State Affairs Counsel

The American Association for Justice (AAJ) works to preserve the constitutional right to trial by jury and to make sure people have a fair chance to seek justice when they are injured by the negligence or misconduct of others - even when it means taking on the most powerful corporations.

AAJ is seeking a State Affairs Counsel for its State Affairs department. The State Affairs Counsel provides legal, legislative, policy research and analysis of state legislation, assists with complex multistate State legislative projects, and supports AAJ’s state and federal advocacy efforts.

Responsibilities:

• Analyze and assess state legislation for state trial lawyers’ associations (TLAs) and AAJ’s members.
• Monitor the daily progress of state legislative proposals for the department, including providing a regular summation of state legislative proposals that would impact the civil justice system and tracking relevant bills in all fifty states, the District of Columbia and all U.S. territories.
• Draft advocacy material, such as one-pagers, fact sheets, and talking points in response to state legislative activities and to promote AAJ’s and the state TLAs’ policy goals.
• Draft model legislation and sample amendments.
• Work with allied groups on joint legislative goals, including representing AAJ’s interests and working with coalitions and building a broader group of allies.
• Communicate with members, staff, and leadership, on policy positions, progress of proposals, and AAJ/TLA advocacy activity.
• Assist Director in advising Communications staff on state messaging and state press regarding state legislative proposals.
• Assist Director in developing strategy for specific initiatives or policy campaigns as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• J.D. degree required and member in good standing with at least one state bar or U.S. territory.
• Minimum of 1 year experience in legal research and analysis; legislative drafting, and bill tracking.
• Familiarity with state and Congressional legislative and regulatory processes and a commitment to civil justice issues.
• Excellent writing, communication, and analysis skills, plus the ability to work independently and in teams.
• Ability to work with AAJ members, AAJ leadership and state associations.
• A clear understanding of AAJ issues and the ability to advocate for them to others.
• Must successfully pass a criminal background check.

Compensation:

The salary range for this position is $70,000-$85,000. Salary will be determined by the candidate’s level of experience and qualifications.

Benefits and Perks for Working with AAJ:

• Hybrid work schedule, onsite Tuesday through Thursday and 100% remote work for the month of August (for most employees)
• Comprehensive health insurance which includes, medical, dental, vision, life, disability, flexible spending account (FSA), and 401K with an employer match
• Generous paid leave (e.g., vacation, sick, personal, parental), 11 federal holidays, and paid time off between Christmas and New Years
• Subsidized metro transit and/or parking benefits
• Professional development opportunities
• Company social events
• Office conveniently located ½ block from Gallery Place/Chinatown metro station in downtown Washington, DC

AAJ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No phone calls please!