Global Legal Counsel

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;
• Support organizational governance, ethics, and compliance matters, including policies, whistleblower or ethics issues, and appropriate escalation of legal risk;
• Support legal operations and continuous improvement initiatives;
• Enhance legal processes and systems to support scalable and effective risk management;
• Participate in multi-disciplinary projects and problem-solving initiatives;
• 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;
• Foster strong relationships across the division’s legal, governance, risk and security teams, counsel in other regions, and other divisions; 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;
• Proven experience in one or more of the following areas: data protection, privacy and AI; contracts; intellectual property; employment and labor law; investigations; technology, regulatory and nonprofit compliance; risk management;
• 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 relevant to your involvement with IJM. The statement can either be incorporated into the cover letter or submitted as a separate document and should include, at a minimum, a description of your spiritual disciplines (prayer, study, etc.) and your current fellowship or place of worship.*

What does IJM have to offer?

• Comprehensive Medical/Dental/Vision benefits
• Monthly commuter and parking benefits in the DC metro area
• Retirement benefit options
• Paid leave starting at 23 days
• 12 holidays (plus early release the day prior)
• Daily, quarterly, and annual community spiritual formation
• Robust staff care resources

IJM holds strict safeguarding principles and a zero tolerance to violations of the Safeguarding Policy, Protection against Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment Policy, and Code of Ethics. Candidate selection is based on technical competence, recruitment, selection and hiring criteria subject to assessing the candidates value congruence and thorough background, police clearance, and reference check processes.

At IJM, we’re committed to building a diverse workforce through fair and equitable employment practices. IJM encourages people of any race, color, age, sex, marital status or political ideology to apply for employment. While we welcome everyone into this work, we truly believe that the work we are doing is God’s work, not our own, and practice spiritual disciplines together daily. That’s why we legally require under SEC. 2000e-1 [Section702] of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that all employees practice a mature orthodox Christian faith, as defined by the Apostles’ Creed.

IJM requires a background check, police clearance and thorough review of references with an employment offer and/or employment contract.