Legislative Council Staff Attorney

Summary of Work

The North Dakota Legislative Council provides staff services to the legislative branch and consists of attorneys, accountants, researchers, and auxiliary personnel. Under the direction of the Legal Division Director, the Legislative Council staff attorney supports the work of the Legislative Council.

Duties and Tasks

A Legislative Council staff attorney will:

• Draft and review proposed legislation;
• Provide information on legislation and the legislative process;
• Provide legislative counsel and analyze legal documents;
• Conduct general and specialized legal research and prepare reports and analysis on findings;
• Perform professional legal and legislative staff work for the Legislative Management and its committees, the Legislative Assembly and its committees, and legislators;
• Staff and make oral presentations to legislative committees and respond to requests for spontaneous explanations of complex matters;
• Supervise staff as necessary; and
• Perform other duties as directed by the Legal Division Director or the Director of the Legislative Council.

Essential Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, to explain and summarize legislation, court decisions, complex written material, detailed research documents, and administrative rules;
• Ability to draft correspondence, memorandums, and legislation clearly and concisely in a manner to accurately complete requests;
• Proficiency in the English language;
• Ability to conduct legal analysis of statutes, rules, and judicial decisions and derive logical conclusions;
• Ability to develop and maintain expertise in assigned areas of law;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle politically sensitive work;
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with others;
• Ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines with minimum supervision;
• Ability to remain objective, nonpartisan, and professional regarding all legislative matters; and
• Ability to occasionally travel and conduct work at sites away from the office.

Desirable Knowledge:

• Broad working knowledge of federal and state law and statutory construction principles, state code format and publication process, administrative law and procedure, and of the legislative process;
• Knowledge of legal research sources and application of legal research methods;
• Knowledge and understanding of computer programs relating to legal research and the legislative process;
• Knowledge of the structure and relationships of federal, state, and local government; and
• Experience with North Dakota legislative drafting and procedure.

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school;
• Admitted to practice law in North Dakota or the ability to seek admission;
• Nonpartisan; and
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Application Procedures

• Attach a cover letter, resume, and references. Also, provide details in the employment history sections of the online application form on how your education, experience, and skills will qualify you for this position.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Posting will remain open until filled.

For More Information About the Position or General Questions About the Application Procedures Contact:
Lori Ziegler
701-328-2916
TTY Number: ND Relay Service 1-800-366-6888 (text); 1-800-366-6889 (voice)
If you are experiencing technical difficulties with the Application Process or uploading attachments, please contact recruiter@nd.gov or (701)328-3290.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of North Dakota and this hiring agency do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), genetics, religion, age or disability in employment or the provisions of services and complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.

As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. Sect. 23-12-10.