Leigh Hildebrand operates on Capitol Hill, right at the center of the sharply polarized American political landscape.

Nonetheless, her position in the U.S. Senate is entirely nonpartisan.

Hildebrand JD ’00 serves as the senior assistant parliamentarian, the next in line on the team that reports to the chief Senate parliamentarian, Elizabeth MacDonough.

The position of parliamentarian is frequently described as the Senate’s referee, guided by the legislative body’s rulebook.

Similar to a referee officiating an SEC football matchup between fierce adversaries, this role often bears considerable scrutiny. Over her 19-year tenure, Hildebrand has counseled senators from both sides of the aisle as well as five vice presidents. Her duty is not to take sides but to uphold the regulations and integrity of the Senate.

“It’s fundamentally about providing our best counsel regarding what is suitable for the Senate as an institution. It’s vital during these extremely contentious times to have individuals who are institutionalists.” — Leigh Hildebrand, senior assistant parliamentarian for the U.S. Senate

Ms. Hildebrand Visits Washington

Hildebrand, hailing from a lineage of rice farmers in Stuttgart, Arkansas, experienced her first encounter with Washington, D.C., and the Senate at the age of 16.

As a high school junior, she secured a position in the U.S. Senate Page Program. It marked her inaugural departure from home, leaving a lasting impression.

“I made the decision that I would return here one day,” she recalls.

Following her studies at Westminster College in Missouri, Hildebrand sought a more substantial program for law school. This led her to Athens for the first time.

“Love at first sight,” she shares.

She also became an avid supporter of the Bulldogs, returning annually to Athens to cheer at games held at Sanford Stadium. While she may maintain complete political neutrality, when it comes to football, her allegiance is clear.

Career Nonpartisan

After obtaining her Juris Doctor and practicing law for the Federal Election Commission, Hildebrand discovered a position on a public service job listserv aimed at School of Law alumni. It was for an assistant parliamentarian role in the Senate.

During her interview, her tenure as a Senate page emerged in conversation. The man who would become her supervisor inquired about her memories of that period.

She could not recall. Instead of fabricating a flattering response, Hildebrand honestly admitted, “I actually don’t remember you.”

Her straightforwardness impressed him. Uncomfortable honesty is an essential aspect of a parliamentarian’s duties. Eventually, she will irk individuals from both parties.

She was offered the position.

While the responsibilities associated with the role may encompass tasks such as reviewing bills and assigning them to committees or scripting openings for the Senate, parliamentarians sometimes make decisions that can garner political attention.

Those acquainted with American political workings understand that navigating most significant bills through the Senate requires a 60-vote majority to circumvent a filibuster. An intricate procedure known as reconciliation provides a possible workaround.

This process enables specific budget-related bills to pass the Senate with a simple majority. Nevertheless, the regulations governing this method are convoluted. One criterion that must be satisfied to comply with federal law is that the policy effects of the bill cannot exceed its budgetary effects.

For instance, one cannot pass a law prohibiting the wearing of orange through reconciliation, as it significantly impacts UGA’s SEC competitors but has minimal effect on the federal budget.

Hildebrand has provided guidance to the Senate on more divisive topics, including healthcare policy and the federal minimum wage. When these issues arise—typically every few years—parliamentarians dedicate countless hours scrutinizing the bills, regulations, precedents, and policy repercussions. In a 2022 instance, Hildebrand worked for 60 continuous hours to review provisions within amendments related to one of these reconciliation bills.

The counsel rendered by the  office on these and other significant issues often attracts intense public examination concerning the Senate’s complex regulations and their interpreters.

For her part, Hildebrand believes these regulations, which may delay or complicate the legislative process, hold considerable significance.

“It’s beneficial to strive for consensus,” she comments. “And we can assist with that. That’s our role.”

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