Legislative Branch

Assistant General Counsel

Washington, District of Columbia Full time

Assistant General Counsel

Department: Legislative Branch

Location(s): Washington, District of Columbia

Salary Range: $141294 - $219002 Per Year

Job Summary: The Secretary of the Senate's Executive Office is seeking an Assistant General Counsel. The complete vacancy announcement and application may be found on the United States Senate Career Page at https://sen.gov/YO0NL.

Major Duties:

  • This is professional work providing legal advice and assistance to the Secretary and Assistant Secretary of the Senate and the 26 department heads of the offices under the Secretary of the Senate. Work is supervised and assigned by the General Counsel to the Secretary and may include reviewing material for legal soundness and accuracy, advising offices of the Secretary of legislation or regulations affecting their departments, drafting proposed legislation, policy, or guidance, assisting the Secretary with annual testimony preparation, and general legal and ethics advice as required. Work is further bound by Secretary of the Senate policies and procedures; the U.S. Senate Handbook; and the Senate Ethics Manual but requires independent judgment in setting priorities and handling assignments. This position plays a critical role in preserving the legal, procedural, and institutional integrity of the Office of the Secretary of the Senate. The complete vacancy announcement and application may be found on the United States Senate Career Page at https://sen.gov/YO0NL.

Qualifications: PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT Work is performed in an office environment and requires the use of normal safety precautions to avoid everyday risks and discomforts. Work requires frequent walking, standing, bending, and carrying items up to 25 pounds, as well as regular use of typical office equipment, software, and communication methods such as a computer, email, telephone, and photocopier. Consistent, reliable, and timely attendance is necessary to fulfill duties. Work also requires physical presence in the office, except as otherwise required by the Office of the Secretary of the Senate. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Work requires a Juris Doctorate degree and a minimum of five years of experience, and the following knowledge, skills, and abilities: A basic understanding of the Senate as an institution is preferred, along with a willingness to learn more about the legislative process and the Senate's history and operations. Strong legal research skills sufficient to quickly learn the U.S. Constitution, statutes, rules, standing orders, and precedents of the Senate and general legal principles necessary to advise the Secretary of the Senate. Knowledge of or familiarity with applicable statutes, rules, and general legal principles specifically related to historic preservation, government ethics, procurement, contracting, lobbying, fiscal, tort, or appropriations law preferred. Knowledge of or familiarity with legislative processes sufficient to advise staff on legislation affecting their departments, to draft proposed legislation, and to assist the Secretary in preparing testimony to appropriations and oversight committees preferred. Knowledge of research methods and information sources relevant to the administration of the U.S. Senate. Ability to work extended and unscheduled hours as dictated by workload. Proven ability to utilize legal software and case management systems efficiently. Skill in establishing and maintaining professional relationships with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including clear legal drafting and effective advocacy. LICENSES, CERTIFICATION, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS Licensed and in good active standing to practice law in a state or territory of the United States or the District of Columbia. Ability to obtain and maintain required security clearances and access.

How to Apply: https://saa.csodfed.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home?c=saa All applicants must use the link above and follow instructions. DO NOT submit any paper application materials or resumes via U.S. Postal Mail or in person. All applicants MUST use the online employment application.

Application Deadline: 2026-05-22