General Counsel

About

General Counsel Role Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced General Counsel to provide strategic legal counsel to our Executive Director, management team, and board of Directors on legal and regulatory matters that impact our work.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal counsel to the Executive Director, management team, and board of Directors on legal and regulatory matters that impact our work.
• Anticipate and mitigate legal risks that could affect the organization's operations, reputation, and/or ability to fulfill our mission.
• Ensure compliance with IRS 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) regulations, lobbying and advocacy restrictions, state charitable registration requirements, grant conditions, and applicable local and federal laws.
• Draft and/or review and negotiate contracts, subgrant agreements, MOUs, and partnership agreements to ensure clarity and compliance.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school
• Admission to the bar in the state where our headquarters is located
• At least 5 years of experience as a practicing attorney, preferably in a non-profit or similar setting
• Strong knowledge of non-profit law, tax law, and regulatory compliance
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Nice to Have

• Experience with lobbying and advocacy regulations
• Familiarity with grant management and compliance
• Knowledge of state charitable registration requirements
• Experience with contract negotiation and review

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Opportunity to work with a dynamic and mission-driven organization
• Collaborative and supportive work environment
• Professional development opportunities

This role creates positive change by providing legal expertise that enables Lawyers for Good Government to effectively pursue social justice initiatives, protect civil and human rights, and advance environmental justice through strategic legal counsel and compliance.

Required qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school and active license to practice in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• Minimum 10-15 years of progressive legal experience, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership or management role, preferably including work with mission-driven nonprofits, advocacy organizations, or foundations.
• Strong understanding of nonprofit and tax-exempt law, professional liability rules for attorneys, employment law, and laws affecting advocacy, lobbying and political activity rules, and grassroots organizing.
• Deep commitment to the mission of Lawyers for Good Government.

No specific compensation, perks, or culture highlights mentioned in the posting.

Lawyers for Good Government is a mission-driven organization focused on social justice, civil and human rights, democracy and rule of law, and climate change and environmental justice through legal advocacy and services.