Legal Associate

Georgia, United States

Hybrid

Full-time

11-50

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🔴 Closes on:

Apr 23

Job Description:

This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated and detail-oriented individual to join Groundswell’s dynamic legal and compliance team. As a Legal Associate, you will play a crucial role in supporting the General Counsel and broader compliance team in various key functions. The ideal candidate will be a junior to mid-level attorney with a strong foundation in legal research, document drafting, and third-party communication. You will be responsible for ensuring that the organization adheres to legal, regulatory, and ethical standards while helping to navigate complex legal matters in a fast-paced environment.

In this role, you will assist with the preparation of legal documents, conduct thorough research on legal issues, and communicate with external parties on behalf of the legal team. Additionally, you will work closely with internal stakeholders to ensure that all operations comply with relevant laws, government regulations, and ethical guidelines. The Legal Associate will also contribute to the development of policies and procedures that help mitigate legal risks and enhance compliance across the organization.

This position offers the opportunity to gain hands-on experience while contributing to Groundswell's growth and success, all within a collaborative and supportive legal team.

KEY VALUES

In this work, the Legal Associate will reflect Groundswell’s Core Values. Key values that will be uplifted through this role include:

Service: It’s a privilege and not a chore. We listen and respond with a spirit of generosity. We serve joyfully.
Excellence: We believe in what we’re doing; thus, we value hard work and persistence to offer our best.
Integrity: We uphold the values of Groundswell in every action and decision.
Get Stuff Done: We work to create tangible, positive outcomes for the communities we work in. We set ambitious goals and overcome every obstacle to achieve them.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Conduct thorough legal research on relevant areas, including contractual law, compliance, regulations, and emerging legal trends.
Prepare, review, and edit a variety of legal documents such as contracts, Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), and other agreements.
Analyze, draft, and negotiate contracts with vendors, partners, and donors, ensuring alignment with the Groundswell goals and strategic objectives.
Advise on and ensure compliance with legal requirements related to fundraising, grant regulations, data privacy, and other applicable areas.
Assist with board governance matters, including drafting policies, reviewing bylaws, and making necessary revisions to align with legal and regulatory requirements.
Collaborate with staff members to identify and address legal issues related to Groundswell’s programs, projects and operations, and help develop advocacy and policy change strategies.
Provide support to the General Counsel in managing internal and external litigation matters, including case preparation and legal strategy
Provide day-to-day administrative support to the General Counsel, including scheduling, correspondence, and document management.
Oversee the organization and management of legal document files, ensuring compliance with retention policies and maintaining accurate and accessible records.

COMPETENCIES OR SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE

A broad legal knowledge (general law, litigation, labor law, administrative law, and regulatory matters).
Knowledge of nonprofits, government procurement, grant administration, and Federal compliance regulations.
High degree of professionalism, ethics, and integrity.
Ability to anticipate legal issues and potential risks.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Legal Knowledge: A strong understanding of legal principles, procedures, and regulations is essential for success in this role.
Research Skills: Ability to conduct thorough and accurate legal research, utilizing various resources to support case strategies.
Analytical Skills: Demonstrated ability to analyze complex legal issues, identify key points, and develop effective legal strategies.
Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including drafting clear legal documents and presenting arguments persuasively.
Organizational Skills: Proven ability to manage multiple cases, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Problem-solving skills: Strong ability to identify legal problems, propose creative solutions, and navigate complex legal challenges.
Education: A Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school and admission to the bar are typically required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

N/A

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position can be based in Georgia or at the headquarters in Washington, DC. It requires four in-office days per month in alignment with Groundswell’s hybrid/remote work plan.

POSITION TYPE AND EXPECTED HOURS

This is a full-time, 40-hour-a-week position. The days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and core hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

TRAVEL

Occasional regional travel will be required for this position. Occasional visits to Groundswell office locations may be required.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree required
1 to 3 years of experience as a legal associate or in a similar legal role
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Exceptional judgment and analytical skills

SUPERVISION

The Legal Associate will report to the General Counsel.

COMPENSATION

Compensation for this position is in Groundswell's established pay band for the Manager level and includes a full-time employee benefits package.

BENEFITS

Groundswell pays 100% of the monthly premium for health, dental, vision, and long-term disability for full-time employees in accordance with Groundswell’s policy. Groundswell also covers 50% of spouses and dependents covered under the Groundswell healthcare, vision, and dental plan.
Matching 401 (k) plan contribution by Groundswell up to 4% for employees who choose to contribute to Groundswell’s 401 (k) plan, with immediate vesting.
Monthly Development Days to focus on professional development opportunities
$45 per month to reimburse cellular phone use for business purposes.
$75 per month to reimburse home internet access for business purposes.
Fifteen (15) paid vacation days per year; eight (8) sick days; and two (2) personal days. Vacation and sick leave accrue at the start of your employment, restart each year on January 1, and increase with tenure. Personal days begin after six months of employment.
Groundswell also takes nine (9) paid federal holidays and a holiday break from December 24th to January 1st (inclusive).
Short-Term Disability Insurance, Long-Term Disability Insurance, and Voluntary Life available.
Pre-tax benefits such as Smart Benefits, Flexible spending accounts, and Dependent care are also available.

For more information about the organization’s benefits and other personnel policies, Groundswell will provide a new hire orientation within the first week of employment.