Legislative & Regulatory Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

About the Firm
Nielsen Merksamer is one of the nation's preeminent political law, government law, and lobbying firms, serving a national clientele on campaign, lobbying, and ethics compliance; legislative and administrative advocacy; election law; and high-stakes political and constitutional litigation. The firm is the go-to choice in California for navigating state and local government, and nationally for guidance on the complex laws governing political participation.
Position Summary
The Legislative & Regulatory Specialist supports the firm's lobbying and government affairs practice by monitoring legislative and regulatory activity, conducting policy research and analysis, tracking bills and rulemakings, and helping prepare clients and lobbyists for engagement with lawmakers and agencies. This role is well-suited for a detail-oriented policy professional who thrives in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment and wants hands-on exposure to the legislative and rulemaking process.
Key Responsibilities
Legislative & Regulatory Monitoring

• Track pending federal and/or state legislation, committee hearings, markups, and floor activity relevant to client interests
• Track and analyze legislative and executive branch hearings, identifying key takeaways and implications for clients
• Monitor agency rulemakings, notices of proposed rulemaking (NPRMs), public comment periods, and guidance documents
• Maintain and update legislative and regulatory tracking systems/databases for multiple clients

Research & Analysis

• Draft bill summaries, regulatory analyses, hearing memos, and issue briefs
• Analyze the potential impact of proposed legislation or regulations on client industries
• Research legislator voting records, committee jurisdiction, and policy positions

Client & Lobbyist Support

• Meet with clients to provide legislative and regulatory briefings and updates
• Prepare briefing materials, talking points, and leave-behinds for client meetings and Hill/agency visits
• Draft comment letters, testimony, and correspondence to legislators and regulators
• Testify before legislative committees or regulatory bodies on behalf of clients, as needed
• Assist in developing advocacy strategies and coalition-building materials

Relationship & Event Support

• Assist with scheduling and staffing meetings with legislative offices and agency officials
• Support planning of fundraisers, briefings, and stakeholder events
• Build and maintain contact databases for legislative and agency staff

Qualifications Required

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, Public Policy, Government, Law, Communications, or related field
• 2–5 years of experience in a legislative office (state legislature), executive/regulatory agency, trade association, advocacy organization, or lobbying/government affairs firm
• Strong understanding of the state legislative and regulatory process
• Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including comfort presenting to clients and speaking in formal settings (e.g., hearings, briefings)
• Ability to synthesize complex policy issues into clear, concise materials
• High attention to detail and strong organizational/project management skills
• Ability to manage multiple clients’ matters and deadlines simultaneously

Skills & Attributes

• Discretion and sound judgment in handling sensitive and confidential client and political information
• Strong interpersonal skills and professional presence with government officials and clients
• Adaptability in a fast-moving, deadline-intensive environment
• Nonpartisan, client-service orientation
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; comfort learning specialized policy-tracking and CRM tools

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $75,000–$150,000, commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with firm match
• Paid time off and firm holidays
• Professional development and bar/license reimbursement (if applicable)
• Discretionary bonus.

To Apply
Please submit a resume and cover letter.

Nielsen Merksamer is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, creed, ethnic or national origin, ancestry, age, disability, veteran or military status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, domestic partner status, and other categories protected by applicable laws, or in retaliation for opposition to any practices forbidden under this policy.

Powered by JazzHR

SKaoTM7x56