Legal Advisor – U.S. Program

You are here

Job location
1660 L St NW
Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
United States
Organization information
Organization name: 
International Center for Not-for-Profit Law
Street address: 
1660 L St NW Suite 600
City: 
Washington DC
State: 
District of Columbia
ZIP: 
20036
Job type: 
Other
Position Description: 

ICNL’s U.S. Program works to improve the legal environment for civil society in the United States. We produce cutting-edge research, track legal developments, support nonpartisan advocacy, and strengthen civil society resilience in a shifting legal landscape. Working alongside partner organizations and advocates nationwide, we defend and advance the freedoms of association, speech, and peaceful assembly, enabling civil society to do its work.
We are looking for a creative, collaborative, and highly motivated lawyer to join our team.

Job Description
The Legal Advisor – U.S. Program is a full-time position based in ICNL’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. Following ICNL office policy, some remote work may be permitted. Key responsibilities include:
• Conduct legal research and analysis as well as produce written reports to help U.S. civil society anticipate and navigate the legal environment
• Prepare nonpartisan analysis of draft legislation, including on a rapid-response basis, to inform advocacy efforts
• Track and assess federal and state legal developments affecting civil society
• Build and participate in coalitions of partners
• Contribute to public communications
• Represent the U.S. Program in meetings with key stakeholders, including civil society partners and donors.
• Other duties as assigned

Compensation and Benefits
The projected salary scale for this position is $108,000-$126,000. Salary offers are based on a range of factors, including relevant experience, skills, and education. It is uncommon for offers to be made at the top of the range.

ICNL provides a robust benefits package that includes health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), vacation and sick leave, and a 403(b) plan.

About ICNL
Founded in 1992, the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL) has worked with partners in over 100 countries to build more just, inclusive, and democratic societies. ICNL’s U.S. Program is a leading source of nonpartisan research and analysis of legislation affecting U.S. civil society, including the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), counterterrorism measures, laws impacting nonprofits’ tax-exempt status, and laws governing the right to peaceful assembly. We focus on creating an enabling legal environment for nonprofits, social movements, and philanthropy. For more information about ICNL’s U.S. Program, please visit www.icnl.org/our-work/us-program.

Requirements: 

Qualifications
Required
• J.D. degree from an accredited U.S. law school
• At least three years of professional legal experience, including two years focused on U.S. civil liberties or civil society legal issues
• Excellent legal research, analysis, writing, and speaking skills

Preferred
Professional experience in some combination of the following U.S. civil society legal topics and skills:
• First Amendment law, including protections for speech, association, and peaceful assembly
• Laws governing tax-exempt organizations, such as federal and state tax and lobbying laws
• National security laws affecting civil society, such as counter-terrorism and foreign influence laws
• Criminal or civil defense of civil society organizations and representatives
• Legislative advocacy
• Coalition-building and engagement with civil society actors
• Research and analysis of federal and state law

To apply: 

To Apply
Applications must be submitted by April 30, 2026, and will be considered on a rolling basis. Applicants should send the following documents to [email protected], with reference to “Legal Advisor – U.S. Program” in the subject line:
• Cover letter (please include where you saw this posting)
• Resume
• Two writing samples (maximum 10 pages each)
• Two references
Only finalists will be contacted. No phone calls or emails to ICNL staff, please. ICNL is an equal opportunity employer.

Notes: 
Equal Opportunity Employer
Salary range: 
$108,000-$126,000
Submission deadline: 
Thursday, April 30, 2026