Research Associate - Legal Studies
Cato InstituteRole Overview
Cato Institute is hiring a entry-level Research Associate - Legal Studies. This is a full-time hybrid role, based in Washington. Part of Cato Institute's Social Media hiring, posted 5 days ago. The posted range is $57k to $62k. Full responsibilities, required qualifications, and the apply link are listed in the description below.
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Job Description
Description
The Cato Institute is seeking a Research Associate to support the Legal Studies team with administrative tasks and the implementation of a hybrid public education campaign around jury empowerment.
The Research Associate will support the development and management of a multi-month public outreach campaign featuring extensive use of social media, coordination of different personnel, and occasional travel to Richmond, Virginia. They will assist with planning other strategic initiatives as well. They will assist with annual hiring cycles, as well as with tabling, formatting, and filing of legal documents. Paralegal experience is not required. The ideal candidate is a self-starter, team player, well-organized, and detail-oriented.
This position could be hybrid or at Cato’s office.
The projected salary range for this role is $57,000-$62,000 per year. Compensation is based on the successful candidate's educational background, experience, and skills.
About Cato
The Cato Institute is a public policy research organization – a think tank – dedicated to the principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace. Its scholars and analysts conduct independent, nonpartisan research on a wide range of policy issues.
Founded in 1977, Cato owes its name to Cato’s Letters, a series of essays published in 18th-century England that presented a vision of a society free from excessive government power. Those essays inspired the architects of the American Revolution. And the simple, timeless principles of that revolution – individual liberty, limited government, and free markets – turn out to be even more powerful in today’s world of global markets and unprecedented access to information than Jefferson or Madison could have imagined. Social and economic freedom is not just the best policy for a free people; it is an indispensable framework for the future.
The Cato Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Responsibilities
- Support the administrative and organizational needs of the Legal Studies team.
- Administratively manage a public outreach campaign, including social media, community events, and ally coordination.
- Prepare documents for legal filing
Requirements
Education and Experience
- No prior work experience required.
Skills
- Passion for the intersection of law, government policy, and libertarianism.
- Familiarity with PACER and Lexis is a plus.
- Strong organizational skills and a commitment to accuracy.
- Strong writing skills.
- Strong people and teamwork skills, with demonstrated ability to question assumptions, think independently, and advance new ideas.
To Apply
Please submit the following materials in one PDF file:
- CV/Resume
- Cover Letter/Intro Email.
- Two work samples (original papers, articles, memos, blog posts, etc.).
Benefits
All Cato employees are provided with:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Employer contribution to a Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Generous vacation and sick days
- Paid parental leave
- Employer-provided life and disability insurance
- 401(k) employer match
- Transit/ Parking benefits
- Pet discount plan
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. This position does not offer visa sponsorship.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for the Research Associate - Legal Studies position at Cato Institute?
Use the Apply button above to submit your application directly to Cato Institute. Most applications take less than 5 minutes if your resume and contact details are ready, and you'll be routed to the employer's official application system to finish.
Is the Research Associate - Legal Studies role at Cato Institute remote or in-office?
This is a hybrid role based in Washington. Expect a mix of in-office and remote days, with the specific cadence set by the hiring manager.
How much does the Research Associate - Legal Studies role at Cato Institute pay?
Cato Institute has posted a compensation range of $57k to $62k for this position. Final offers typically vary based on candidate experience, location, and internal salary bands.
When was the Research Associate - Legal Studies role at Cato Institute posted?
This role was posted on June 4, 2026 (5 days ago). It's still listed as actively hiring; we re-confirm openings against the source system multiple times per day and remove closed roles.
Is the Research Associate - Legal Studies role at Cato Institute entry-level?
Yes. This is an entry-level position. Strong candidates typically have 0-2 years of relevant work experience, internships, or significant project work. Read the full description for any specific qualification requirements Cato Institute has listed.
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