Staff Attorney

The National Restaurant Association, one of the most influential business associations, has a tremendous opportunity for an intellectually curious, and entrepreneurial-minded attorney, to support our state and federal government contracting and grants matters.

As a Staff Attorney, you will play an integral role in support of our General Counsel and the Legal team, applying your extensive knowledge across our dynamic and complex organization, including an award winning charitable supporting Foundation which is a government contractor and grant recipient, and a for-profit subsidiary providing leading educational and training certification products.

Ideal candidates bring a minimum of three years of experience working as a government contracts/grants attorney, transactional/corporate attorney, including reviewing and negotiating contracts, and facilitating deals (e.g., sales contracts, asset purchases, leases); prior experience representing or within an Association or Non-Profit highly desirable, as is experience with data privacy requirements and complex corporate governance initiatives. Must be licensed to practice law in District of Columbia (or eligible to waive in), and work with the highest degree of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.

Position must operate out of our DC office with a required three days onsite, Monday - Wednesday, with flexibility to work remote on Thursday and Friday.

You will thrive in our environment if you appreciate variety, bring strong business acumen and decision-making skills, plus a highly collaborative, client-focused approach to working with stakeholders at all levels. There is no shortage of interesting, challenging, and meaningful work.

We look forward to hearing from you!

We are proud to offer our team members comprehensive benefits, designed to support their financial, professional, and personal well-being. In addition to outstanding healthcare coverage (medical, dental and vision), competitive salaries, generous vacation and leave time, we offer a matching 401(k) plan, a unique collection of corporate discounts and memberships, as well as programs to support career and skills development, including coaching, learning and tuition assistance, and so much more!

Responsibilities

• Perform highly responsible tasks for the General Counsel and Legal team.
• Collaborate with colleagues and professional staff, as well as internal and member groups in providing legal services.
• Draft and negotiate a wide variety of contracts, documents and legal instruments, including subawards, subcontracts, vendor and cooperation agreements for government contracts and grant programs.
• Assist in determining compliance and procedures required for government contracting and grant matters.
• Review of government contracts and grant solicitations and RFPs, and associated submissions and awards.
• Provide guidance on applicable state and federal government contracting regulations and requirements.
• Demonstrate an ability to understand and document a client's underlying business goals and objectives.
• Conduct legal or other research, develop and write memoranda.
• Research, formulate counsel and provide clear guidance on complex business-related legal questions or inquiries.
• Provide legal assistance on legislative policy matters; advice and counsel on legal matters.
• Draft, review and negotiate strategic partner agreements such as MOU's, NDA's and trial agreements that support product development and go-to-market efforts.
• Experience with publishing or educational products is helpful but not required.
• Quickly and effectively analyze complex matters, laws, and the external risk environment; succinctly and competently provide effective solution-based legal advice taking into consideration legal risk and business objectives.
• Work on special projects and other duties as required helping to promote group's success.

Requirements

• Law degree and license to practice law in the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of legal practice experience. Previous experience representing government contractors or grant recipients is strongly preferred.
• Experience with FARS, DFARs, and other federal contracting requirements.
• Experience with state contracting requirements (familiarity with state student data privacy laws desired).
• Experience with corporate policies (privacy, website use, employment) is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with complex corporate governance, including drafting and interpreting bylaws, committee charters, and similar policies helpful.
• Proven experience drafting and negotiating contracts and other transactions and collaborating with internal teams a plus.
• Experience with analyzing state and federal laws, regulations, court rules, policies, and policy proposals.
• Highly self-motivated; ability to work independently and proactively.
• Excellent legal research and writing skills required.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrate sound business judgment with solutions-driven mindset.
• Highly effective organizational, problem-solving, priority-setting and time management skills.
• Computer proficiency across MS Office including strong Excel and PowerPoint skills; ability to learn other computer software programs as needed. Tech savvy with an understanding of how to apply modern technologies.
• Highly collaborative and accountable with proven interpersonal and diplomacy skills.
• Ability to show discretion and protect confidential information. Possess a strong work ethic and high degree of integrity.
• Thrive in a fast-paced business environment.
• Flexible, resilient; assumes risk with responsibility.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, genetic information and testing, family, and medical leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We strongly encourage women, people of color, people with disabilities and veterans to apply for our job openings. This commitment supports our policy of developing and capitalizing on the abilities of all our team members, as well as selecting, developing, and promoting those who are best qualified.