General Counsel 

Location:  New York, NY
Salary:  $150,000 
Hybrid work environment (subject to change); 2-3 days in office; other days remote 

ABOUT IJC  

IJC is the country's first fellowship program cited by The New York Times as an innovator in our field.  We are dedicated to meeting the need for high-quality legal assistance for low-income immigrants.  Our Justice Fellows and Community Fellows are recent law graduates and college graduates, who are committed to providing immigration legal services to under-served populations and who join a new generation of dedicated advocates working to serve immigrant communities.  Creative thinking and the pursuit of new strategies to increase access to justice are essential to our mission. 

The United States is facing a growing representation crisis in immigration. Immigrant Justice Corps' (IJC) Fellowship program offers a blueprint for meeting the ongoing representation crisis. Every year, we recruit, train, and mentor talented lawyers and exceptional college graduates and deploy them with legal services providers and community-based organizations to assist low-income immigrants.  IJC’s goal is to substantially close the gap in representation for immigrants and believe an infusion of IJC Fellows can make a transformational difference.  

THE OPPORTUNITY 

Immigrant Justice Corps (“IJC”) seeks an individual to provide expert and strategic legal counsel and advice to IJC’s board, Chief Executive Officer, and senior leadership on a wide range of legal matters, including contracts, employment law, governance, compliance, intellectual property and litigation. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the General Counsel, will oversee drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial and partnership agreements and providing legal and ethics advice on a range of matters. The General Counsel will also play a role in developing new organizational policies, building compliance infrastructure, and supporting organizational growth and development.     

Core responsibilities include: 

• Oversee the drafting, reviewing, and negotiating of Host Organizations/partnership contracts and a variety of organizational and client agreements that minimize risks and secure IJC’s rights.  
• Manage IJC’s necessary insurance coverages and claims, including but not limited to, liability, malpractice, Directors & Officers insurance, etc.  
• Manage and oversee all aspects of the organization’s legal affairs including compliance and risk management  
• Provide expert and strategic legal counsel to the Board of Directors, CEO, and Senior Leadership on a wide range of legal matters.  
• Collaborate cross-functionally to integrate legal considerations into organizational activities.  
• Monitor laws and regulations, develop legal policies, and provide proactive solutions to mitigate risks.  
• Advise on employment legal issues and oversee policy drafting and review.  
• Stay updated on laws and policies affecting IJC’s mission and health.  
• Manage engagement with outside counsel and oversee training on ethnics and compliance 
• Perform additional duties as required.  

POSITION REQUIREMENTS 

• J.D. from an accredited law school and a license to practice law in New York State 
• Additional MA or BSc in Business Administration, a plus 
• Minimum of 7 years practice experience with an established non-profit or law firm.  
• Proven general counsel experience in non-profit environment preferred 
• Overall broad legal knowledge (contract law, litigation, labor law, etc.)  
• Experience with government contracts or grants preferred 
• Experience with contract drafting and negotiation 
• Knowledge of federal and state laws governing business, non-profit organizations, and employment  
• Proven ability to provide clear, concise and actionable legal advice
• In depth understanding of how legal issues affect organizations  
• Ability to manage difficult and complex situations with tact and excellent judgment. High degree of professional ethics and integrity. 
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational and communication skills 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Team player, comfortable working in a fast-paced environment 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS 

The salary range is adjusted for experience and geographic location. Excellent benefits package including 401(k), dental and vision insurance, paid time off, and flexible spending account.  

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION MISSION STATEMENT 

IJC is committed to protecting the human rights of immigrants by increasing the quality and quantity of representation. In fulfilling its mission, IJC is committed to fostering diversity at all levels of the organization. We are dedicated to building a strong professional relationship with each of our staff and Fellows, to understanding their diverse circumstances, and to meeting their needs. In striving always to achieve those goals, IJC embraces justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion as core values and is steadfast in our commitment to: (1) ensuring that IJC management and staff members represent a broad range of human difference and experience; (2) providing a work climate that is respectful and that supports success; and (3) promoting the dignity and well-being of all staff and Fellows. IJC’s leadership is responsible for ensuring excellence, diversity, and inclusion.  

HOW TO APPLY 

Please submit your resume, and personalized cover letter that answers the question "What excites you about Immigrant Justice Corps and the General Counsel opportunity?” Applications will be considered on a rolling basis and handled with confidentiality. 

EEO STATEMENT 

Immigrant Justice Corps is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran or military status, genetic information, gender identity, or sexual orientation as required by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other applicable federal and state statutes and organizational policies.