Assistant General Counsel

Key Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day legal advice on employment and benefits issues, intellectual property, contract interpretation, data and information security, and general risk management.
• Serve as a trusted internal resource for attorneys, managers, and staff navigating legal and operational questions.
• Advis[e] on nonprofit governance and compliance, including IRS rules applicable to 501(c)(3) organizations, charitable solicitation laws, political activity, and lobbying restrictions.
• Ensure IJ’s activities adhere to federal and state registration, reporting, and other regulatory requirements.
• Support staff in evaluating compliance risks related to grants, fundraising practices, advocacy efforts, and multi-state operations.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts and agreements, including service agreements, licensing agreements, engagement letters, and (ideally) property or equipment leases.
• Help implement consistent internal contracting processes and templates to promote clarity, efficiency, and legal compliance.
• Develop and update internal policies and procedures to strengthen compliance, governance, and organizational best practices.
• Lead or assist in trainings that promote a culture of integrity, ethical conduct, and legal awareness across the organization.
• Proactively identify potential legal risks and develop strategies to mitigate them in collaboration with IJ leadership and staff.
• Monitor legal trends that could affect nonprofit operations or public-interest organizations.
• Serve as a liaison to outside counsel on specialized issues requiring additional expertise.
• Manage external legal support efficiently while maintaining IJ’s high standards for accuracy, judgment, and mission alignment.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law with the ability to waive into the Virginia state bar.
• 6–10 years of legal experience.
• Experience advising nonprofit or mission-driven organizations, serving as in-house counsel, or working in a generalist capacity strongly preferred.
• Background in employment law, licensing and contracting, or multi-state compliance is a plus.
• Experience with grants, fundraising regulations, or lobbying and advocacy is desirable but not required.

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent judgment and the ability to balance legal risk with organizational mission and operational needs.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and collaborate effectively with diverse teams.
• A commitment to IJ’s mission of protecting individual liberty and limiting government overreach.

Benefits

• Hybrid work schedule requiring three in-office days each week, plus four fully remote weeks per year.
• Flexible work hours with core hours of 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
• Smart casual dress code; casual Fridays.
• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance (IJ covers 100% of individual premiums).
• Free Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Life insurance.
• HSA employer contributions.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Generous PTO package including a paid personal day, floating and traditional holidays, in addition to vacation and sick leave.