What does a Legislative Assistant do?
Published 4 min read
A legislative assistant is a professional who provides support to lawmakers and helps them research and draft legislation. They also work with constituents, lobbyists, and other interest groups to advance the legislator's agenda.
Legislative Assistant job duties include:
- Researching and writing reports on assigned topics
- Attending committee meetings and hearings and summarizing proceedings
- Preparing talking points, speeches, and press releases
- Coordinating constituent communications
- Scheduling appointments and maintaining the legislator’s calendar
- Making travel arrangements
- Coordinating fundraising activities
- Supervising interns and other support staff
- Performing general office duties as needed
Legislative Assistant Job Requirements
A Legislative Assistant typically needs a Bachelor's degree in public policy, political science, or a related field. Many employers also prefer candidates who have previous experience working in the legislative process, either as an intern or in another capacity. Some states require Legislative Assistants to be certified as Notary Publics.
Legislative Assistant Skills
- Writing
- Research
- Organization
- Time Management
- Communication
- Interpersonal Skills
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Creativity
- Flexibility
- Teamwork
Related: Top Legislative Assistant Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Legislative Assistant
A Legislative Assistant is a professional who works in the public policy arena, assisting lawmakers and advocating on behalf of specific legislation. In order to become a Legislative Assistant, one must have excellent communication and research skills, as well as a thorough understanding of the legislative process.
The first step to becoming a Legislative Assistant is to obtain a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Many Legislative Assistants have degrees in political science or public policy, but any major that emphasizes research and writing skills will be beneficial. Once you have obtained your degree, it is important to gain experience working in the public policy arena. This can be done through internships, volunteer work, or entry-level jobs in government or advocacy organizations.
After gaining some experience, the next step to becoming a Legislative Assistant is to develop a strong network of contacts. It is important to know people who work in all levels of government, as well as lobbyists and other advocates who can provide information and assistance when needed. These contacts will be invaluable when it comes time to research and write legislation.
Once you have the necessary education and experience, the final step to becoming a Legislative Assistant is to find a job with a lawmaker or advocacy organization. Many times, these jobs are located in Washington, D.C., but there are also opportunities in state capitals and other cities across the country. To be successful in this role, it is essential to be able to effectively communicate with lawmakers and their staff, as well as understand the legislative process. With hard work and dedication, you can be an effective advocate for change and make a difference in the public policy arena.
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