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Associate Counsel Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

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Associate Counsel information

See Reston, VA salary details

$44.7K

$152.2K

$219.5K

How much do associate counsel jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate counsel in Reston, VA is $152,183.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,800.00 and $197,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate Counsel, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Counsel, you need a strong legal education (JD or equivalent), bar admission, and expertise in legal research, analysis, and drafting. Familiarity with case management software, legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and document management systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills set outstanding candidates apart. These skills ensure effective legal advice, risk mitigation, and valuable support to clients or the organization.

Is Associate General Counsel a high position?

An Associate General Counsel is a senior legal professional who supports the General Counsel and often manages complex legal issues within an organization. While it is a high-level role, it is typically considered below the General Counsel or Chief Legal Officer in the corporate hierarchy.

What is the lowest position in a law firm?

The lowest position in a law firm is typically a legal assistant or legal secretary, responsible for administrative tasks and supporting attorneys. Entry-level roles may also include clerks or interns, depending on the firm's structure and requirements for legal education or certification.

What does an Associate Counsel do?

An Associate Counsel is a legal professional who supports an organization's legal department by providing advice on contracts, compliance, risk management, and regulatory matters. They often draft and review legal documents, conduct legal research, and assist senior counsel or general counsel with litigation and internal investigations. Associate Counsel typically work closely with various departments to ensure the organization operates within the law and helps protect the company from legal risks.

What types of legal matters does an Associate Counsel typically handle on a day-to-day basis?

As an Associate Counsel, you can expect to work on a broad range of legal tasks such as drafting and reviewing contracts, conducting legal research, assisting in compliance reviews, and supporting senior attorneys with litigation or regulatory matters. You may also interact with various departments like HR, finance, and operations to provide legal guidance and ensure organizational compliance. The role often requires juggling multiple projects simultaneously, making time management and communication skills essential.

What is the difference between Associate Counsel vs Corporate Counsel?

AspectAssociate CounselCorporate Counsel
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), Bar AdmissionJuris Doctor (JD), Bar Admission
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, legal departments, consultingIn-house legal teams, corporate offices
Employer & Industry UsageLaw firms, corporations, governmentCorporations, large businesses
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Associate Counsel typically works in law firms or legal departments providing legal advice on various issues, while Corporate Counsel is an in-house lawyer focusing on corporate legal matters within a company. Both roles require a JD and bar admission, but their work environments and employer types differ. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers identify the right career path in the legal industry.

How much does an Associate General Counsel make in the US?

An Associate General Counsel in the US typically earns between $100,000 and $180,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Seniority, specialized legal skills, and the size of the organization can influence salary levels, with some positions offering additional bonuses or benefits.

What does it mean to be an associate counsel?

An associate counsel is a legal professional who provides legal advice, drafts documents, and supports senior attorneys within an organization or law firm. They typically have a law degree, pass the bar exam, and possess strong research and communication skills to handle various legal matters under supervision.
What are the most commonly searched types of Counsel jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Counsel jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Associate Counsel jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Associate Counsel job openings:
Sr. Director & Associate General Counsel, Employment Law & Ethics

Sr. Director & Associate General Counsel, Employment Law & Ethics

National Geographic

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

$209 - $220/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

How Youโ€™ll Contribute

How Youโ€™ll Contribute
Job Description Summary
The Senior Director and Associate General Counsel will provide legal advice in the management of all employment related matters including benefits, payroll and immigration. Provide legal advice relating to anti-discrimination laws with respect to both employee and external constituents. Act as the lead for the Legal & Business Affairs Department on ethical allegation matters, including with respect to ethical issues relating to NGS Explorers. Will be a collaborative, strategic and solutions-oriented advisor to numerous business clients regarding how these subjects influence NGSโ€™s business strategy. This position reports to the Vice President & Senior Associate General Counsel for Privacy, Technology, Facilities and Operations.

Your Impact

Your Impact

ResponsibilitiesInclude:

  • Legal Guidance & Negotiations: Advise Human Resources professionals, Senior Leadership and other managers on NGS policies and practices relating to local and federal employment and anti-discrimination laws, including Titles II & VII, DC law, ACA, FMLA, ADA, FLSA, COBRA, ERISA, ADEA, USERRA, EO 11246 as well as U.S. immigration laws. Stay abreast of and advise regarding pending legislation and developments in case law. Advise on corporate downsizings, hiring, terminations, reorganizations, discipline and other matters. Draft, negotiate and review employment contracts, severance agreements, temporary staffing agreements and independent contractor agreements. Advise on and manage outside counsel with respect to benefits agreements and international employment law issues. (50%)

  • Claims Management: Manage employment-related claims including those brought under the Society's Alternative Dispute Resolution program and keep program current with developing law. Work with and manage outside counsel and work with mediators, human resources and business units to present best case on behalf of Society for threatened and filed claims, including development of successful strategy and resolution of potential cases. Respond to subpoenas. Review and respond to EEOC and other agency charges of employment discrimination. Represent Society in mediations and arbitrations. (15%)

  • Investigations: Conduct internal investigations and report to relevant decisionmakers relating to ethical complaints and other violations of organizational policies as directed by the Vice President & Senior Associate General Counsel for Privacy, Technology, Facilities and Operations and Chief Legal Officer. Manage outside counsel as needed in certain investigations as directed by the Vice President & Senior Associate General Counsel for Privacy, Technology, Facilities and Operations and Chief Legal Officer. Provide confidential reporting as required regarding investigations. (20%)

  • Ethics: Act as the lead for the Legal & Business Affairs Department on ethical allegations matters. Responsible for development, adjustment, training, compliance and enforcement of NGS Code of Ethics. Educate managers and staff on Code of Ethics and other training programs. Review, respond and resolve ethical concerns raised by Society employees and third parties. Escalate where appropriate. (15%)

What Youโ€™ll Bring

Educational background

JD, with license to practice as an attorney in DC

Minimum Years and Type of Experience

12+ years law firm or in-house experience in employment law counseling.

Necessary Knowledge and Skills

  • Employment law counseling and employment litigation or dispute resolution experience required.

  • Demonstrated substantive knowledge of the following laws and other employment and anti-discrimination laws required: Titles II & VII, ADEA, FMLA, FLSA, ADA, USERRA.

  • Experience conducting internal investigations and responding to employment discrimination claims required.

  • Superior writing and analytical skills required, and an ability to quickly learn the fundamentals of different areas of the law.

  • Ability to interface effectively with Senior Leadership, Human Resources professionals, and all levels of staff strongly required.

  • Conflict resolution experience preferred

Supervision

One staff member

Salary Information

The National Geographic Society offers a competitive and holistic total rewards package. Our compensation structure and transparent pay philosophy are based on industry-specific market data for similar-sized nonprofit organizations.

The salary range for this position accounts for a wide range of factors including but not limited to organizational need; specific skill sets; experience and training; certifications; and more. At the National Geographic Society, individuals are typically hired at or near the starting point of the salary range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.

The salary range for this position is $209,000.00 - $220,000.00.

In addition, the National Geographic Society offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package that includes, but is not limited to, medical, dental, and vision insurance; engaging and comprehensive wellness program; 401(k) retirement savings plan with matching contributions after 6 months of employment; flexible paid time off benefits with up to 22 days of paid annual leave per calendar year (15 days for new hires in their first year, prorated based on the number of pay periods remaining in the year) and 10 days of sick leave; 12 paid holidays and a paid winter break between December 25 and 31 (May not apply to all roles that are required to work during high volume seasons or essential workers. Please check with the hiring manager for confirmation.); paid parental leave, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility benefits; learning and development opportunities; Lifestyle Spending Account; pet adoption assistance and insurance; pre-tax transportation benefits with a generous employer subsidy; employer-paid life insurance and disability benefit; and a variety of National Geographic discounts and perks.

Job Designation

Hybrid - At the Society, we believe in the advantages of coming together to build community, mentor and learn from colleagues, and connect more deeply with our mission. As a result, the majority of our staff are Hybrid. Our Hybrid category requires that staff work at Base Camp two days each week: every Tuesday and Wednesday. Hybrid staff are also always welcome to come in additional days each week if preferred.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

We encourage you to apply even if your experience is not a 100% match with the position. We are looking for someone with relevant skills and experience, not a checklist that exactly matches the job description. We want to help you grow and in return, you help us grow into a stronger, more inclusive organization.

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