Senior Legal Counsel

Founded in 1896, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is a global, self-funded, not-for-profit organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property, and economic loss due to fire, electrical, and related hazards. The association delivers information and knowledge through more than 300 consensus codes and standards, as well as through research, training, education, outreach, and advocacy; and by partnering with others who share an interest in furthering the NFPA mission.

On March 28, 2024, NFPA announced the establishment of a new entity, NFPA Global Solutions, a separate wholly owned NFPA for-profit corporation, aimed at providing greater influence on fire, life, and electrical safety to advance the NFPA mission. NFPA also announced NFPA Global Advisors, a new business line within NFPA Global Solutions, focused on offering services to governments and companies around the world related to the implementation of the NFPA Fire & Life Safety Ecosystem.

The Senior Legal Counsel provides general legal services and support to NFPA staff on matters ranging from the development of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes and standards to identification of legal and reputational risks and making recommendations for mitigation of these risks.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to the General Counsel, the Senior Legal Counsel has the following responsibilities:

1. At the highest level, to assist General Counsel and advise business clients and functions in advancing organizational goals and developing recommendations to protect the organization from legal, reputational, and other risks. Identify and analyze legal issues and present clear, practical advice. Working independently and in a collaborative environment, assist in protecting the organization's legal interests and maintaining its operations. Work with staff at all levels to understand operational needs and develop appropriate and creative solutions.
2. Specific areas of activity may include the following:

• prepare, review and negotiate key contracts, and other legal documents;
• prepare, review and negotiate license agreements including with regard to licensing the organizations intellectual property;
• conduct research and analysis on relevant legal issues and report results and recommendations;
• manage litigation and outside counsel in a cost effective manner
• work with business leaders to develop appropriate legal strategies to support business goals;
• work with HR to develop and support employee policies;
• develop and provide appropriate training on legal topics affecting the business;
• review of marketing material;
• support organizations governance function.

3. Recommend and implement work methods to achieve efficiencies within the function and organization.

4. Performs other duties and provides assistance as assigned by the General Counsel.

1. Excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills.

2. Law degree from an accredited law school and license in good standing to practice law in at least one state or in the District of Columbia. Massachusetts preferred. Minimum 8-10 years of experience.

3. Previous In-House legal experience; demonstrated ability to advise business leaders on legal issues impacting their operations.

4. Familiarity with one or more of the following would be helpful: non-profit law; contract negotiation, policy development; administrative law; and/or international law. Previous litigation experience is a plus.

5. Travel up to 10% of the time.

COMPETENCIES

1. Skilled Communicator Superior oral and written communication skills, including the ability to articulate and explain complex information.

2. Role Expert Employs relevant knowledge and experience, earns the respect of peers, applies experience and learn quickly, build solutions that can be replicated.

3. High Performer Sets standards of excellence that others value, regularly exceeds expectations, regularly builds new expectations.

4. Flexible and Team-Oriented Focuses on team success over personal success and easily adjusts to changing environment, shares credit for team victories, comfortable working with others.

5. Motivated and Independent - Relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of complicated tasks without direct supervision.