Associate General Counsel

The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan law and policy institute that works to hold our political institutions and laws accountable to the twin American ideals of democracy and equal justice for all. Brennan Center’s work ranges from voting rights to campaign finance reform, from ending mass incarceration to preserving constitutional protection in the fight against terrorism. Part think tank, part advocacy group, part cutting edge communications hub, we start with rigorous research. We craft innovative policies. And we fight for them – in Congress and the states, the courts, and in the court of public opinion.   

The Brennan Center is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Associate General Counsel to join our small legal team and support our mission-driven work. Reporting to the General Counsel, the Associate General Counsel will play a vital role in providing legal counsel, guidance and coordination on matters including contracts, cybersecurity, employment, real estate, intellectual property, and the gamut of other legal matters that impact the organization's operations, compliance, and strategic initiatives. This individual will collaborate with internal stakeholders at all levels of the organization as well as external partners to ensure legal compliance and mitigate potential risks.  

Note: Brennan Center employees adhere to a hybrid schedule that is subject to change, with most employees currently working in the office a minimum of three days per week.  This position may be based at our headquarters in New York City or in Washington, DC and will require occasional travel between the offices.  The position will report to a Washington, DC based General Counsel. 

This is a generalist role, and specific responsibilities may shift based on the candidate’s experience, but may include:  

1. Review, provide guidance on and negotiate as needed vendor contracts, and manage the organization’s contract database; 

2. Work closely with internal stakeholders on issues related to privacy and cybersecurity, provide guidance and ensure compliance with relevant law;  

3. Provide legal advice and counsel on a variety of matters related to nonprofit law, contracts, governance, employment law, intellectual property, compliance, and risk management; 

4. Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards, and provide guidance to the organization's departments and programs; 

5. Conduct legal research and stay informed about emerging legal and regulatory issues that may impact the organization and proactively recommend appropriate action or strategies; 

6. Support the General Counsel and collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop and implement policies and procedures that align with legal requirements and promote best practices; 

7. Train and guide attorneys and other staff with respect to Brennan Center policies and legal and regulatory matters; 

8. Supervise and engage outside counsel on employment, labor, privacy and other matters; 

9. Other legal matters as needed. 

The ideal candidate will have: 

1. Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school and admission to the bar in New York and/or Washington, DC (depending on location); 

2. Minimum of 5 years of related, relevant legal experience, including some experience in nonprofit or public advocacy setting or advising same.  Candidates with at least two years of experience in a generalist or contract-focused role in a corporate or non-profit legal department strongly preferred; 

3. Demonstrated experience advising on and administering corporate legal matters; 

4. Ability to work independently and to research solutions on a broad array of legal questions and make sound, thoughtful recommendations on actions and policies; 

5. Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion in relationships and exercise sound judgment; 

6. Experience drafting and negotiating contracts; 

7. Experience advising on state and federal employment and benefits law; 

8. Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills. 

9. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex legal concepts to a non-legal audience; 

10. Proven ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment; 

11. Demonstrable understanding of and enthusiasm for the Brennan Center’s mission and goals; 

12. Familiarity with federal and/or state lobbying laws and compliance therewith is a plus. 

The Brennan Center is committed to advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the workplace. We continuously work with our staff to find new ways to increase diversity and to build and cultivate an inclusive and equitable work environment, where everyone can be their true self and feel a strong sense of belonging. As such, we seek to hire employees who have a commitment to and/or experience with diversity, equity, and inclusion. In addition, we expect employees to participate/contribute with DEI initiatives or activities with recruitment, retention, and workplace culture.   

Application Process: To apply, please visit https://brennancenter.applytojob.com/apply/0bDJyL9gIb/Associate-General-Counsel and upload the following documents: (1) a cover letter, (2) resume, and (3) contact information for three references.  Applications without all listed materials will not be considered.  Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, and decisions will be made as soon as an appropriate candidate is identified.  We prefer applications be submitted through our website.  If you have difficulty uploading these items, email them to [email protected] with “Associate General Counsel” in the subject line. 

Compensation and Benefits: 

While this is presumed to be a full-time position, the Brennan Center will consider candidates seeking a part-time position (minimum 80%, or 32 hours/week).   

The salary range assigned for this position is $150,000 – 175,000 (based on full-time status, salary will be pro-rated if part-time).  We determine our salary ranges based on market competitiveness and internal equity for each job. The salary offered a selected candidate will be contingent upon the candidate’s experience, qualifications and internal equity considerations. Additionally, we offer a very robust and competitive array of benefits such as a generous time off program, 401k plan, comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), and wellness and office perks.  

Note: The Brennan Center is committed to public health and to the safety and wellbeing of our colleagues and visitors.  As such, we have adopted a policy requiring all employees working in the New York and Washington, DC offices to be vaccinated against COVID-19, including having a booster, or to meet the legal guidelines for an exemption.

The Brennan Center for Justice is committed to a workplace based on equal opportunity and a strong belief in the increased effectiveness that comes from a diverse workforce. To this end, Brennan Center

• Welcomes applicants with disabilities and applicants of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, socioeconomic identities, sexual orientations, and national origin or citizenship, including people who have been previously incarcerated;
• Hires diverse candidates and works to improve our recruitment practices to allow for such
• Creates a workplace where true diversity is fostered and different perspectives are valued and freely exchanged;
• Ensures that all members of the Brennan Center community feel welcome and respected, and have equal opportunities to thrive and advance within the institution; and
• Is committed to supporting low-income communities and communities of color particularly affected by social inequities.