General Counsel

Washington, DC
Full Time
Litigation
Experienced
Public Citizen is looking for an experienced General Counsel to serve as lead in-house counsel in its Washington, DC, office.

Founded in 1971, Public Citizen is a nonprofit consumer-advocacy organization that advocates before all three branches of the federal government to advance the interests of consumers, workers, and the public generally. We conduct public education campaigns, run coalitions, handle litigation, and do research and advocacy on issues concerning consumer protection, access to justice, healthcare, worker health and safety, budget, tech policy including AI, and climate and energy.

Public Citizen is composed of Public Citizen Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) research and educational organization, and Public Citizen, Inc., a 501(c)(4) organization with members in all 50 states. Public Citizen’s work is described in detail on its website, www.citizen.org.

The General Counsel, working with a part-time deputy general counsel, oversees all aspects of legal compliance. The General Counsel reports to Public Citizen’s Co-Presidents and advises all of its internal managers.

Responsibilities
The General Counsel’s responsibilities include the following:
  • Ensuring that Public Citizen maintains rigorous compliance with all applicable legal standards, including –
    • corporate governance requirements
    • IRS rules governing 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations;
    • federal and state lobbying registration and reporting requirements; and
    • employment and labor law.
  • Drafting and reviewing contracts.
  • Performing “libel review” of reports, press releases, and other materials before publication.
  • Providing legal and strategic advice to help staff structure new projects.
  • Responding to litigation threats and third-party discovery requests, retaining and working with outside counsel where appropriate.
  • Providing legal advice and consultation for the human resources department, particularly with respect to employment-related matters.
  • Providing legal advice and consultation for the administration and accounting departments, particularly with respect to landlord/tenant matters.
  • Participating in collective bargaining.
  • Assisting with estates and trusts matters.
  • Responding to official government inquiries.
  • Managing deputy general counsel.
Requirements and qualifications
  • J.D. and a minimum of 10 years’ legal experience. Admitted to practice law in Washington, DC, or eligible to waive in.
  • Experience in 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) nonprofit law.
  • Knowledge of lobbying law and employment law preferred.
  • Management experience preferred.
  • Strong writing skills.
  • Ability to work under pressure and to meet tight deadlines.
  • Ability to work quickly, to prioritize tasks, and to balance numerous responsibilities, while maintaining attention to details.
  • Commitment to Public Citizen’s mission.
Salary and benefits
Salary is $170,000–$190,000. Public Citizen pays the full costs of medical and dental insurance. We offer retirement benefits and generous annual leave. Hybrid work option, with 2 in-office days a week required. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Application
            To apply, send a cover letter and resume to [email protected].
 
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