Legal Associate

Cato Institute

. Take the lead on drafting amicus briefs filed in the U.S.

Posted 10/23/2026full-timeUnited StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $96,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates strong legal writing and research capabilities, with a focus on drafting amicus briefs and developing legal arguments for litigation. Engages effectively with scholars and contributes to strategic initiatives within the legal framework of constitutional studies.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Law DegreeLegal WritingResearch SkillsAmicus Brief DraftingConstitutional Studies

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Legal ResearchBrief DraftingEditingLitigationArgument Development

Soft Skills

CommunicationCollaborationCritical Thinking

Industry Keywords

U.S. Supreme CourtFederal Appellate CourtsState Supreme CourtsCato InstituteLegal Experience

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Take the lead on drafting amicus briefs filed in the U.S. Supreme Court
Defend individual liberty through constitutional studies and litigation-related work
Develop legal arguments and communicate with party counsel
Research and draft briefs for the U.S. Supreme Court, federal appellate courts, and state supreme courts
Receive intensive, one-on-one training and feedback on legal writing
Edit the Cato Supreme Court Review
Research and write for other Cato strategic initiatives
Engage with the intellectual life of the Cato Institute
Meet and assist scholars across a wide range of issue areas

Requirements

What you’ll need

Law degree
Typically 0–2 years of legal experience
Applicants are encouraged to take the bar exam before beginning employment, but this is not a requirement
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis
This position does not offer visa sponsorship
Submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and unofficial law school transcript
Indicate in the cover letter whether you may have access to outside funding

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Employer contribution to a Health Savings Account (HSA)
Generous vacation and sick leave
Paid parental leave
Employer-provided life and disability insurance
401(k) with employer match
Transit/Parking benefits
Pet discount plan
Intensive, one-on-one training and feedback
Opportunities to meet and assist scholars in a wide range of issue areas