Staff Assistant - 2013

-Congressional Staff Assistant – Lobbying & Policy Practice Group – Thompson Coburn LLP-

Are you a resourceful researcher?  Organized, detail-oriented, and a self-starter?  Are you knowledgeable of congressional protocol and familiar with the Hill?  Do you know how to juggle multiple projects and tasks? Are you a savvy writer/editor and an even better scheduler?

If so, we are looking for you!  The law firm of Thompson Coburn LLP currently has a non-exempt position available in our Washington, D.C. office for a full time Staff Assistant.  The Staff Assistant will serve our growing Lobbying and Policy practice group with both administrative and legislative assistance.  Qualified applicants will have a minimum of 2 years experience working in the field of government relations and/or a minimum of 1 year experience working full-time for Congress or the Administration.  The individual selected for this position must be able to work closely with a diverse group of professionals in a fast-paced environment.

Candidates will be expected to:

• Serve as a liaison to Congress, which would include tracking legislative activity and drafting write-ups of congressional briefings, hearings, and markups via webcast.
• Prepare and write short reports on congressional and federal regulatory activity.
• Schedule meetings for professionals and clients with members of Congress, congressional and Administration staff.
• Conduct research using Bloomberg Government, Knowlegis, Lobbyist.info, Thomas.gov, and other research databases.
• Manage, coordinate, and maintain the schedules of those supported.
• Screen telephone calls and voice-mail messages.
• Perform typing, filing, photocopying, preparing internal and external correspondence, or other administrative duties as requested.
• Coordinate all travel arrangements for Lobbying and Policy Practice Group members.
• Perform reception desk coverage as needed.

Job Requirements

This position has the following requirements:

• Must have extensive knowledge of congressional affairs with the ability to navigate political avenues to effectively schedule necessary meetings.
• Must possess superior organizational skills.
• Must possess a high level of professionalism and interpersonal skills so as to be able to work well with employees at all levels within the organization and maintain all information in the strictest of confidence. Required to use tact and diplomacy when dealing with others.
• Must have ability to read, write and communicate fluent English; ability to compose documents in the appropriate business style using correct grammar and spelling; ability to communicate clearly using proper grammar and diction over the telephone.
• Must possess attention to detail, ability to manage multiple projects and have strong time management skills.
• Must have ability to reason and apply common-sense understanding to situations encountered.
• Ability to process routine daily functions while being able to resolve sensitive issues and complex assignments utilizing above average critical thinking skills.
• The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee in order for him or her to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.  While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to:
  • remain in both a stationary position and be mobile throughout the workday;
  • be able to move about inside the office to access various items;
  • must be able to elevate and transport items up to 25 pounds; constantly operate office machinery including but not limited to computers, computer mouse, hand held devices, and copy machines

Thompson Coburn LLP is a large full service, multi-state firm with offices in Chicago, St. Louis, Southern Illinois and Washington D.C.  At Thompson Coburn, our behavior and the expectations we have of ourselves are guided by the values that we hold in the highest regard: integrity, a passion for excellence, a focus on serving the client, a value of diversity, innovation, creativity, trust and loyalty.  Within the Firm, we value each other as people and colleagues.  In addition to the exceptional working environment and a competitive salary, Thompson Coburn provides the following benefit options to qualifying employees:

• Medical and Vision Insurance through United Healthcare
• Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance & ADD policies
• Short & Long Term Disability Insurance
• Firm paid 401(k) & Profit Sharing plans
• Parking/Transportation Stipend
• Section 125 Plan (Pre-tax premiums, dependent care and medical reimbursement)
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee Wellness Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• College Savings Plan Deductions (529 Plans)
• Long Term Care

 

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V