In House Counsel

ABOUT THE INNOCENCE PROJECT

The Innocence Project works to free the innocent, prevent wrongful convictions, and create fair, compassionate, and equitable systems of justice for everyone. Our work is guided by science and grounded in anti-racism. Since our inception, the Innocence Project has used DNA and other scientific advancements to prove wrongful conviction. To date, we have helped to free or exonerate more than 200 people who, collectively, spent more than 3,600 years behind bars. Our efforts have led to the passage of more than 200 transformative state laws and federal reforms. Today, the Innocence Project continues to fight for freedom, drive structural change, and advance the innocence movement. To learn more, please visit www.innocenceproject.org.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The In House Counsel is responsible for providing in-house legal counsel and guidance on matters related to maintaining the Innocence Project’s status and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements of a tax-exempt organization; nonprofit governance; contracts and contract administration; employment and labor laws; internal policies and procedures; legal issues relating to lobbying, advocacy, and electioneering; and other topics related to our work. The role requires the ability to research, analyze and advise on specific legal issues, with the support of pro-bono external counsel when helpful. The In House Counsel reports to the Executive Director and works closely and collaboratively with the Chief Program Officer, the Chief People and Culture Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, and other directors within the organization.

We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas and we are not an e-verify employer.

This hybrid schedule for this position is at least 3 days per week in-office and up to 2 days per week virtual. We currently have a hybrid in-office model, with all employees in the office three days per week and the remainder of the week remotely. Wednesday is our organization’s “anchor day” where all staff works in the office. The number of required in-office days is subject to change.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate displays sound legal judgement and excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to translate complex legal concepts for nonlawyer audiences. They have a demonstrated commitment to antiracism and the work of the Innocence Project, with a proven ability to center equity and inclusion in their business practices.

In addition, all Innocence Project employees must embrace, respect and value the rich diversity of perspectives and experience of a diverse and heterogeneous staff. We recognize and appreciate that our work is better for having varied participants and thought partners. The ideal candidate is someone who thrives in this type of environment.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Contract Review and Management

• Independently review, draft, and negotiate various types of complex agreements, including technology license agreements, legal services agreements, non-disclosure agreements, software-as-services agreements, employment agreements, and vendor and contractor agreements
• Lead efforts in the development, implementation, and refinement of forms and processes related to contracts and a contracts management system, including internal compliance.

Tax and Exempt-organization Compliance Training and Education

• Support compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements of a 501(c)3 organization
• Review and support key compliance systems, including lobbying, electioneering, fundraising, and charitable solicitations
• Support staff’s understanding of their own compliance responsibilities, including developing and delivering training sessions and materials to educate staff on relevant legal and compliance issues, such as non-partisan electioneering
• Advise the Executive Director and other senior leaders on matters of governance, best practices, and potential conflicts of interest

Risk Management and Outside Legal Counsel

• Protect and enforce the organization’s trademark and intellectual property; provide advice on trademark related matters
• Advise Chief Communications Officer, Chief People and Culture Officer and Senior Leadership as needed with crisis response support, including media-related or other communications-based crisis, lawsuits, subpoenas, and important organizational communication
• Contribute a legal, regulatory, and risk assessment perspective to the creation of program strategies
• Identify and coordinate outside counsel, pro bono and privately retained
• Assist in the preparation and review of legal documents, filings, and reports, as needed

Employee Relations

• Assist the Chief People and Culture Officer (CPCO) and the rest of Senior Leadership in the development and regular review of internal policies and procedures to ensure ongoing compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
• Provide secondary support when external pro bono counsel is not available as needed concerning employment and labor law, especially as related to critical personnel decisions

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• J.D. or licensed to practice law
• Five to twelve (5-12) years of legal experience, preferably at a non-profit, government agency or law firm
• Membership in good standing in the New York Bar, or eligibility to practice law in New York
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

KEY COMPETENCIES:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Strong and engaging interpersonal skills;
• Commitment to antiracism; demonstrated ability to center equity and inclusion in business practices
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills;
• Ability to translate complex legal concepts for nonlawyer audiences;
• Ability to provide sound legal judgment and demonstrate business acumen and integrity;
• Enthusiasm for the work of the Innocence Project and for social justice, including a demonstrated commitment to public interest
• Shared commitment to the IP’s values of accountability, collaboration, empathy + compassion, equity, person-centeredness, quality focus, and self-awareness

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & PERKS

The salary for this position is highly competitive and the Innocence Project offers an excellent benefits package, including fully-paid individual health, dental and vision insurance, Flexible Spending Account, 401k plan with 6% company-match, paid disability and family care leave, adoption and fertility expense reimbursements, and company-paid transportation benefits.

WORKFORCE DIVERSITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

The Innocence Project considers the diversity of its workforce to be vital to our organization’s success in meeting its mission. We strongly encourage applicants from all cultures, races, educational backgrounds, life experiences, socio-economic classes, sexual orientations, age, gender, and physical abilities to apply. Individuals with personal connections to the criminal legal system are strongly encouraged to apply.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, it is our policy not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, familial status, marital status, predisposing genetic characteristics, actual or perceived domestic violence victim status, unemployment status, caregiver status, or any other category protected by law.