Also called: Bill Drafter, Legislative Attorney
A nonpartisan lawyer who turns lawmakers' ideas into the precise legal text of a bill.
When a senator wants to 'ban junk fees,' a legislative counsel figures out exactly which laws must change and writes the language, sometimes hundreds of pages. They work for both parties and must stay neutral. Few people know this job exists.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Professional degree (MD, JD, DVM…), about 7 years after high school. A bachelor's degree in any major, three years of law school for a JD, and passing the state bar exam; strong legal writing is essential.
Ways in: 4-year college, Professional school. Training cost: Over $150k.
Majors to look at: Political Science, English, Philosophy, Law (JD).
Growing about average (about 2% over 10 years). Approximate.
Medium risk for 10 years. AI drafts bill language and finds conflicting laws; precise legal judgment on nonpartisan wording stays with lawyers.
Classes: AP English Language, AP U.S. Government, Latin or a world language, Speech and debate.
Official data: O*NET occupation 23-1011.
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