The House Office of the Legislative Counsel (HOLC) transforms the policy goals of Members and committees of the House into clear, concise, and legally effective legislative language to help ensure that the legislation introduced and debated in Congress, and the enacted laws of the United States, clearly express congressional intent. HOLC carries out this mission by providing expert legislative drafting services and related legal services on a non-partisan, impartial, and confidential basis.
Summary
The House Office of the Legislative Counsel (HOLC) transforms the policy goals of Members and committees of the House into clear, concise, and legally effective legislative language to help ensure that the legislation introduced and debated in Congress, and the enacted laws of the United States, clearly express congressional intent. HOLC carries out this mission by providing expert legislative drafting services and related legal services on a non-partisan, impartial, and confidential basis.
The Office of the Legislative Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives (HOLC) transforms the policy goals of Members and committees of the House into clear, concise, and legally effective legislative language to help ensure that the legislation introduced and debated in Congress, and the enacted laws of the United States, clearly express congressional intent. HOLC carries out this mission by providing expert legislative drafting services and related legal services on a non-partisan, impartial, and confidential basis.
HOLC seeks to hire 4 summer associates for 2027.
Position Description:
HOLC has a paid summer associate program available to law students during the summer before their last year in an accredited law school.
HOLC attorneys draft legislation and perform related legal functions on a nonpartisan basis in support of the Members and committees of the House of Representatives. HOLC attorneys address a broad spectrum of legal issues, including questions involving constitutional, statutory, and administrative law, and frequently provide legal analysis related to emerging and novel areas of Federal law. Attorneys in the office do not directly make policy but engage with policy for the purpose of making sure that legislation accurately reflects the policy of the committee or Member for whom it is being drafted.
Summer associates, working under close supervision of HOLC attorneys, are expected to perform similar duties to that of HOLC attorneys, including with respect to the following:
Assisting in the drafting of legislation and preparation of bills at each stage of the legislative process.
Analyzing policy proposals, engaging with clients, applying relevant legal principles and court decisions, and conducting research as necessary to prepare effective statutory language.
Attending sessions of subcommittees and full committees of the House and conference committees between the House and the Senate.
Participating in drafting sessions and other meetings, including both online and in person.
Communicating with various stakeholders, at the request of the Member or committee, as necessary to draft legislation.
A successful summer associate candidate will demonstrate the following:
A commitment to nonpartisan public service, exceptional writing, legal analysis, interpersonal, and oral communication skills, a strong academic background, intellectual curiosity, and an openness to long-term employment with HOLC.
The ability to work effectively alone and with others, an ability to work well under pressure, and an ability to maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and clients.
The ability to analyze complex problems and handle difficult situations as they arise with judgment, tact, and discretion.
Serving as a summer associate may lead to an offer for full-time employment upon completion of law school, depending on performance and the needs of HOLC. A summer associate must serve for at least a 6-week period preceding August.
Qualifications: A summer associate must meet the following minimum qualifications:
Enrolled in a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.
Have no more than 1 academic year remaining in law school after completing the summer associate program.
Be a U.S. citizen.
Application
To apply to either the attorney or summer associate position, please submit your resume, cover letter, a legal writing sample of no more than 10 pages, a copy of your law school transcript, and the names, telephone numbers, and email addresses of at least three references. Either your cover letter or resume must indicate your citizenship.
Deadline to apply is October 27, 2026.
Supplemental Information
HOLC is an equal opportunity employer.
The Legislative Counsel, who is appointed by the Speaker of the House, appoints and fixes the compensation of the personnel of HOLC, subject to the approval of the Speaker. For summer associates, pay is at a daily rate equivalent to an annual salary of $50,137.20. Summer associates are generally eligible for similar benefits as HOLC attorneys for the duration of their employment.
Continued employment is contingent upon satisfactorily completing a criminal history record check. Employment with the U.S. House of Representatives is at-will.
Additional information
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
You will be evaluated using a structured interview process.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
