Overview
The Director, Legal Counsel plays a critical role within the Legal Department, providing legal advice and support related to animal welfare programs, labor and employment, and various corporate matters. This position involves drafting and reviewing contracts and advising internal clients in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Responsibilities
- Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of corporate contracts and legal documents, including confidentiality agreements and consulting contracts.
- Collaborate closely with teams across the organization on multidisciplinary and cross-departmental projects.
- Support efficient, scalable, and compliant expansion into new areas of work.
- Manage operational risk to promote innovation, security, and resilience.
- Counsel internal clients on risk management and strategic program development.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws as well as internal policies.
- Advise on labor and employment legal matters in coordination with the People Team.
- Conduct comprehensive legal research and analysis on diverse substantive and procedural issues.
- Liaise with other Legal Department attorneys to maintain consistent, high-quality legal advice.
- Collaborate with outside counsel on litigation, labor and employment, and intellectual property matters.
- Provide legal education and training to staff on relevant legal issues and risks.
Requirements
- Licensed and admitted to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
- J.D. degree from an ABA-accredited U.S. law school.
- Minimum of 4 years practicing law, including experience drafting and negotiating agreements and contracts.
- Excellent judgment and discretion, especially with confidential and sensitive matters.
- Strong research, analytical, oral, and written communication skills.
- Ability to plan, organize, prioritize work, and accept accountability.
- Strong collaboration skills and ability to work effectively across teams.
- Commitment to animal welfare is essential; prior knowledge of animal law is not required.
Preferred Qualifications
- In-house corporate legal experience (nonprofit or for-profit) is a plus.
- Knowledge of nonprofit corporate law.
- At least 3 years of experience in real estate, finance, education, and/or transportation legal matters.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary ranges based on geographic location:
- Zone 1: $128,000 - $135,000 annually
- Zone 2: $141,000 - $148,000 annually
- Zone 3: $155,000 - $163,000 annually
- Starting pay depends on education, experience, location, and other factors.
- Compensation may increase beyond the maximum range based on performance.
- Comprehensive benefits package including:
- Affordable health coverage (medical, employer-paid dental, optional vision).
- Flexible time off including vacation, sick leave, bereavement, paid parental leave, holidays, and personal time.
- Competitive retirement savings plan with employer 401(k) contributions.
- Professional development opportunities including training, coaching, and mentorship.
Location & Work Arrangement
- This is a remote-based position open to candidates within the United States.
- Ability and willingness to travel up to 10% annually as needed.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The employer is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable laws.
Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities during the application process upon request.
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