Legal Advisor - US Program

ICNL’s U.S. Program works to improve the legal environment for civil society in the United States. We produce cutting-edge research, track legal developments, support nonpartisan advocacy, and strengthen civil society resilience in a shifting legal landscape. Working alongside partner organizations and advocates nationwide, we defend and advance the freedoms of association, speech, and peaceful assembly, enabling civil society to do its work.

We are looking for a creative, collaborative, and highly motivated lawyer to join our team.

Job Description

The Legal Advisor – U.S. Program is a full-time position based in ICNL’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. Following ICNL office policy, some remote work may be permitted. Key responsibilities include:

• Conduct legal research and analysis as well as produce written reports to help U.S. civil society anticipate and navigate the legal environment
• Prepare nonpartisan analysis of draft legislation, including on a rapid-response basis, to inform advocacy efforts
• Track and assess federal and state legal developments affecting civil society
• Build and participate in coalitions of partners
• Contribute to public communications
• Represent the U.S. Program in meetings with key stakeholders, including civil society partners and donors.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required

• J.D. degree from an accredited U.S. law school
• At least three years of professional legal experience, including two years focused on U.S. civil liberties or civil society legal issues
• Excellent legal research, analysis, writing, and speaking skills

Preferred

Professional experience in some combination of the following U.S. civil society legal topics and skills:

• First Amendment law, including protections for speech, association, and peaceful assembly
• Laws governing tax-exempt organizations, such as federal and state tax and lobbying laws
• National security laws affecting civil society, such as counterterrorism and foreign influence laws
• Criminal or civil defense of civil society organizations and representatives
• Legislative advocacy
• Coalition-building and engagement with civil society actors
• Research and analysis of federal and state law

Compensation and Benefits

The projected salary scale for this position is $108,000-$126,000. Salary offers are based on a range of factors, including relevant experience, skills, and education. It is uncommon for offers to be made at the top of the range.

ICNL provides a robust benefits package that includes health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), vacation and sick leave, and a 403(b) plan.

To Apply

Applications must be submitted by April 30, 2026, and will be considered on a rolling basis. Applicants should send the following documents to jobs@icnl.org, with reference to “Legal Advisor – U.S. Program” in the subject line:

• Cover letter (please include where you saw this posting)
• Resume
• Two writing samples (maximum 10 pages each)
• Two references

Only finalists will be contacted. No phone calls or emails to ICNL staff, please. ICNL is an equal opportunity employer.

About ICNL

Founded in 1992, the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL) has worked with partners in over 100 countries to build more just, inclusive, and democratic societies. ICNL’s U.S. Program is a leading source of nonpartisan research and analysis of legislation affecting U.S. civil society, including the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), counterterrorism measures, laws impacting nonprofits’ tax-exempt status, and laws governing the right to peaceful assembly. We focus on creating an enabling legal environment for nonprofits, social movements, and philanthropy. For more information about ICNL’s U.S. Program, please visit www.icnl.org/our-work/us-program.

English fluency.