been edited by another and the extent to which generative artificial intelligence was used in research, creation, or editing of the writing sample. There is no maximum allowed length for a writing sample, but a writing sample exceeding five pages may not be considered in its entirety. Applicants are encouraged to submit a writing sample that demonstrates skill in legal analysis and writing and are discouraged from submitting a writing sample that consists primarily of significant recitation of facts, legal boilerplate, or legal form language.
- Cover letter
- Résumé
- Law school transcript
- List of three academic or professional references and three personal references
To be considered for the Legislative Analyst I – Staff Attorney position, all applicants must submit an NC General Assembly application and required documents of the application packet by 5:00 P.M. on Monday, September 28, 2026.
Agency Contact Information:
North Carolina General Assembly
Human Resources Office
(919) 715-1210
***Due to the expected large volume of applications we will receive, we will be unable to provide information regarding the status of your application.***
An Equal Opportunity Employer, North Carolina, State Government
Skills Required
- Active license to practice law in North Carolina
- Applicants without an active North Carolina law license must pass the Bar exam as a condition of employment
- Writing sample demonstrating legal analysis and writing
- Cover letter
- Resume
- Law school transcript
- Three academic or professional references and three personal references
What We Do
The North Carolina General Assembly is North Carolina’s legislative branch and lawmaking body. It consists of the Senate and House of Representatives, whose elected members enact laws, establish rules and regulations governing conduct, rights, duties, and procedures, and prescribe consequences for certain activities. The Assembly works through legislative committees and regular and shorter sessions to conduct the state’s legislative business for North Carolina residents.
