Legal Counsel (part time: 10-15 hours a week)

Role: Part-Time Legal Counsel

Location: Hybrid role based in New York, NY. The majority of work can be done remotely, but candidates must be able to come into the office when needed, at a minimum twice a month.

Schedule: Part-time, approximately 10–15 hours per week

Salary Band: $110-$130 hourly

About Kirsh Philanthropies

Kirsh Philanthropies manages a dynamic portfolio of philanthropic initiatives across sub-Saharan Africa, Israel, the UK, and the US. Our work is driven by a commitment to provide essential building blocks for vulnerable populations in southern Africa as well as furthering the safety and vibrancy of Jewish communities around the world, with an emphasis on sustainable, long-term solutions—offering “fishing rods rather than fish.” We are deeply embedded in the communities we serve, maintaining flexibility and responsiveness to their evolving needs.

Position Overview

The Legal Counsel provides legal guidance and support across the organization, with responsibilities spanning contracts, corporate governance, HR and employment law, compliance, and philanthropic activities. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer and Internal Operations Director, the Legal Counsel works closely with internal stakeholders to understand legal needs, identify potential issues, and provide clear, practical guidance.

Kirsh Philanthropies supports philanthropic activity through an organizational and legal framework that spans the United States, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The Legal Counsel will bring their legal expertise to this environment while developing a strong understanding of the organization’s structure, legal framework, and established ways of working. The role requires the ability to navigate matters that may touch multiple jurisdictions and to work effectively with outside counsel when jurisdiction-specific or specialized expertise is appropriate.

The ideal candidate is an experienced attorney with excellent judgment and a solutions-oriented approach. They are highly organized, intellectually curious, and comfortable working across a broad range of legal and operational matters. They will be collaborative and adaptable, able to apply their legal experience thoughtfully while taking the time to understand the context, relationships, and considerations that shape the organization’s work.

Key Responsibilities

Contract Management

• Review, draft, and advise on contracts and agreements, including grant agreements, vendor and service agreements, consulting agreements, confidentiality agreements, and other commercial arrangements.
• Advise internal stakeholders on contractual terms, obligations, risks, and material legal or business considerations.
• Support the development and maintenance of standard agreements, templates, and contracting practices.
• Help ensure contractual obligations, renewal dates, and other significant requirements are appropriately documented and tracked.

Corporate Governance & Compliance

• Provide legal support on corporate governance matters involving the organization and its affiliated entities.
• Review and support the preparation of organizational documents and other governance materials.
• Help ensure that corporate records and documentation are accurate, current, and appropriately maintained.
• Advise on recurring corporate and regulatory compliance requirements and help identify potential gaps or issues requiring attention.
• Work with internal stakeholders and external advisors on corporate filings, business licenses, insurance matters, and other compliance requirements.
• Help strengthen systems and processes for monitoring legal and compliance obligations across the organization.

Employment & Human Resources Support

• Provide legal guidance on day-to-day HR and employment matters, including employee relations, workplace policies, hiring, performance management, and other personnel matters.
• Review and advise on offer letters, employment agreements, confidentiality agreements, separation documentation, and other employment-related documents.
• Review and help maintain employee policies and the employee handbook, coordinating with specialized employment counsel when appropriate.
• Identify employment matters that present heightened risk or require specialized legal advice and help coordinate with outside employment counsel as needed.
• Support the development of consistent, practical approaches to employment and HR matters across the organization.

Grants & Philanthropic Legal Support

• Review and advise on grant agreements, amendments, and other documentation related to the philanthropic work supported by the organization.
• Provide legal guidance on grant terms, restrictions, reporting requirements, and other obligations.
• Identify legal or compliance considerations arising from proposed grants or philanthropic activities and help determine when additional legal review is warranted.

Legal Operations

• Coordinate matters involving outside law firms and other legal advisors, including gathering information, facilitating communication, and tracking follow-up.
• Translate advice from outside counsel into clear, actionable next steps for internal stakeholders.
• Develop and improve legal templates, guidance, checklists, and processes.
• Maintain organized legal records and documentation.
• Identify opportunities to use technology, including AI tools, to improve legal processes and operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• J.D. or equivalent law degree and admission to practice law in New York.
• 6 years of legal experience, with a background that includes employment, corporate, commercial, governance, or nonprofit/philanthropic matters.
• Strong experience reviewing and advising on contracts and other legal documents.
• Strong legal judgment and the ability to distinguish between matters that can be handled internally and those requiring specialized or jurisdiction-specific outside counsel.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple matters and follow through on legal and compliance obligations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate legal issues into clear guidance for non-legal colleagues.
• Collaborative and adaptable, with an openness to learning and working within established organizational structures and processes.
• High level of discretion when handling sensitive or confidential matters.
• Experience using technology, including AI tools, to improve legal processes and operational efficiency is a plus.

How To Apply

Please email your resume and cover letter to Shira Hudson, Internal Operations Director, at shira@kirshphilanthropies.com

Equal Opportunity Employer

Kirsh Philanthropies is an inclusive, equal opportunity employer committed to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment based on any status or characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law, including but not limited to veteran status, uniformed service member status, race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, and citizenship status. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to any such protected status or characteristic.

The company is an at-will employer, as allowed by applicable state law. Regardless of any provision in this application, if hired, the company or employee may terminate the employment relationship at any time, for any reason, with or without cause or notice.

Pay: $110.00 - $130.00 per hour

Application Question(s):

• Please submit a cover letter to shira@kirshphilanthropies.com

Work Location: Hybrid remote in New York, NY 10019

Salary : $110 - $130