Job Overview

The Legislative Service Office (LSO), the nonpartisan staff of the Wyoming Legislature, is seeking a motivated attorney who is inspired to make a difference in the state of Wyoming. The successful candidate will become an important member of LSO's legal team and have the opportunity to help the Legislature accomplish its mission and its core functions. The work of an LSO attorney is vital to the success of the Wyoming Legislature. 

At LSO, each year offers something new to learn with important, state-wide challenges to address.  Each year's work culminates with the annual legislative session.  LSO legislative attorneys have the opportunity to become subject-matter experts in the legislative process and state constitutional law while also learning from experts, highly skilled LSO professionals, and other stakeholders in the legislative process. 

Responsibilities

• Drafting legislation and performing research for legislative committees and individual legislators.
• Staffing the Senate or the House of Representatives during legislative sessions.  Duties include providing guidance on pending legislation, preparing amendments to legislation, and advising on procedural rules and legal questions.
• Attending and staffing legislative interim committee meetings. Duties include drafting committee legislation, presenting draft legislation and research, advising committees on procedural rules and legal questions; preparing (and reviewing) committee meeting summaries/minutes, and meeting setup and tear down.
• Developing subject-matter expertise on issues within a legislative committee's jurisdiction.
• Communicating and interacting with legislators, committee chairmen, representatives of federal, state, and local governments, community stakeholders, and lobbyists to develop legislation and to facilitate legislative projects.
• Coordinating and leading teams of LSO professionals assigned to staff and support legislative activities.
• Reviewing agency administrative rules.
• Drafting summaries of enacted legislation.
• Traveling within Wyoming to complete legislative business, especially interim committee meetings.
• Completing special projects and other assigned tasks.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate or a Juris Doctorate candidate in 2023.
• Admitted to practice law in Wyoming or seeking admission.
• Strong academic record.
• Strong verbal communication skills.
• Excellent research and writing skills.
• Team management and leadership skills.
• Professional, non-partisan demeanor.
• Experience in private or government practice is preferred, but not required.
• Candidates with a strong interest in the legislative process are highly preferred.

Work Environment

• Salary: Negotiable based upon experience.  Salaries are targeted to be commensurate with or greater than equivalent position classifications in the State of Wyoming. Specific position classifications and salaries are determined by the LSO Director based upon an applicant's qualifications and experience.
• All employment with the Wyoming Legislature is at-will.
• Work Environment: This position is performed in an office environment with prolonged periods of working at a desk and on a computer.  An employee is regularly required to talk and hear, lift, carry objects such a document boxes and other equipment, utilize standard office equipment, and travel within Wyoming, including overnight and weekend trips. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefits

LSO employees receive a full range of non-salary benefits including health insurance, participation in a defined benefit retirement plan (pension) through the Wyoming Retirement System, paid annual and sick leave, and a number of in-office, non-salary benefits. Benefits and leave accruals transfer within State of Wyoming government jobs.

How to Apply

To apply, please send the following information: 1) a cover letter, 2) a resume, 3) a recent writing sample without outside edits, 4) a list of at least three references, 5) salary requirements, and 6) grade transcripts from law school and other post-secondary education.  One of the following methods can be used for delivery:

Email (in PDF or Microsoft Word) to: ian.shaw@wyoleg.gov

Mail:

Ian Shaw, Legal Division Administrator
Wyoming Legislative Service Office, Rm E201
200 W. 24th Street
State Capitol Building
Cheyenne, WY 82002

Application Closing Date: Applications will be accepted and reviewed until the position is filled. Applications should be submitted prior to March 1, 2023, although the position may be filled before that time.