The Senior Attorney provides legal services on complex matters to advance Conservancy priorities and appropriately manage risk. The Senior Attorney will support projects in multiple geographies, including, for example, California and the Midwest.
The Senior Attorney provides legal services on complex matters for assigned programs. Ensures that transactions and activities are legally sound and consistent with the Conservancy’s mission, authority, policies, and procedures. Clearly articulates complex legal concepts and options to assigned programs. Provides legal review and negotiation of agreements. Own primary responsibility for particular substantive legal areas (for example, groundwater sustainability). Works as part of a team of attorneys, paralegals and support staff.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Assists in structuring activities to most effectively achieve Conservancy goals.
- Reviews organizational documents and prepares and examines agreements, which may involve government grants, funding agreements, leases, licenses, purchases, sales, insurance, easements, construction, and procurement of goods and services.
- Influences decision-makers in assigned programs through strong communication skills.
- Manages outside counsel effectively.
- May supervise and/or provide guidance to less experienced attorneys and/or paralegals and other support staff.
- Performs special projects as requested by department management.
- Serves as the primary legal contact for various clients.
- Travels occasionally; works long and/or flexible hours as needed.
- Five (5) years relevant legal experience or at least three (3) years relevant legal experience coupled with assumption of significant responsibilities for a geographic area or subject matter expertise.
- Experience negotiating complex transactions and agreements.
- Experience advising clients on evaluating and managing risk.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- In-house experience and/or law firm experience advising sophisticated clients and senior management.
- Experience in transactional law (real estate and/or water), including drafting, negotiating and reviewing agreements in a manner that manages legal risk and facilitates legal compliance.
- Experience in real estate law and legal issues relating to land management, including acquisitions, leases, easements, encroachments, restoration, and coordination with public agencies.
- Experience in additional areas of practice, such as water law, nonprofit law (including philanthropy, marketing and tax/private benefit issues), and government grants.
- Experience developing, directing and managing multiple projects and implementing strategic program goals.
- Experience supervising staff such as paralegals and administrative staff.
- Legal research and writing experience.
- Working knowledge of current trends in relevant discipline.
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience appreciated.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.