Legislative Analyst/Attorney

Legislative Analyst/Attorney

This position functions as an expert on matters related to Florida's local governments, including home rule authority and local preemption, veterans, the Florida National Guard, the Florida State Guard, and the military. The position also has responsibility for local bills. Under supervision of the staff director and policy chief, the legislative analyst/attorney applies this expertise when researching and preparing bill analyses, reports, legislation, and amendments; responding to inquiries; and developing correspondence. The legislative analyst/attorney also provides counsel and advice to legislative committees.

Examples of Work Performed:

• Analyzes and objectively summarizes proposed legislation to determine its effectiveness and the impact of its passage on the state, local governments, and other entities and individuals.
• Conducts state and federal legal research and analyzes and interprets state and federal laws and regulations, as well as local ordinances and resolutions.
• Drafts legislation and amendments to legislation.
• Monitors and coordinates the progress of committee legislation through committees of reference and on the floor.
• Monitors the implementation of legislation by the Executive branch and local governments, and the interpretation of legislation by the Judicial branch, to ascertain whether legislative intent is met.
• Keeps abreast of new and ongoing issues affecting assigned area of responsibility by monitoring agency rulemaking, collecting resource materials, attending workshops and conferences, reading industry publications, and communicating with agency and local government personnel.
• Prepares oral and written reports on research and committee work such as end of session committee reports, interim projects, and oversight reports.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent writing skills.
• Knowledge of legal terminology and legal research methods.
• Knowledge of Florida laws and legal procedure.
• Knowledge of committee subject area.
• Skill in reading comprehension, analysis, research, and organization.
• Ability to interpret state and federal legislation, laws, and rules.
• Ability to employ legal reasoning and to foresee possible legal problems.
• Ability to communicate effectively and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with the demands of legislators and their staff, the public, and lobbyists.
• Ability to produce quality work under pressure.
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to conduct in-depth, carefully documented, and credible analysis under minimal supervision within established deadlines.
• Ability to collect and analyze data.
• Ability to work cooperatively as a team member and to contribute to the efficient internal functioning of the committee staff.
• Ability to research legal documents and legal references.
• Ability to exercise discretion and confidentiality.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and three years of professional experience in research, analysis, program planning and evaluation, or administrative work. A master's degree from an accredited college or university can substitute for one year of the required experience. A doctorate from an accredited college or university can substitute for two years of the required experience. Professional experience as described above can substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required college education.
• For attorneys: Good standing with The Florida Bar.

Salary: Salary commensurate with experience. The Legislature offers a competitive benefits package.

Application Deadline: Open until filled

Location: Tallahassee, FL, US, 32399