Political Law Paralegal

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP is a leading international law firm with more than 900 lawyers in offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. We are currently seeking a Political Law Paralegal supporting the Public Law & Policy practice, working under the general direction of the Public Law and Policy attorneys and/or practice management.

The position will reside in the Washington, DC office with hybrid work capabilities and will play a significant role in the client service and internal operations of the political law practice. This position involves significant collaboration with attorneys and paralegals, other Akin professionals as well as clients. The Political Law Specialist is expected to perform all responsibilities with a commitment to providing superior service to the firm’s attorneys, advisors, and staff, and maintaining an atmosphere of teamwork and continuous improvement.

Key responsibilities of this position include:

• Directly communicate with clients in support of their political law compliance, under the direction of attorneys.
• Prepare and file lobbying registration and disclosure reports at the federal, state, and local levels.
• Assist clients in maintaining PAC compliance by working to:
  • Prepare and file federal and state PAC filings in a timely manner.
  • Maintain PAC balances.
  • Resolve any inconsistencies of PAC balances or filings.
  • Maintain compliance records.
  • Assist clients with solicitations and PAC data reports.
• Monitor and review political contributions for clients to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local campaign finance and pay-to-play laws.
• Assist attorneys in conducting audits of client PAC and lobby compliance.
• Engage in frequent communication with government agencies on behalf of clients on political law matters.
• Conduct extensive, in-depth and time-sensitive research in response to attorney and client requests.
• Draft memoranda and correspondence for clients.
• Maintain an advanced working knowledge of lobbying and PAC registration and reporting requirements at the federal and state levels.
• Keep abreast of pending legislation and regulations as well as industry trends and current events that impact clients and prospective clients.
• Assist with client development projects, including drafting client alerts as well as preparing prospective client pitches and proposals.
• Collaborate with the political law attorneys in support of the recruiting, onboarding, staffing, and professional development of the political law paralegal team, including but not limited to:
  • Participate in interviews of paralegal candidates.
  • Mentor new paralegals and lead training programs to ensure proper integration.
  • Maintain a working knowledge of the paralegal workload in order to make recommendations for the assignment of new matters as well as ad hoc projects.
  • Update and circulate filing schedules on a monthly basis.
  • Suggest content for ongoing trainings and professional development activities; lead programs as appropriate.
  • Assume other responsibilities as requested in support of the practice group’s goals and objectives.

Qualifications (Experience, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities):

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Advanced knowledge of the election process required.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience working in government or with a political law practice.
• Political or campaign experience a plus, but not required.
• A strong understanding of multiple political law areas, including, but not limited to, campaign finance, lobbying, gifts, and pay-to-play.
• Excellent communication and listening skills, strong interpersonal skills as well as demonstrated client service skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in a team setting and collaborate across the practice.
• Ability to work independently, demonstrate initiative along with the ability to multi-task and prioritize among competing tasks under pressure and time constraints.
• Consistent use of superb judgment and a strong sense of responsibility and integrity.
• Proficiency in Windows operating systems and Microsoft Office including Word and Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to use video conferencing systems.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality of client, firm and office information and adhering to the Firm’s Core Values.
• Commitment to professional growth and development.

The base salary range for this position in Washington, DC is $60,000 to $66,000. Additional information about benefits and rewards can be found here.

How to apply for the job:

Please submit your resume here.