Church & Nonprofit Law Associate

Simms Showers LLP • Leesburg, VA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Simms Showers Law is hiring an experienced church and nonprofit attorney to serve churches, ministries, and nonprofit organizations throughout their life cycles, from formation and tax exemption through governance, policy, and organizational transactions. The role involves managing matters and client relationships independently, serving as a primary contact for clients and their boards, and taking on increasing responsibility with experience. The attorney will work with experienced partners on complex matters and collaborate with paralegals and support staff. The firm describes its culture as mission-driven, intellectually rigorous, warm, and collaborative, with faith integrated into its legal practice. The position is based in Leesburg, Virginia, and is full-time. Compensation is a base salary of $100,000–$200,000 or more, depending on experience and qualifications, with a possible transition to an hourly and collections-based compensation structure. The firm offers advancement tracks and partnership opportunity.

Requirements

• 2–10 years of experience in church law, nonprofit law, or tax-exempt organization law.
• Active Virginia Bar license.
• Substantive experience advising on federal tax exemption and exempt-organization compliance, including Form 1023.
• Strong drafting skills across governance documents, policies, and contracts.
• Ability to manage matters independently and communicate clearly with clients, boards, and church leaders.
• For senior candidates, experience supervising junior attorneys or paralegals.
• Interest in a professional life that reflects the candidate’s faith.

Responsibilities

• Form churches and nonprofits, including preparing articles of incorporation, bylaws, constitutions, and resolutions.
• Advise clients on federal tax-exempt status, including Form 1023 strategy, organizational classification, reinstatement, and ongoing compliance.
• Advise churches and nonprofits on foreign grantmaking and international charitable activities, including OFAC sanctions compliance.
• Advise boards and leadership on governance, leadership structures, membership issues, employment, and organizational decision-making.
• Draft organizational policies covering child protection, facility use, employment, security, and conflicts of interest.
• Draft and review contracts and agreements related to operations, programs, property, and facilities.
• Handle mergers, affiliations, reorganizations, asset transfers, and dissolutions.
• Handle charitable solicitation registrations across multiple states.
• Research federal and state law affecting religious and nonprofit organizations and provide practical, strategic advice.
• Manage a caseload, monitor deadlines, and coordinate with paralegals and support staff.
• Manage matters and client relationships independently and serve as a primary point of contact for clients and their boards.
• For senior candidates, supervise junior attorneys or paralegals.

Benefits

• 401(k) with a 4% firm match.
• Annual profit sharing and cash balance plan contributions.
• Multiple health insurance options; the firm pays 75% of individual premiums and 60% of qualified dependents’ premiums.
• Paid time off.
• Competitive salary.
• Clear advancement tracks with partnership opportunity.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed