Assistant Counsel, Personnel and Litigation

This posting will remain active until January 21st at 5:00 PM ET, after which it will be removed, and applications will no longer be accepted. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until then.  

Summary:  

The Assistant Counsel, Personnel & Litigation provides legal advice, counsel, and support on employment, employee benefits, and litigation matters affecting HHMI’s operations and activities. The role contributes informed, practical, and timely legal guidance across the full employment lifecycle, employee benefits administration, and litigation support, while balancing organizational risk and advancing HHMI’s mission, strategic priorities, and operational goals. 

This position reports to the Senior Counsel, Personnel & Litigation, and follows a hybrid schedule, with in-person work at HHMI’s Headquarters in Chevy Chase, Maryland, three days per week. 

What we offer: 

• Meaningful Impact: The opportunity to provide thoughtful, practical legal guidance on complex employment and litigation matters in support of HHMI’s mission and people.    

• Broad In-House Exposure: A varied and engaging in-house practice that spans employment law, benefits, and litigation, with the ability to collaborate closely with colleagues across the organization.  

• Professional Growth: Support for continuing legal education and professional development, with opportunities to deepen expertise.   

• Competitive Total Rewards Package: Comprehensive healthcare, generous retirement contributions, paid leave, and additional programs that support well-being and professional development. 

What you will do: 

• Support Senior Counsel in providing legal advice on all stages of the employment relationship, including hiring, immigration and visa matters, performance management, employee relations issues, and employment separations. 

• Provide in-house legal support for assigned litigation matters. 

• Draft, review, and negotiate separation agreements, staffing agreements, and other employment-related contracts. 

• Advise HHMI’s Total Rewards team on ERISA, PPACA, HIPAA, and other laws governing employee retirement and welfare benefit plans and benefits administration. 

• Draft and review benefits-related documents, including plan documents, vendor agreements, and related materials. 

• Partner with departments across HHMI to deliver practical, timely, and risk-aware legal guidance that supports the Institute’s mission, strategic priorities, and operational goals. 

• Contribute to the development and improvement of Office of the General Counsel processes and procedures related to personnel, benefits, and litigation matters. 

• Maintain current knowledge of legal developments relevant to HHMI through continuing legal education and participation in professional and bar associations. 

What you bring: 

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. 

• Active membership in good standing with an established bar required.  

• A minimum of three years of experience practicing law in a law firm or in a corporate, nonprofit, or government legal department, with required experience in employment law and litigation. 

• ERISA and employee benefits experience preferred. 

• Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills. 

• The ability and willingness to manage a variety of matters across a broad range of substantive areas and to learn new areas quickly. 

• A demonstrated commitment to high ethical standards and professionalism.  

• Desire to learn about, facilitate, and take pride in the work of HHMI’s scientists and grantees.  

Application Instructions:  
To apply, please submit a resume and a brief, one-page cover letter stating how your qualifications and experience match the requirements, and how your experience will support HHMI in its mission. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.   

Physical Requirements: 
Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet). 

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis. 

Please Note: This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. #LI-EG1