Legislative Research Attorney

Agency: Hawai'i State Senate Majority Research Office (SMA) Pay Range: $70,000 - $88,000/year, commensurate with experience Job Type: Full-time, Permanent (probationary period through the 2027 Regular Session) Location: Honolulu, Oahu - Hawai'i State Capitol (in-person) Schedule: Monday-Friday, in-person; some evenings/weekends/holidays may be required during the Jan-May legislative session, depending on deadlines Position Summery The Hawai'i State Senate Majority Research Office (SMA) is hiring Legislative Research Attorneys to provide legal research, policy analysis, and bill-drafting support to the majority party members of the Hawai'i State Senate. During the Legislative Session (January-May), you'll be assigned to one or more Senate Standing Committees, facilitating the committee process, drafting legislative documents, and directly supporting Committee Chairs under the Director's supervision. During the Interim, you'll shift to in-depth research projects, legal memoranda, and long-term legislative drafting. This is a great fit for an organized, independent attorney who also thrives in a collaborative team environment and wants to make a direct, tangible impact on Hawai'i state policy. Why Join Us Direct public impact: your legal research and drafting helps facilitate legislation that affects the residents of Hawai'i. Comprehensive state benefits, including medical/dental/vision coverage and a state retirement (pension) plan. Meaningful variety: committee work, hearings, and research keep the role dynamic across session and interim periods. Collegial, mission-driven team culture supporting the Senate majority's legislative functions. Key Responsibilities Legislation & Drafting: Draft bills, resolutions, and official committee reports. Committee Support: Attend Standing Committee hearings, take detailed notes, and ensure adherence to Senate rules and quorum requirements. Research & Legal Analysis: Conduct fact-finding, evaluative, and investigative research; prepare legal and research memoranda related to legislation for Senators and staff. Legislative Tracking: Track assigned bills and resolutions through the legislative process. Workflow & Deadlines: Prioritize across multiple concurrent deadlines and assist teammates to ensure all filing deadlines are met. Professionalism: Maintain strict confidentiality and professional conduct at all times. Minimum Qualifications Education: Juris Doctor (JD) degree. Bar Admission: Admitted and in good standing with the Hawai'i State Bar Association (HSBA). Legal Research & Writing: Demonstrated ability to perform legal research and draft legal memoranda or opinions under tight deadlines. Communication: Ability to write clearly and concisely and explain complex legal or policy issues to non-legal audiences. Statutory Analysis: Ability to quickly interpret, digest, and apply statutory language. Interpersonal Skills: Ability to build strong working relationships with co-workers, staff, and elected officials. Adaptability: Comfortable shifting priorities quickly in a fast-paced environment. Technical: Proficient with Microsoft Office 365 and standard virtual meeting platforms. Work Authorization: Open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or lawful permanent residents. Preferred Qualifications Working knowledge of the legislative process or prior government/legislative experience. Prior experience drafting legislation. Familiarity with Hawai'i state laws, county ordinances, or local government structure. Background in criminal law, consumer protection, insurance, employment/labor law, or public health. Licenses & Certifications Juris Doctor (JD) — required. Active membership in good standing with the Hawai'i State Bar Association (HSBA) — required. Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Strong reading comprehension, organizational, and time-management skills under accelerated timelines. Exceptional legal writing and analytical ability. Clear verbal and written communication with diverse stakeholders, including elected officials. Sound judgment, discretion, and professional diplomacy in a politically sensitive environment. Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team. Work Environment & Schedule This is an in-person role based at the Hawai'i State Capitol in Honolulu, Oahu. Standard hours are Monday-Friday. During the Legislative Session (approximately December/January through May), extended hours - including evenings, weekends, and holidays - are often required to meet committee and filing deadlines. Benefits Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug insurance. Paid time off (PTO), including state holidays. State retirement (pension) plan. On-site parking available at the Hawai'i State Capitol. #J-18808-Ljbffr The Hawai'i State Senate