Senior Counsel or Associate Counsel

Position Location: Preferably Brooklyn, NY or Washington, DC

About CPD + CPDA

The Center for Popular Democracy & CPD Action (CPD/A) work together to promote equity, opportunity, and a dynamic democracy in partnership with innovative base-building organizations, organizing networks and alliances, and progressive unions across the country. We currently work with more than 45 partner organizations in more than 38 states, Puerto Rico, and D.C., and build the strength and capacity of democratic organizations to envision and advance a pro-worker, pro-immigrant, racial and economic justice agenda. We are a rapidly-expanding, changing organization that partners with organizations across the country to build political power and win tangible victories that improve the lives of low-wage workers, immigrants, and communities of color.

About the Position

The Center for Popular Democracy & CPD Action (CPD/A) is seeking a full-time Senior Counsel or Associate Counsel, who will advise the organization on a wide range of legal, operational, and compliance issues. The ideal candidate will be able to anticipate and identify legal issues and will counsel decision-makers in order to develop legal strategies and solutions.

Responsibilities include:

• Provide legal advice to colleagues and partners on a wide variety legal matters, including those related to employment and labor law, contracts and grants, tax matters, lobbying compliance, political activities and campaign compliance, defamation, and liability and insurance matters;

• Collaborate with finance, development, HR teams and others on appropriate data-tracking, reporting, registrations, and other items necessary for legal compliance and risk management;

• Review and negotiate contracts;

• Train and counsel staff and partners on laws, regulations, and policies related to lobbying, distinctions between 501(c)(3) and 501(c4) organizations, fundraising law, defamation, and other matters of legal relevance for colleagues;

• Draft, review, and advise on internal policies and procedures, regulations, Board resolutions, bylaws, and other legal documents;

• Manage outside counsel and identify and maintain relationships with pro-bono counsel.

Job Requirements and Qualifications:

• Associate Counsel will have at least 5 years relevant work experience, with at least 2 years providing legal advice for community organizing, advocacy efforts, or political campaigns;

• Senior Counsel will have at least 15 years experience in non profit organizations, with at least 8 years providing legal advice for community organizing, advocacy efforts, or political campaigns;

• J.D. from an accredited law school, and admitted to practice in New York State or Washington, DC,  or able to secure such admission shortly;

• Excellent legal research and writing skills and demonstrated and command over a range of legal topics;

• Demonstrated commitment to social, racial and economic justice;

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to be diplomatic and have discretion in dealings with others;

• Excellent writing, communication, and organizational skills;

• High degree of professional ethics and integrity;

• Ability to work well independently and to drive projects to completion in a fast-paced environment;

• Problem-solving perspective.

Salary and Benefits:

The salary range for this position is competitive and commensurate with experience. We have a generous benefits package, including health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 15 vacation days per year, 10 sick days per year, 12 paid holidays per year, and contributions to individuals’ 401K plans.

CPD/A is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and actively recruits people of color, women, individuals with disabilities and members of the LGBTQ community.