General Counsel

About the role

U.S.VETS is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing and ending veteran homelessness. We serve veterans and their families through housing, behavioral health, career development, outreach, and comprehensive supportive services. We are seeking an experienced General Counsel to serve as a trusted legal advisor to the President & CEO, Senior Leadership Team, Human Resources, and Board of Directors. This is a highly visible, hands-on role for an attorney who brings strong employment law expertise, sound business judgment, excellent communication skills, and a practical approach to managing and mitigating organizational risk. The successful candidate will be comfortable managing multiple matters simultaneously, navigating complex and sensitive issues, negotiating effectively, and translating legal considerations into clear, actionable guidance for leaders throughout the organization.

Location: Downtown Los Angeles

Responsibilities

• Serve as the organization's primary legal advisor on employment and workplace matters, partnering closely with the VP of HR and HR team on employee relations, investigations, accommodations, leaves, wage and hour issues, policies, discipline, and separations.
• Advise the President & CEO and Senior Leadership Team on legal risks, organizational strategy, contracts, business transactions, compliance, and other significant matters.
• Manage multiple legal matters and potential claims, including litigation, investigations, and disputes; develop strategies and work with outside counsel as appropriate.
• Select, retain, and oversee outside counsel and manage legal resources effectively.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, agreements, leases, and other legal documents.
• Monitor changes in laws and regulations affecting the organization and provide practical guidance to leadership.
• Advise on nonprofit governance and attend Board and committee meetings as needed, including presenting legal matters to the Board with confidence and professionalism.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• California Bar membership in good standing.
• 7+ years of practicing legal experience, with substantial experience in employment law and preferably meaningful in-house or corporate experience.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple legal matters, competing priorities, and deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Strong knowledge of California employment law and experience advising employers on complex workplace matters.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to explain complex legal issues clearly to non-lawyers.
• Strong negotiation, problem-solving, and risk-management skills.
• The confidence and executive presence to advise and present to senior leadership and the Board of Directors.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with HR, Finance, Operations, Programs, and other functions.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential information.
• Strong organizational skills and a high level of personal accountability.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and common business technology.

Schedule

Hybrid — 3 days in office / 2 days remote