The Office of Legislative Counsel (OLC) is a non-partisan joint office of both the House of Representatives and the Senate that provides legislative drafting and other legal services to all members and committees of the Georgia General Assembly without regard to party affiliation or position. The legislative session presents a dynamic and engaging atmosphere for externs to observe and learn from elected officials, legislative counsel and other legislative staff, policy advocates, and subject matter experts who are all working within a compressed time frame to set a course for the laws of the State of Georgia. While working with OLC, externs will gain unique insight into Georgia's legislative process and have opportunities to meet public officials and professionals with significant experience and expertise in virtually every industry and area of public interest.
Externs will shadow attorney meetings with legislators, legislative staff, policy advocates, and subject matter experts; assist attorneys by researching and analyzing facts, issues, and relevant laws; compare and analyze similar legislation in other jurisdictions; identify constitutional issues and potential legal conflicts; and identify strategies for ensuring that legislation achieves clients’ policy objectives. Students will draft legal opinions and memoranda; review legislation; attend committee meetings with attorneys where legal questions are raised; and study policies, practices, and potential legislation.
Confidentially, professionalism, and collegiality are hallmarks of the Office of Legislative Counsel. Preference for students who can work 15-20 hours per week.
Preferred courses: Legal writing, constitutional law, government law or First Amendment courses.
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