Legal Associate

At the American Cancer Society, we're working to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. Our employees and 1.3 million volunteers are raising the bar every single day. We are a culture comprised of diverse backgrounds and experience, to better serve our communities.


The people who work at the American Cancer Society focus their diverse talents on our lifesaving mission. It is a calling. And the people who answer it are fulfilled.

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy, and service.

The American Cancer Society is committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from students of different cultures, experiences, and geographies, with a variety of styles and viewpoints.

The Legal & Risk Department provides legal services and guidance to the American Cancer Society, Inc., and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Inc. Legal externs will be exposed to a wide variety of subject areas including general corporate matters, intellectual property, contract drafting and negotiation, privacy, fundraising regulation, tax exempt organizations, employment issues, crisis management, charitable planned giving, advocacy, probate, and risk management.

An externship with the Legal & Risk Department provides students with a unique opportunity to work in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors. Although we are a non-profit organization, the Legal & Risk Department functions in much the same way that an in-house legal department would in a large for-profit company. Externs will be given the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, however, applicants should be aware that litigation matters are not handled internally.

Externs will have the opportunity to handle substantive legal work under supervision, while being part of a supportive team of legal professionals committed to creating a positive educational experience while working together to advance the Society's mission for a world without cancer.

Students interested in applying to the Legal & Risk Department must be a college graduate and be a current candidate for a Juris Doctorate.

The final candidate's relevant experience/skills will be considered before an offer is extended. Actual starting pay will vary based on non-discriminatory factors including, but not limited to, geographic location, experience, skills, specialty, and education.

ACS provides staff a generous paid time off policy; medical, dental, retirement benefits, wellness programs, and professional development programs to enhance staff skills. Further details on our benefits can be found on our careers site at: jobs.cancer.org/benefits. We are a proud equal opportunity employer.