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 more than 1,300 professionals works worldwide in over 30 offices. Together we are on a mission to rescue millions, protect half a billion, and make justice unstoppable. The Need For over 25 years, IJM has pioneered the work to protect vulnerable people from violence, achieving significant reductions in slavery and violence in affected populations. As we expand our impact to protect 500 million people from violence, we are seeking a 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. This position is based in the Washington, DC area and is available as a hybrid role (onsite Tuesdays & Thursdays). It reports to the Vice President, Legal Affairs and requires candidates to have the right to work in the United States. 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 technology, 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. Participate 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. 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. Adept at creative problem solving. What does IJM have to offer? Comprehensive medical, dental, and 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr ACC - Association of Corporate Counsel