Legislative Attorney

Job ID: 35400 - Legislative Attorney
Agency: South Dakota Legislative Research Council
Location: Pierre
Salary: $74,000 to $130,000, depending on experience
Closing Date: Open Until Filled


This is a full-time position with the Legislative Research Council. For more information on the Legislative Research Council, please visit the LRC website.


The Legislative Research Council, which is the nonpartisan research and support staff to the South Dakota State Legislature, is accepting applications for a permanent, full-time Legislative Attorney. An applicant must have an interest in the legislative process and be results-oriented, honest, discrete, trustworthy, and articulate. A remote work option may be considered for the position. However, a full-time presence in Pierre is required during the legislative session and periodically throughout the interim.


Duties and Responsibilities: A Legislative Attorney will assist legislators by providing accurate, objective, and relevant research information, informed by a professional understanding of the law. The significant duties include the following:

1. Compile data and conduct general and legal research for legislative committees and individual legislators and present alternative solutions for their consideration;
2. Confer with and advise legislators on legislative legal questions;
3. Draft and edit bills, resolutions, and amendments to implement legislators' ideas;
4. Staff standing committees of the South Dakota Legislature during legislative sessions, consult with committee chairs to develop agendas and obtain testimony, and prepare committee reports;
5. Staff interim committees, consult with committee chairs to develop agendas, assist with meeting arrangements, prepare background materials, and prepare final reports;
6. Review administrative rules for form, style, clarity, and compliance with statutory authority;
7. Research and write issue memoranda and develop other resources on selected topics for review and use by the Legislature, Legislative Research Council staff, and the public.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. A Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school;
2. An active license in good standing with the State Bar of South Dakota, or the ability to become eligible for and become admitted to the State Bar of South Dakota within one year after employment; and
3. The ability to remain objective and nonpartisan in relation to all legislative matters, maintain confidentiality, and handle politically sensitive work.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Very strong writing skills;
2. Strong research and analytical skills;
3. A willingness to expand and develop expertise into various subject areas;
4. The ability to communicate, both orally and in writing, in a manner that clearly and efficiently conveys information to legislators and the public; and
5. The ability to work under tight deadlines and extended hours during the legislative session.

Salary Range:
For an entry level Legislative Attorney, the annual salary will range from $74,000 to $92,000. For a Senior Legislative Attorney with previous related experience, the annual salary will range from $88,000 to $130,000. Actual starting salary will depend on qualifications and experience.

Application Process:
This position will remain open until filled. This position is exempt from the Civil Service Act and is employed at will. Any application or resume submitted for consideration will be kept confidential. Applications, consisting of a letter of interest and resume, should be submitted online ( ) or e-mail to:

South Dakota Legislative Research Council
500 East Capitol Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501
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