General Counsel & Chief of Governance

The Texas Railway Preservation Association (TRPA) is seeking a sharp, authoritative General Counsel & Chief of Governance. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors and the Executive Director, you will be the primary architect of the Association’s legal shield and the steward of our institutional integrity.

In this pro-bono executive role, you are responsible for ensuring that the TRPA operates at the highest legal and ethical standards. You will manage the intersection of non-profit law, real estate development, and asset protection. We are looking for a legal strategist who is as comfortable drafting a multi-million dollar land acquisition contract as they are working with local authorities to pursue restitution for crimes against the Association.

Key Responsibilities

• Legal Architecture & Drafting: Author and review all foundational documents, including master plan agreements, vendor contracts, and high-fidelity operational policies.
• Institutional Protection: Lead the pursuit of legal action against entities or individuals who damage the Association’s physical assets, reputation, or intellectual property. You are the primary enforcer of TRPA’s "Safe and Secure" standards.
• Governance & Compliance: Ensure all internal and external stakeholders—from volunteers to corporate partners—strictly adhere to TRPA policies and South Texas legal regulations.
• Judicial & Municipal Liaison: Act as the official "Go-Between" for the TRPA and local law enforcement, court systems, and municipal government offices.
• Risk Mitigation: Identify potential legal vulnerabilities in our restoration sorties and public programs, providing proactive strategies to protect the TRPA "Foundry" and its assets.
• Corporate Secretarial Support: Collaborate with the Corporate Secretary to ensure all board minutes and state filings are legally beyond reproach.

Professional Requirements

• Legal Pedigree: J.D. from an accredited law school and an active member in good standing with the State Bar (Texas preferred).
• Command of the Law: Proven experience in contract law, non-profit governance, or corporate litigation.
• Executive Presence: The ability to represent the TRPA authoritatively in negotiations, courtrooms, and municipal hearings.
• Ethical Fortitude: A "zero-tolerance" mindset for policy violations and a commitment to protecting the Association’s long-term reputation.
• Mission Alignment: A genuine desire to use your legal expertise to preserve and protect the industrial history of Texas for future generations.

The TRPA Advantage

You are the "Guardian of the Iron." Working at the highest level of leadership, you will have the unique opportunity to build the legal foundation for a rising cultural landmark. You won't just be practicing law; you will be ensuring that the TRPA vision is legally bulletproof and that its legacy is defended with total professional authority.

Join the TRPA. Defend the Power.