General Counsel - Sr Associate General Counsel - Federal Grants & Contracts

The American Bar Association (ABA) was founded on a commitment to advance the rule of law in the United States and beyond by providing practical resources for legal professionals, conducting law school accreditation, developing model ethics codes and more. Today, the ABA remains a member-based organization that works to ensure access to justice for all, a fair legal process, and respect for the rule of law at home and across the globe.



The ABA is committed to service and refining the standards that guide the legal profession. ABA staff are provided multiple types of continuing education and career development opportunities. Your work will help eliminate bias, enhance diversity, and advance the rule of law throughout the US and around the world.



The ABA recognizes the value staff contribute to our success through a generous benefits package that protects their health and their financial security. The ABA s wide array of benefit offerings include 401(k), medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, health spending accounts, supplemental life and disability insurance, prepaid legal programs, and a complimentary membership to the American Bar Association, which offers additional benefits.



Flexible/hybrid work arrangements may be available for residents of CA, DC, IL, IN, IA, MD, MI, MN, TX, VA, and WI. Residency requirements may apply. ABA employees are eligible to apply for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).



Advise, and counsel the Association on legal issues to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local law and Association policy, procedure, and past practice in order to mitigate or prevent legal exposure and enhance the Association's reputation and good standing.



Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and representation to Association relating to federal grants and federal regulations. Advise management and staff on compliance with all aspects of non-profit corporate law, compliance, and legal requirements related to federal funds management, federal grants and cooperative agreements, charitable trust law, and tax-exempt law.


• Draft, review and edit grant agreements, subgrants, and contracts for goods and services, memoranda of agreement/understanding, and other agreements to ensure that providers the agreements comply with the law, including the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and Association policies and procedures. May negotiate with suppliers regarding terms and conditions.


• Provide legal advice on compliance for grant agreements with numerous funding and partner agencies, including federal government entities, state government entities, non-profits, and private foundations. Provide legal advice on overseas and domestic grant-funded operations.


• Train staff on all aspects of contracting process and advise program and operations staff.


• Develop policies, procedures, best practices, and recommendations for improvements pertaining to procurement, contractual matters, purchasing, and other practices supported by federal, state, and private funds.


• Provide legal advice and counsel to Association staff. Conduct legal research, provide legal analysis, and prepare written opinions and other documents as required in a broad range of legal practice areas.


• Support assigned business units within the Association for all legal advice and counsel needs. Support may be aligned with a specialized practice of law, contract law, and/or general practice.


• Provide legal support to other areas of practice within the General Counsel's Office on major cases and/or initiatives.


• Perform other related duties as required.

Required Education, Qualifications, Experience

• Possession of a Juris Doctorate degree from an ABA-accredited law school.


• Member in good standing in possession of an active license to practice law in the State of Illinois or District of Columbia/Maryland/Virginia.


• A minimum of 8 years experience as a practicing attorney with progressive responsibilities (in law firm, government or inhouse setting), including experience with federal grants, state grants, foundation grants, subgrants, federal contracts, compliance with federal and state regulations, and general contracting.


• Hybrid position - some in office work is required, in Washington, DC or Chicago, IL.

Preferred Education, Qualifications, Experience

• Experience with non-profit law, charitable trust law, labor law, tax law, and tax-exempt law.

COVID-19 vaccination is required as a condition of employment (requests for reasonable accommodations for medical or religious reasons will be considered).

The American Bar Association is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with the American Bar Association, please call 312-988-5188.