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The Smithsonian Institution has engaged Major, Lindsey & Africa on an exclusive basis to conduct a search for a General Counsel to be located in Washington, D.C. Please do not contact the Smithsonian directly; all resumes sent to the Smithsonian will be routed to MLA for handling and will create delays.

Overview: The General Counsel is the principal legal advisor to the Secretary, the Board of Regents, and other officials of the Smithsonian Institution (“Smithsonian” or “Institution”). The General Counsel is responsible for assessing legal issues involved in the administration of an organization with multifaceted and unique relationships to the Executive Branch, the Congress, the nonprofit and business communities, and the general public and serves as the Smithsonian’s Chief Ethics Officer. The General Counsel provides thought partnership, risk mitigation, and proactive leadership, to identify and keep Institution officials apprised and advised on issues having legal consequences for the Smithsonian. The General Counsel also manages a seasoned team of attorneys who provide first class service to Smithsonian constituents.

Institution: The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex. Through incomparable collections, rigorous research, and dynamic public outreach, the Institution has built an impeccable relationship with the hundreds of millions of people who have visited or otherwise engaged with the content, information, and experiences secured and curated through the Institution’s service to the public. The Smithsonian is a dynamic and challenging place to work, grow, and engage with a community built on learning and thought-provoking discourse.

Experience: The successful candidate will have at least 10 years of significant and broad-based legal experience.  Candidates with experience in senior legal positions at large academic institutions, complex corporations, nonprofit institutions, or within the federal government are preferred.

Location: Washington, D.C. This is an in-office role; remote candidates will not be considered.

Relocation: Yes, this is a national search.

About Major, Lindsey & Africa

Founded in 1982, Major, Lindsey & Africa is the world’s largest and most experienced legal search firm. Combining local market knowledge and a global recruiting network, MLA has earned recognition for its track record of successful General Counsel, Corporate Counsel, Partner, Associate and Law Firm Management placements. With offices throughout the U.S., Hong Kong, London, and Tokyo, MLA recruiters are dedicated to understanding and meeting clients’ and candidates’ needs while maintaining the highest degree of professionalism and confidentiality. MLA considers every search a diversity search, and has been committed to diversity in the law since its inception. For these reasons, MLA was voted “Best Legal Search Firm in the U.S.” in the most recent national survey of America’s top law firms. To learn more about MLA, please visit our website at www.mlaglobal.com.

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