Assistant Counsel, Personnel and Litigation

Howard Hughes Medical Institute • Headquarters, KY

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Assistant Counsel, Personnel & Litigation provides legal advice, counsel, and support on employment, employee benefits, and litigation matters affecting HHMI’s operations and activities. The role contributes informed, practical, and timely legal guidance across the full employment lifecycle, employee benefits administration, and litigation support, while balancing organizational risk and advancing HHMI’s mission, strategic priorities, and operational goals. This position reports to the Senior Counsel, Personnel & Litigation, and follows a hybrid schedule, with in-person work at HHMI’s Headquarters in Chevy Chase, Maryland, three days per week.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
• Active membership in good standing with an established bar required.
• A minimum of three years of experience practicing law in a law firm or in a corporate, nonprofit, or government legal department, with required experience in employment law and litigation.
• Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability and willingness to manage a variety of matters across a broad range of substantive areas and to learn new areas quickly.
• A demonstrated commitment to high ethical standards and professionalism.
• Desire to learn about, facilitate, and take pride in the work of HHMI’s scientists and grantees.

Nice To Haves

• ERISA and employee benefits experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support Senior Counsel in providing legal advice on all stages of the employment relationship, including hiring, immigration and visa matters, performance management, employee relations issues, and employment separations.
• Provide in-house legal support for assigned litigation matters.
• Draft, review, and negotiate separation agreements, staffing agreements, and other employment-related contracts.
• Advise HHMI’s Total Rewards team on ERISA, PPACA, HIPAA, and other laws governing employee retirement and welfare benefit plans and benefits administration.
• Draft and review benefits-related documents, including plan documents, vendor agreements, and related materials.
• Partner with departments across HHMI to deliver practical, timely, and risk-aware legal guidance that supports the Institute’s mission, strategic priorities, and operational goals.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of Office of the General Counsel processes and procedures related to personnel, benefits, and litigation matters.
• Maintain current knowledge of legal developments relevant to HHMI through continuing legal education and participation in professional and bar associations.

Benefits

• Meaningful Impact: The opportunity to provide thoughtful, practical legal guidance on complex employment and litigation matters in support of HHMI’s mission and people.
• Broad In-House Exposure: A varied and engaging in-house practice that spans employment law, benefits, and litigation, with the ability to collaborate closely with colleagues across the organization.
• Professional Growth: Support for continuing legal education and professional development, with opportunities to deepen expertise.
• Competitive Total Rewards Package: Comprehensive healthcare, generous retirement contributions, paid leave, and additional programs that support well-being and professional development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees