Associate Counsel

The New York State Trial Lawyers Association (NYSTLA) is seeking an Associate Counsel to provide legal legislative and strategic support to the organization’s executive leadership, officers and Board of Directors.

The Associate Counsel position requires a candidate with sound judgment, discretion, and an unwavering commitment to protecting NYSTLA’s interests. The Associate Counsel will report to executive management and prioritize the needs and directives of NYSTLA’s leadership while exercising independent professional judgment in fulfilling their job responsibilities.

The successful candidate must be available for long and occasionally unpredictable hours, particularly during the legislative session, major events, urgent legal matters, and periods of heightened political activity. The Associate Counsel is expected to work from the office five days a week, Monday through Friday.

Responsibilities

• Research, analyze and monitor legislation, regulations and government actions affecting NYSTLA, its members, and the civil justice system.
• Draft and review legislation, policy memoranda, testimony, comments, legal correspondence, resolutions, and other advocacy materials.
• Work closely with NYSTLA’s legislative, political, and communications teams to advance the organization’s priorities.
• Develop and maintain relationships with legislative staff, government officials, coalition partners, and other stakeholders.
• Support NYSTLA’s lobbying, ethics, and regulatory compliance obligations.
• Prepare legal and policy briefings for executive leadership, officers, trustees, and members.
• Attend legislative meetings, hearings, conferences, board meetings and NYSTLA events in Albany, New York City and elsewhere as required.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the New York State Bar for at least three years. Candidates must be in good standing.
• Familiarity with the New York State Legislature and/or New York City Council.
• Experience with legislative affairs, government relations, nonprofit governance, public policy, or political advocacy is strongly preferred.
• Strong legal research, analytical, drafting, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, meet tight deadlines, and remain responsive in a fast-moving environment.
• Willingness to work long and nontraditional hours, including early mornings, evenings and occasional weekends.
• Ability to travel to Albany and attend meetings or events throughout New York as needed.
• Commitment to NYSTLA’s mission of protecting consumers, preserving access to the courts, and strengthening New York’s civil justice system.

What We Offer

Salary: $125,000-$150,000

Competitive benefits

Collaborative work environment

About NYSTLA

The New York State Trial Lawyers Association is a statewide organization dedicated to protecting consumers, ensuring access to the civil justice system and strengthening the rights of injured New Yorkers.

Equal Opportunity Employer: 

NYSTLA is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse environment and are proud to be an inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.