Senior Legal Advisor

The Charity & Security Network (C&SN) is a resource and advocacy center that works at the intersection of nonprofit rights and national security laws and policies. Launched in 2009 in response to expanding counter terrorism measures, we are focused on protecting the operating environment for civil society and ending the misuse and weaponization of national security and counter terror measures targeting civil society.

As restrictions on civil society increase, C&SN documents the latest methods of targeting, convenes nonprofits across substantive and geographic areas, and leads advocacy aimed towards establishing legal and policy frameworks that respect the rights of nonprofit organizations (NPOs) to conduct their essential programs. C&SN’s network is made up of over 200 organizational members across dozens of countries, including: lawyers, nonprofit professionals, human rights defenders, and civil society members across the globe.

U.S. civil society is experiencing regular targeted attacks from those who hold political power. Nonprofits are increasingly at risk as strident conservatives in the executive and legislative branches implement an agenda of retribution against perceived opponents. Nonprofits have and will continue to face targeting under new legislation and litigation, accusations and reputational damage, risks of suspension of their 501(c)(3) status, as well as freezing of assets and even possible criminal cases against individual staff members and organizations.

C&SN seeks a highly skilled and motivated attorney to help lead on legal issue areas, including the Civil Society Rights & Resiliency Project. Reporting to the Managing Director, the Attorney will play a key role in developing and implementing legal strategies and resources to protect and defend the nonprofit sector. The attorney will work closely with the CSRRP Project Officer to develop rapid-response resources for the sector in the wake of new and challenging obstacles to civil society work in the United States.

The attorney will also work closely with other members of C&SN’s legal and policy team on C&SN’s broader work including lawfare, material support, financial access, sanctions, and the global counter‑terrorism architecture. The attorney may oversee interns, fellows, and relationships with law school clinics as needed.

• Legal Analysis: Work with the legal team to provide legal analysis of policy developments and their potential impact on U.S. civil society organizations to C&SN and member organizations. Monitor legislative and regulatory changes relevant to the nonprofit sector.
• Legal Resource Development: Develop legal resources, including fact sheets, guides, and templates, for nonprofits to comply with rapidly changing U.S. policy and legal developments.
• Partnership Development: Lead on behalf of C&SN to support network members and partners in response to policy developments. Collaborate with partner organizations and legal networks. Provide legal support to the CSRRP Project Officer and other team members in planning and facilitating rapid response convenings, in‑person convenings, and webinars for knowledge and resource sharing.
• Legal Trainings & Action Strategies: Develop and conduct legal training clinics for nonprofits and pro bono attorneys. Develop and execute local/state action strategies and trainings.
• Compliance: Educating and providing resources around relevant laws and regulations, including those related to lobbying, charitable solicitation, and fundraising.

Applicants who meet some, but not all, qualifications or have relevant lived experience are encouraged to apply.

• Understanding of and belief in C&SN’s mission and mandate.
• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• 5+ years of legal experience.
• Admission to a state bar.
• Quick learner and able to remain flexible. Able to work with a remote team of colleagues with humor, grace, and kindness.
• Experience in civil litigation, particularly litigation affecting nonprofits.
• Familiarity with counter‑terrorism laws, the Anti‑Terrorism Act, the False Claims Act, and civil and administrative…