Legislative Assistant

Thompson Coburn, a large full-service law firm with offices in eight (8) cities across the U.S., is in search of a Legislative Assistant to fill a full-time exempt position in its Washington, D.C. office. With over 450 attorneys and experience in 50 areas of law, Thompson Coburn is regularly recognized for providing clients with outstanding value and service. Driven by our core values of integrity, innovation, and diversity, we collaborate and work in a welcoming, highly productive, and inclusive environment. If you are a creative professional looking to join a collaborative team, then this might be an exciting opportunity for you!

Under the leadership of the Legislative Director, the Legislative Assistant develops, coordinates, and implements government affairs tactics and strategies as they relate to client interests and issues for the Lobbying & Policy group. This position is also responsible for assisting with projects and functions requested by those in the lobbying group and by clients.  After an initial period of in-office training, this position is eligible for a hybrid-remote work schedule.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitors and reports on relevant committee hearings, briefings, and markups.
• Responsible for the oversight and preparation of client legislative reports.
• Monitors and analyzes federal legislative and regulatory actions relevant to client interests; maintains a comprehensive knowledge of client-driven policy issues.
• Conducts and directs research projects through utilization of Bloomberg Government, Politico Pro, Congress.gov, and other research databases.
• Researches and drafts client alerts, presentations, and webinars.
• Schedules meetings for the group’s lobbyists and clients and acts as a liaison to policy and political staff on Capitol Hill and in the Administration; organizational lead for client visits to Capitol Hill and federal agencies.
• Develops and maintains working relationships and contacts with Congressional Members and staff of both parties, relevant Congressional committees, and the Executive Branch.
• May meet with policymakers on legislative and regulatory issues to advance the goals and objectives of clients.
• Prepares and files the firm’s PAC reports with the Federal Election Commission; ensures proper administrative management of the firm’s PAC in consultation with the PAC Treasurer.
• Attends fundraisers supported by the firm’s PAC to the benefit of clients and the firm.
• Serves as manager to interns and fellows participating in the Firm’s internship program.
• Supports Lobbying & Policy team in drafting proposals in response to Requests for Proposals; prepares materials for meetings with potential new clients.
• Demonstrates an increasing knowledge and fluency of policy areas relevant to the practice group, including the education, healthcare, financial services, appropriations, and energy sectors.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

• The Lobbying & Policy group takes a team-based approach to all its work, and nobody is “above” any task. The employee must be willing to assist the team with administrative support when needed, which will require a willingness to learn the Firm’s internal systems.
• Must have an established network of political contacts, particularly in the Congress and the Executive Branch.
• Fluency in Bloomberg Government, Politico Pro, Congress.gov, and other research databases; as well as possess the ability to draft detailed AI prompts and effectively use tools.
• Must possess a high level of professionalism and interpersonal skills to be able to work well with employees at all levels within the organization and maintain all information in the strictest of confidence.  Required to use tact and diplomacy when dealing with others.
• Must possess attention to detail, ability to balance multiple projects and have strong time management skills.
• Ability to travel up to 5% as required.
• This is a full-time position that requires working a minimum of 40 hours per week on a regular basis. Oftentimes, it may also include working outside of normal business hours.

Education and Experience Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum of four (4) years of combined Capitol Hill, lobbying, or other legislative or policy experience required.
• Proven ability to write clearly and concisely with close attention to detail required.
• Strong interest in the bipartisan political process required.  Interest and experience in areas including education, healthcare, financial services, appropriations, and energy policy preferred.

Compensation

For applicants that meet the experience requirements for the role and are physically based in Washington D.C., the expected salary range is $75,000 – $92,000 annually upon commencement of employment.  Starting salary will be determined on an individualized basis with consideration to prior experience and additional qualifications. This is in addition to a comprehensive benefit package offered by the Firm.

Thompson Coburn LLP is a large, full service, multi-state firm with offices in Birmingham, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, St. Louis, Southern Illinois, and Washington D.C. At Thompson Coburn, our behavior and the expectations we have of ourselves are guided by the values that we hold in the highest regard: integrity, a passion for excellence, a focus on serving the client, a value of diversity, innovation, creativity, trust, and loyalty. Within the Firm, we value each other as people and colleagues. In addition to the exceptional working environment and a competitive salary, Thompson Coburn provides the following benefit options to qualifying employees:

• Medical Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance & ADD policies
• Short & Long Term Disability Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• 401(k) Profit Sharing plans
• Parking/Transportation Stipend
• Section 125 Plan (Pre-tax premiums and medical reimbursement)
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation Time
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee Wellness Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• College Savings Plan Deductions (529 Plans)
• Long Term Care

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V