Job summary
Job post source
This job is directly from Arnold & Porter
Job overview
The Legislative and Public Policy Clerk role at Arnold & Porter offers a paid fall clerkship focused on government policy and advocacy, providing professional development in legislative and public policy practice.
Responsibilities and impact
Clerks will monitor policy developments, draft research and client memos on legislative and regulatory matters, and shadow teams in congressional and regulatory stakeholder engagement to support the firm's public policy work.
Compensation and benefits
The position pays $18.00 per hour, is nonexempt and eligible for overtime, with no additional benefits specified.
Experience and skills
Applicants should be rising juniors or seniors with strong writing skills and an interest in public policy; previous government-related experience is recommended but not required.
Career development
The clerkship prioritizes professional development and may offer exposure to other legal practice areas, supporting career growth in public policy and law.
Work environment and culture
The role is based in the Washington, DC office and primarily involves in-person work, emphasizing a professional and collaborative environment.
Company information
Arnold & Porter is a leading global law firm with over 1,000 lawyers, known for its expertise in regulatory and public policy work and a strong presence in Washington, DC and internationally.
Team overview
The clerkship is within the Legislative and Public Policy practice, involving collaboration with experienced lawyers who have government experience.
Job location and travel
The position is located in the Washington, DC office and requires in-person work from mid-September to early December.
Application process
Applicants must submit a resume with GPA, cover letter, and a 1-3 page writing sample on an advocacy/policy topic by 5:00 p.m. ET on July 11, 2025.
Unique job features
The clerkship offers a unique opportunity to work closely with a top law firm’s legislative and public policy teams, gaining hands-on experience in government-related legal work.
Company overview
Arnold & Porter is a prestigious international law firm known for its expertise in litigation, regulatory, and transactional law. The firm generates revenue by providing high-quality legal services to a diverse client base, including corporations, governments, and financial institutions. Founded in 1946, Arnold & Porter has a rich history of handling landmark cases and significant legal matters. The firm is also recognized for its commitment to pro bono work and public service, reflecting its dedication to both legal excellence and social responsibility.
How to land this job
Tailor your resume to emphasize your strong writing skills, interest in public policy, and any relevant coursework or experience related to government, legislative processes, or regulatory affairs to align with Arnold & Porter's Legislative and Public Policy Clerkship.
Highlight your ability to conduct detailed research, draft memos, and monitor policy developments across sectors like health care, trade, tech, energy, education, financial services, and defense, as these are key responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Apply through multiple platforms including Arnold & Porter's official careers page and LinkedIn to maximize your application visibility and ensure you meet the July 11, 2025 deadline with all required documents: resume, cover letter, and a concise 1-3 page writing sample on an advocacy or policy topic.
Connect on LinkedIn with current or former clerks and members of the Legislative and Public Policy practice at Arnold & Porter. Use ice breakers such as commenting on recent policy initiatives the firm has engaged with or asking about their experience balancing legislative research with client advocacy.
Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description like 'legislative monitoring,' 'policy research,' 'client memos,' 'government policy,' and 'public advocacy.' Ensure your writing sample and cover letter also reflect these terms to pass initial screenings.
Leverage Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to automate submitting tailored applications through multiple channels, identify relevant LinkedIn contacts for networking, and ensure your resume and documents are ATS-friendly, allowing you to focus on preparing for interviews and further networking.
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