General Counsel

Lambda Legal•New York, NY

12d•$215,000 - $240,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The General Counsel serves as the organization’s chief legal advisor, providing strategic, practical counsel across all programs, activities, and operations. This role oversees legal compliance, employment and labor law matters, enterprise risk management, contract negotiations, and board governance. The General Counsel ensures adherence to all federal, state, and local laws governing 501(c)(3) organizations and serves as a key partner to the CEO and Board. The role will also build and manage a strong network of outside counsel and experts to support the organization’s legal and compliance infrastructure.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) degree and admission to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
10+ years of progressively responsible experience practicing or advising in matters related to employment and labor law.
Sound legal and strategic judgment with discretion and confidentiality in handling sensitive matters.
Experience developing and implementing policies and procedures that ensure compliance and advance organizational goals.
Proven ability to partner effectively with senior leadership, staff, and external counsel.
Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly.
Strong negotiation, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
Professionalism, tact, and diplomacy in representing the organization internally and externally.
Familiarity with laws governing charitable giving, including vetting, accepting, and holding of non-cash charitable gifts.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with or in a nonprofit legal advocacy organization.
Prior work experience in a virtual and/or unionized workplace.
Experience supporting or advising nonprofit boards, including governance or corporate secretary duties.
Successful candidates will welcome the opportunity to work in a racially- and gender-diverse environment and to contribute to a positive and inclusive atmosphere. Working at Lambda Legal requires a demonstrated awareness of and commitment to the concerns of the breadth of the communities that Lambda Legal serves. Prior work on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community and/or people living with HIV is highly desirable. Experience working with other historically marginalized communities (in a professional or volunteer capacity) is also desirable. All employees at Lambda Legal are expected to adhere to ethical conduct in all interactions and tasks, ensuring a positive and respectful workplace environment.

Responsibilities

Corporate Legal Strategy & Counsel
Serve as the organization’s chief legal advisor, providing timely, practical guidance to the CEO, Executive Team, and program leads.
Advise on governance, compliance, enterprise risk, and nonprofit regulations.
Anticipate and mitigate legal risks that could affect operations, reputation, or mission delivery.
Provide guidance on legal ethics, privilege, and professional responsibility.
Compliance & Risk Management
Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including 501(c)(3) regulations.
Build and maintain policies, procedures, and internal systems to manage risk and uphold ethical standards.
Lead internal training and initiatives to foster a culture of compliance and accountability.
Employment & Labor Law
Advise on employment and labor matters, including hiring, discipline, terminations, and investigations.
Partner with People & Culture on policy development, labor relations, and workplace compliance.
Stay current on evolving employment regulations to proactively guide organizational practice.
Contracts & External Counsel Management
Draft, review, and negotiate contracts including vendor, co-counsel, expert, and partnership agreements.
Build and manage relationships with outside counsel and subject-matter experts, ensuring high-quality, cost-effective legal services.
Manage the contract life cycle to streamline contract and vendor management across the organization.
Governance & Board Relations
Serve as Corporate Secretary to the Board and provide legal support for all governance activities.
Maintain governance records, prepare Board resolutions, and oversee conflicts of interest disclosures.
Ensure compliance with nonprofit corporate law, bylaws, and Board policies.

Benefits

Medical benefits that begin on your start date
Dental, Vision, and Life insurance (effective 30 days from your start date)
Short & Long-Term Disability plans (effective 30 days from your start date)
403(b) Retirement Plan (employer contribution and matching program begins after 90 days of employment)
Paid Vacation (15 Days)
Sick Leave (12 Days)
Personal Leave (3 Days)
Religious Observance Leave (3 Days)
Bereavement and Bereavement Anniversary Leave
Floating Holiday (1 Day)
12 paid holidays and 5 early office closures
Flexible Spending Account (FSA/DC FSA) and Commuter Benefits
Health Reimbursement Account
Annual professional development funds
$50 monthly mobile phone reimbursement
Summer Fridays from Memorial Day to Labor Day
Premium subscription to the Calm App
Paid sabbatical after 7 years of service at Lambda Legal (4 weeks for non-exempt positions and 8 weeks for exempt positions)