General Counsel - First Deputy General Counsel

Description:

Job Description:
The American Bar Association (ABA) was founded on a commitment to advance the rule of law in the United States and beyond by providing practical resources for legal professionals, conducting law school accreditation, developing model ethics codes and more. Today, the ABA remains a member-based organization that works to ensure access to justice for all, a fair legal process, and respect for the rule of law at home and across the globe.

The ABA is committed to service and refining the standards that guide the legal profession. ABA staff are provided multiple types of continuing education and career development opportunities. Your work will help eliminate bias, enhance diversity, and advance the rule of law throughout the US and around the world.

The ABA recognizes the value staff contribute to our success through a generous benefits package that protects their health and their financial security. The ABA's wide array of benefit offerings include 401(k), medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, health spending accounts, supplemental life and disability insurance, prepaid legal programs, and a complimentary membership to the American Bar Association, which offers additional benefits.

Flexible/hybrid work arrangements may be available for residents of CA, DC, IL, IN, IA, MD, MI, MN, TX, VA, and WI. Residency requirements may apply. ABA employees are eligible to apply for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

Job Summary/General Purpose of Job:
Advocates the Association's legal interests and provides advice and counsel to the Association's staff on legal issues to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local law and Association policy and business procedures in order to mitigate or prevent legal exposure and enhance/maintain the Association's reputation and good standing. Functions as a subject matter expert and may act on behalf of the Sr Assoc Exec Dir and General Counsel as requested.

Essential Job Duties:

• Provides legal advice and counsel to Association staff. Conducts legal research, provides legal analysis, and prepares written opinions and other documents as required in a broad range of legal practice areas. Provides legal assessment on risk of liability to the Association to minimize legal exposure.
• Drafts new or reviews and edits contracts for goods and services to ensure that the providers perform in compliance with the law and Association policies and procedures. May negotiate with external service providers regarding revised terms and conditions. Approves/Disapproves proposed contracts based upon his/her review.
• Functions as the primary inhouse counsel on ABA litigation, which includes drafting litigation, reviewing, and filing pleadings, participating in negotiations, court, administrative, and mediation proceedings, and management of outside counsel and legal fees. May direct internal legal staff for support, as needed.
• Provides legal advice and counsel in matters across all practice areas, including specialized contracts, law school accreditation activities, intellectual property, labor and employment, ERISA, international operations, federal grants and contracts, governance, FCPA, and/or litigation and dispute resolution.
• As directed by the Sr Assoc Exec Dir and General Counsel functions as first counsel on cases/issues requiring multiple attorney involvement, providing coaching, counseling, feedback, and performance management.
• Provide support and guidance to less experienced GCO attorneys.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Required Education, Qualifications, Experience:

• Possession of a Juris Doctorate degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Member in good standing in possession of an active license to practice law in the State of Illinois or Washington D.C.
• At least 15 years' experience as a practicing attorney.
• At least 15 years' experience utilizing legal education, experience, legal precedents, and general business knowledge in the analysis, construction, presentation, and defense of positions and cases.
• Experience providing legal advice to internal/corporate customers in contracts law, labor and employment, general corporate, federal grant or contract administration, intellectual property, or litigation.
• Experience with contract development, review, preparation of counter offers, and interpretation of contracts with external service providers or other business entities.
• Experience training, supervising, or mentoring less experienced attorneys.

Preferred Education, Qualifications, Experience:

• At least ten years' experience as a practicing attorney in a private law firm or as corporate counsel.
• Experience training business entities on legal concepts.

Physical Requirements:

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