SummaryThe Senate Office of the Legislative Counsel (SOLC) is responsible for drafting and editing nearly all legislation considered by the Senate. The SOLC is a nonpartisan and nonpolitical office of the Senate, comprised of approximately 45 attorneys who serve all Members, committees, and staff of the Senate. An SOLC Staff Attorney works as part of a team of 7 to 8 other attorneys who specialize in various areas of Federal law, with assistance and mentoring provided by a more senior attorney.
DutiesHelp
The position of Staff Attorney is full-time, with substantial evening and weekend overtime occasionally required to serve the needs of the Senate.
The responsibilities of an SOLC Staff Attorney include the following:
- Drafting and editing bills, resolutions, conference reports, and amendments for committees, Members, and staff of the Senate.
- Analyzing proposed legislation for legal sufficiency and constitutionality.
- Researching the law and its development in relation to a proposal being analyzed or drafted.
- Working closely with SOLC attorneys and Senate staff to analyze proposed policy and its implications, in order to produce professional quality legislation.
RequirementsHelp
Conditions of employmentBefore joining the Office as a Staff Attorney, an applicant must be a graduate of an ABA-accredited law school. Not later than 1 year after joining the Office, a Staff Attorney must be a member in good standing of a State bar.
QualificationsHiring Criteria - A Staff Attorney applicant must satisfy the following minimum requirements:
- A record of academic excellence, evidenced by ranking in the top one-half of the applicant's law school class.
- Enrollment in, or graduation from, an ABA-accredited law school.
- An ability to write clearly and concisely.
- No substantial participation with any political party or cause.
- A commitment to public service.
EducationSee 'Qualifications' for requirements.
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.
BenefitsHelp
A Staff Attorney receives a starting salary of $102,415, with competitive increases in salary similar to those provided under the Attorney General's Honors Program. The SOLC is committed to furthering the professional development of its employees throughout their careers with the SOLC and to providing a positive work-life balance. To the extent funding and the needs of the Senate allow, the SOLC currently offers its employees the following:
- Participation in the Senate Federal student loan tuition repayment benefit program. SOLC employment qualifies for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program offered by the Department of Education.
- Options for telework and flextime (subject to current Office policies) and public transit subsidies.
- An annual allotment of paid leave (including annual leave, health leave, and Federal holidays) and a paid gender-neutral family and medical leave program.
- Retirement and insurance programs, including Federal Employees Retirement System coverage, matching funds for contributions under the Thrift Savings Plan, and group life and long-term care insurance coverage.
- Additional benefits for employees and their families, including coverage under the Federal Employees Health Benefits program, access to dental and vision plans, health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts, an onsite fitness facility for employees (subject to membership fees), and priority access for admission to the Senate Employees' Child Care Center.
