Job Description
The primary mission of the Legislative Counsel is to provide support for ULC commissioners as they seek to enact uniform laws in the legislatures of the fifty states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This work may involve organizing coalitions of local advocates, drafting testimony for committee hearings, answering substantive questions about law and policy, drafting summaries and talking points, and tracking bills as they progress through the legislative process. The work may also involve other aspects, such as researching and writing memos about areas of law in which the ULC may choose to launch new projects, general stakeholder outreach, and assisting with in-house legal tasks.
ULC Legislative Counsel represent the ULC at legislative hearings and in meetings with stakeholders. They liaise with other organizations that have an interest in various uniform acts. Legislative Counsel work closely with state legislators and their staff to strategize and build support for enactment of uniform laws.
The position requires a willingness to travel, particularly during prime state legislative session months (January-May). Attendance at the ULC’s seven-day annual meeting each summer is also required.
Desired Skills and Experience
The Legislative Counsel position requires:
- The ability to communicate complex legal information quickly, both orally and in writing, including to non-lawyers;
- Experience working collaboratively with other organizations, such as interest groups and government entities;
- Strong legal research and writing skills;
- Creativity, professionalism, and the ability to adjust to changing legislative and legal demands;
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage many projects simultaneously;
- Demonstrated ability to take ownership of and solve problems, to assess issues expeditiously, and to provide sound legal advice;
- A J.D. degree from an ABA-accredited law school;
- Admission to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction; and
- A minimum of one year’s experience in law practice, government, or government relations.
Legislative or policy experience at the state level is preferred. Experience in one of the areas of law in which the ULC has drafted a substantial number of uniform acts may be helpful.
Compensation and Benefits
This is a full-time position located in the ULC office in downtown Chicago (although all members of the ULC staff are currently working remotely). Starting salary for the Legislative Counsel will be $70,000. The ULC offers a competitive benefits package including health, disability, life, and dental insurance; eleven paid holidays and two paid personal leave days annually; three weeks of paid vacation time annually; and a retirement plan with employer contributions.
Application Procedures
The deadline for applications is August 31, 2021. Please send a cover letter, résumé, law school transcript, and legal writing sample to apply@uniformlaws.org and include “Legislative Counsel” in the subject line. An equal opportunity employer, the ULC welcomes and encourages diversity in our workforce.