Research Attorney

Serve your community while building valuable experience, skills, and relationships -- the Hawai'i State Senate Majority Research Office (SMA) is hiring Legislative Research Attorneys for the 2026 Legislative Session. The SMA Research Attorneys provide legal and general legislative drafting and research services to the majority party members of the Senate.

Prior to the legislative session that begins in mid-January, the Research Attorneys draft research memoranda and bills for introduction. During session, the Legislative Research Attorneys are assigned one or more Standing Committees to facilitate the committee process, draft legislative documents, and assist Senate Chairs, under the supervision of the Director. Legislative Research Attorneys must be organized and independent yet work cooperatively in a team setting. Successful applicants thrive in a collaborative, dynamic, and deadline-driven environment.

Specific Duties

• Draft bills and resolutions, committee reports, and Senate Drafts of bills and resolutions;

• Attend Standing Committee hearings, actively listen and take notes, and ensure adherence to rules and quorum requirements;

• Track legislation;

• Conduct fact-finding, evaluative, and investigative research as requested by Senators;

• Respond to inquiries from the Standing Committee members or staff;

• Provide legal opinions and guidance in the form of legal research memoranda or letters;

• Assist other team members to ensure work is completed on time;

• Prioritize between multiple tasks to meet all filing deadlines; and

• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism.

Minimum Qualifications

• Possess a Juris Doctorate and be in good standing with the Hawai‘i State Bar Association*;

• Ability to perform legal research and draft legal memoranda or opinions in response to questions from Senators or their staff;

• Demonstrate strong reading comprehension, organization, time management, and analytical, research, and writing skills;

• Write clearly and concisely;

• Quickly and efficiently interpret and digest statutory language;

• Grasp and explain complex issues;

• Communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively through verbal and written means;

• Cultivate strong professional relationships with co-workers, elected officials, and staff;

• Be flexible and adaptable to changing priorities; and

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 and online meeting applications.

• Some training will be provided, but familiarity with the state legislative process and procedures is favorable.

• Experience in criminal law, consumer protection, and/or public heath are desirable.

* Candidates licensed as attorneys outside of HI should apply for the Legislative Researcher position.

Must be available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as legislative deadlines may demand.

Full-time temporary positions are available for an employment period spanning from October 2025 - to May 2026. Medical, dental, and vision benefits available. The Hawai‘i State Senate is an equal opportunity employer.

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and two writing samples.

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Pay: $5,500.00 - $7,500.00 per month

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person