Who We Are 

International Justice Mission (IJM) is the global leader in protecting vulnerable people from violence around the world. Our team of over 1,300 professionals are at work worldwide in over 30 offices. Together we are on a mission to rescue millions, protect half a billion, and make justice unstoppable. 

We are a global community that cares for one another. We believe that the way we work is as important as the results we achieve. We provide professional excellence with joy and celebration to all those we serve.   

The Need 

For over 25 years, IJM has pioneered the work to protect vulnerable people from violence. 9 out of 9 times in the last decade, IJM’s Justice System Strengthening Projects have reduced slavery and violence between 50 and 85% for very large populations of people in poverty. As we grow to expand our impact to protect 500 million people from violence, we are seeking Legal Counsel to provide solution-oriented legal guidance across IJM’s global and regional teams, enabling operational and programmatic excellence while managing legal and organizational risk. These roles will support IJM’s global operations and programs across multiple functional areas as part of a collaborative, generalist legal team. 

This position is based in the Washington, DC area and is available to be hybrid (onsite Tuesdays & Thursdays). It reports to the Vice President, Legal Affairs and is only available for candidates with the right to work in the US.  

Responsibilities 

• Provide solution-driven legal counsel across a wide spectrum of legal subject areas relevant to IJM’s global programs and operations; 

• Review, draft, and negotiate contracts, agreements, policies, procedures, and related documents; 

• Advise internal stakeholders on legal risk, compliance obligations, and practical risk-mitigation strategies; 

• Support compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies across multiple jurisdictions; 

• Conduct legal research and analysis on emerging or complex issues and translate findings into clear, actionable guidance; 

• Support organizational initiatives involving areas such as technology and data, employment practices, internal investigations, intellectual property, finance, grants, and program operations; 

• Manage and coordinate external counsel relationships, including oversight of litigation and specialized advisory matters; 

• Develop and deliver training, guidance materials, and capacity-building resources on legal and compliance topics for staff; 

• Collaborate closely with colleagues across IJM’s operations and program teams; 

• Support organizational governance, ethics, and compliance matters, including policies, whistleblower or ethics issues, and appropriate escalation of legal risk; 

• Participate in multi-disciplinary projects, legal operations initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts; and 

• Participation in IJM’s community of spiritual formation. 

Qualifications: 

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) or international equivalent with active bar membership; 

• Minimum of three (3) years of legal practice experience; 

• Experience supporting complex or international organizations, including nonprofit, for-profit, governmental, or multilateral institutions; 

• Demonstrated ability to advise and influence with sound judgment and strategic perspective; and 

• Strong analytical, communication, and collaboration skills.  

Critical Qualities: 

• Eager commitment to IJM's Core Values: Christian, Professional and Bridge-Building; 

• Strong judgment, humility, adaptability, and initiative; 

• High emotional intelligence and cultural fluency; 

• Strong interpersonal skills and self-awareness; 

• Collaborative, solutions-oriented, and adaptable approach to complex challenges; 

• Effective team player who fosters a collaborative environment; and 

• Adept at creative problem solving.  

Application Process: 

Upload Resume, Cover Letter & Statement of Faith* in one PDF document.  

*What is a statement of faith? 
A statement of faith should describe your Christian faith and how you see it as relev