Application Guide
How to Apply for Counsel
at American Psychological Association
🏢 About American Psychological Association
The American Psychological Association (APA) is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States, with over 146,000 members. Working here means contributing to the advancement of psychological science and practice, with a mission to promote health, education, and human welfare. The APA offers a collaborative, mission-driven environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion, and the flexibility of remote work.
About This Role
As in-house Counsel at APA, you will provide day-to-day legal support across a wide range of areas including contracts, fundraising, conflicts of interest, and litigation support. This role is perfect for a lawyer who enjoys variety and collaboration, as you'll work closely with the Office of General Counsel and staff at all levels, helping to mitigate risk and support the organization's strategic goals. Your work will directly impact the APA's ability to serve its members and advance psychology.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with reviewing a federal contract or advising a division on a fundraising initiative. You might then join a call with the General Counsel to discuss a potential conflict of interest, and spend the afternoon drafting policies or responding to internal legal requests. The variety keeps the work engaging, and the remote setting allows for a flexible schedule, though you'll collaborate regularly via video calls and email.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who American Psychological Association Is Looking For
- A lawyer with 3-5 years of progressive legal experience, ideally in a non-profit or corporate setting, with hands-on experience in contract review and general corporate matters.
- A practical problem-solver who can provide clear, strategic advice on complex issues like fundraising, conflicts of interest, and tax-exemption compliance, with a collaborative and approachable demeanor.
- An excellent communicator who can interact effectively with diverse stakeholders, including staff, governance bodies, and outside counsel, and can translate legal concepts for non-lawyers.
- A self-starter who thrives in a remote environment, is organized, and can manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
📝 Tips for Applying to American Psychological Association
Highlight your experience with contract review and negotiation, especially federal contracts, and provide specific examples of how you've handled compliance issues like conflicts of interest or tax-exemption.
Emphasize any experience with election law, lobbying rules, or nonprofit governance, as these are mentioned as a plus and will make you stand out.
Tailor your cover letter to the APA's mission of advancing psychology, and express genuine interest in supporting a non-profit organization's legal needs.
Research the APA's structure, including its divisions and governance, and mention how your skills can support these specific areas in your application.
If you are not a member of the DC Bar, clearly state your eligibility for waiver, and demonstrate your willingness to obtain DC Bar membership.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your ability to provide practical, collaborative legal support across diverse areas, with examples of how you've successfully navigated complex legal issues in a non-profit or corporate setting.", 'Your experience with contract review, particularly federal contracts, and your understanding of the unique legal challenges faced by non-profits, such as fundraising and lobbying rules.', 'Your strong communication and interpersonal skills, and your comfort working with a wide range of stakeholders, from staff to elected leaders.', "Your enthusiasm for the APA's mission and how your legal expertise can help the organization achieve its goals."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore the APA's website to understand its mission, strategic plan, and the variety of divisions and programs it supports.
- → Review the APA's annual report and recent news to understand current initiatives and challenges the organization faces.
- → Familiarize yourself with the APA's governance structure, including its Council of Representatives and Board of Directors, to understand how legal advice might be needed.
- → Look into the APA's Office of General Counsel and any public statements or articles by the General Counsel to get a sense of the legal team's priorities and culture.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid a generic cover letter that doesn't mention the APA or the specific legal areas mentioned in the job description, such as contracts and non-profit compliance.
- Don't overlook the importance of DC Bar membership; clearly address your eligibility and willingness to obtain it, as it's a hard requirement.
- Avoid focusing solely on litigation experience if you have it; this role is primarily about transactional and advisory work, so emphasize those skills instead.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to American Psychological Association!