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 collaborating with multiple teams in a fast-paced environment.
Responsibilities
- Draft, review, and negotiate corporate contracts and legal documents, including confidentiality agreements and consulting contracts.
- Partner 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.
- Advise internal clients on risk management and strategic program development.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws and internal policies.
- Collaborate with the People Team to manage legal aspects of labor and employment issues.
- Conduct comprehensive legal research and analysis on diverse substantive and procedural issues.
- Work closely with other Legal Department attorneys to provide consistent, high-quality legal advice.
- Coordinate with outside counsel on litigation, labor and employment, and intellectual property matters.
- Educate staff on legal issues and risks through interdepartmental training sessions.
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 of legal practice experience, including 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 identify unstated needs.
- Commitment to animal welfare is essential; knowledge of animal law is not required.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in in-house corporate legal roles (nonprofit or for-profit).
- 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 employee's primary location within the United States:
- 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, business needs, and internal equity.
- Compensation may increase beyond the maximum hiring range based on performance.
- Benefits include:
- Affordable health coverage (medical, employer-paid dental, optional vision).
- Flexible time off including vacation, sick leave, bereavement, paid parental leave, ten company holidays, and paid personal time off.
- Competitive financial incentives and retirement savings with a 401(k) plan featuring dollar-for-dollar matching up to 4% and an additional 4% employer contribution annually.
- Professional development opportunities including training, coaching, mentorship, and field support.
Location & Work Arrangement
- This is a remote-based position open to eligible 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 to ensure equal employment opportunity during the application process.
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