Legal Fellow

The Andrew W Mellon Foundation•New York, NY

7d•$200,000 - $300,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Mellon Foundation is seeking a Legal Fellow for a full-time, one-year position to join its Legal Team. This role offers exposure to diverse legal and strategic issues within a philanthropic organization, focusing on litigation strategy, legal research, regulatory inquiries, risk assessment, crisis response, and other complex legal matters. The Fellow will collaborate with internal staff across various departments (program, communications, government relations) and external counsel. The Legal Fellow position is a strategic legal role requiring intellectual curiosity, sound judgment, and strong analytical skills to provide practical, solution-oriented legal advice. Working closely with the Senior Counsel, Litigation and Legal Strategy and the broader Legal Team, the Fellow will assist with legal research, risk assessment, legal strategy, litigation-related matters, and other significant legal issues affecting the Foundation.

Requirements

A J.D. and at least 3+ years of legal experience.
A solutions-oriented, agile thinker who can present and consider alternative approaches to achieve the Foundation’s objectives.
Strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
Experience with impact litigation, strategic litigation or public-interest litigation.
Excellent judgment including ability to provide clear advice on sensitive matters and in high-pressure situations.
Excellent communicator through clear and effective oral and written communication.
Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with staff at all levels.
Analytical thinker with strong interpersonal skills.
Ability to handle multiple and often complex tasks effectively and efficiently while maintaining a strong attention to detail and a commitment to meeting deadlines.
Appreciation for a friendly and collegial work environment.
Impeccable integrity, ethics, and professionalism.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated commitment to the mission of the organization is optimal.
Attorneys who would like to build skills in exempt organization law or are returning to practice after a career break are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Conducting legal research and preparing memoranda, briefing materials, and strategic analyses on novel and challenging legal questions.
Supporting the development and evaluation of litigation and legal strategies related to Foundation priorities and activities.
Monitoring legal and regulatory developments relevant to the Foundation's mission, operations, and programmatic work.
Assisting with the assessment and management of litigation, pre-litigation disputes, regulatory inquiries, investigations, and other complex legal matters affecting the Foundation.
Supporting crisis response efforts by providing legal analysis and strategic guidance on time-sensitive matters.
Building relationships and facilitating collaborations with Foundation staff at all levels.
Independently exercising judgment on complex legal matters and contributing to legal decision-making.
Other duties as requested based on department and organizational needs.