Assistant General Counsel

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) is seeking an Assistant General Counsel. 

NEMA represents over 300 electrical equipment and medical imaging manufacturers that make safe, reliable, and efficient products and systems. Together, our members contribute 1% of U.S. GDP and directly provide nearly 460,000 American jobs, contributing more than $250 billion to the U.S. economy. NEMA serves its members by living our core values in every aspect of our work: respect, integrity, teamwork, and leadership. 

Position Summary: The Assistant General Counsel will provide legal support to the Association, focusing on legal compliance, contract administration, and intellectual property management. The position will also manage a limited association litigation portfolio. This role requires a strategic, proactive and detail-oriented individual with strong legal acumen and excellent communication skills.

This position reports to the Senior Vice President of Regulatory and Legal Affairs, is based in Arlington, VA and allows for a hybrid work schedule with at least three days per week in the office.

Key Responsibilities:

Responsible for all aspects of day-to-day administration of corporate legal affairs for NEMA, under the guidance of the SVP of Regulatory and Legal Affairs, including use of outside counsel. Effectively assesses litigation strategies affecting the Association and the electrical and medical imaging industries, providing recommendations to the SVP, CEO and Management Team. 

1. Compliance:
   • Monitor and ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards. Tracks and responds to laws affecting the organization including but not limited to trade association/not-for-profit, anti-trust, copyright, trademark, contract, administrative, corporate, tort, and product liability.
   • Develop and implement compliance policies and procedures.
2. Contract Administration:
   • Draft, review, and negotiate contracts with vendors, partners, and members. Protect the Association through effective contract development and review practices, principally involving vendor and employee-related agreements.
   • Ensure all contracts comply with relevant laws and regulations.
   • Maintain organized records of all contractual documents.
   • Conduct regular audits and risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential compliance issues.
3. Intellectual Property (IP):
   • Manage and protect the Association's intellectual property assets.
   • Advise on intellectual property matters, including trademarks, copyrights, and patents.
   • Handle intellectual property disputes and enforcement actions.

4. Litigation:
   • Prepare and support internal expert witnesses.
   • Respond to subpoenas and document requests.
   • On an as needed basis, develop legal intervention strategies related to industry regulatory, legislative and IP matters.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school required
• Active member in good standing of State Bar Association(s) where authorized to practice law; become member of Virginia Bar Association shortly after joining NEMA
• Minimum 8 years’ legal experience with increasing responsibilities over career
• Prior legal experience and demonstrated success in many of the following areas considered highly important: advising trade associations or other forms of non-profit organizations; antitrust counseling; corporate compliance programs; experience or familiarity with technical standards development programs; product safety and liability; regulatory law; energy efficiency policy; litigation -- trial and/or appellate; contract law; food and drug law; employment law; copyright and trademark law; lobbying and election law
• Knowledge of electrical and medical imaging sectors and manufacturing environment a definite plus
• Exposure to legal issues arising from digitalization and data (e.g., privacy, cybersecurity) important
• Strong negotiation skills and excellent written and verbal communicator with proven ability to persuasively advocate in private/public settings, at all times displaying leadership presence
• Innovative thinker who is individually proactive, outcome-oriented, and a team player
• Demonstrated ability to excel in a fast-paced, multidiscipline environment with challenging timelines for multiple projects occurring simultaneously

NEMA offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits package including paid holidays and personal time, flexible working hours, 401(k) plan, health and dental insurance, and partial pre-tax parking/Metro subsidy. Veterans are encouraged to apply. EOE/M/F/V/D.