In House Counsel

ABOUT THE INNOCENCE PROJECT

The Innocence Project works to free the innocent, prevent wrongful convictions, and create fair, compassionate, and equitable systems of justice for everyone. Our work is guided by science and grounded in anti-racism. Since our inception, the Innocence Project has used DNA and other scientific advancements to prove wrongful conviction. To date, we have helped to free or exonerate more than 200 people who, collectively, spent more than 3,600 years behind bars. Our efforts have led to the passage of more than 200 transformative state laws and federal reforms. Today, the Innocence Project continues to fight for freedom, drive structural change, and advance the innocence movement. To learn more, please visit www.innocenceproject.org.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The In House Counsel is responsible for providing in-house legal counsel and guidance on matters related to maintaining the Innocence Project’s status and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements of a tax-exempt organization; nonprofit governance; contracts and contract administration; employment and labor laws; internal policies and procedures; legal issues relating to lobbying, advocacy, and electioneering; and other topics related to our work. The In House Counsel reports to the Executive Director and works closely and collaboratively with the Chief Program Officer, the Chief People and Culture Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, and other directors within the organization.

We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas and we are not an e-verify employer.

This hybrid schedule for this position is at least 3 days per week in-office and up to 2 days per week virtual. We currently have a hybrid in-office model, with all employees in the office three days per week and the remainder of the week remotely. Wednesday is our organization’s “anchor day” where all staff works in the office. The number of required in-office days is subject to change.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate displays sound legal judgement and excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to translate complex legal concepts for nonlawyer audiences. They have a demonstrated commitment to antiracism and the work of the Innocence Project, with a proven ability to center equity and inclusion in their business practices.

In addition, all Innocence Project employees must embrace, respect and value the rich diversity of perspectives and experience of a diverse and heterogeneous staff.  We recognize and appreciate that our work is better for having varied participants and thought partners.  The ideal candidate is someone who thrives in this type of environment. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Contract Review and Management

• Develop and manage procurement process and contract management system
• Review, draft, and negotiate various types of complex agreements, including technology license agreements, legal services agreements, non-disclosure agreements, software-as-services agreements, employment agreements, and vendor and contractor agreements 
• Lead efforts in the preparation, implementation, and refinement of forms and processes related to contracts and the contracts management system, including document management and monitoring compliance.

Employee Relations 

• Assist the Chief People and Culture Officer (CPCO) and the rest of Senior Leadership in the development and regular review of internal policies and procedures to ensure ongoing compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
• Advise CPCO as needed concerning employment and labor law, especially as related to staff terminations or other changes in employment status
• Contribute a legal, regulatory, and risk assessment perspective to the creation of program strategies, development of internal policies, critical personnel decisions, and important organizational communication 

Tax and Exempt-organization Compliance Training and Education 

• Review and support key compliance systems, including lobbying, electioneering, fundraising, and charitable solicitations
• Support staff’s understanding of their own compliance responsibilities, including developing and delivering training sessions and materials to educate staff on relevant legal and compliance issues, such as non-partisan electioneering
• Advise the Executive Director and other senior leaders on matters of governance, best practices, and potential conflicts of interest
• Support compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements of a 501(c)3 organization 

Risk Management and Outside Legal Counsel