Director of Legal Affairs

Job OverviewThe Director of Legal Affairs collaborates closely with the Executive Director and executive leadership team to provide strategic legal advice and guidance to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.About WSNA: Washington State Nurses Association is the leading voice and advocate for nurses in Washington. As a professional association and union, we represent more than 21,000 bargaining unit members for collective bargaining and the professional interests of more than 103,000 registered nurses.ResponsibilitiesDevelop and execute a comprehensive legal strategy, ensuring all legal and contractual obligations align with WSNA's mission and operational goals.Consult with the Executive Director on internal governance and compliance with applicable federal and state laws and rules.Provide legal consultation to the executive staff team to support work in WSNA departments.Ensure legal review and contribute to drafting legislative, regulatory, and practice-related proposals.Assist in developing, reviewing, and advising on organization policies and procedures.Review vendor contracts, insurance policies, property and equipment leases, etc.Advise on human resources decisions regarding staff and labor relations with the staff union.Litigation and Legal ProceedingsServe as lead counsel in legal proceedings, including arbitrations, administrative hearings, labor board proceedings, and other litigation matters.Manage all litigation aspects directly or through supervision of attorneys or outside counsel, including case evaluations, witness preparation, document review, oral arguments, brief drafting, and legal research.Coordinate WSNA’s legal defense against charges, lawsuits, and enforcement actions brought against the organization.Supervision and LeadershipSupervise attorney and non-attorney staff within the legal department.Support organizational and leadership development and long-term planning.Labor Relations and Collective BargainingEstablish and lead the implementation of statewide strategic collective bargaining priorities, in collaboration with in-house attorneys, negotiators, and WSNA labor program directors.Advise and provide legal support to the Labor and Organizing Directors on matters related to collective bargaining, union representation, and organizing.Identify and develop model contract language for collective bargaining and advise on bargaining strategy to implement.RequirementsJuris Doctorate and Washington State Bar Association membership are required.At least ten (10) years of experience in practicing law is required.At least five (5) years’ experience representing a health care union or other private sector unions, including collective bargaining, arbitrations, and practice before the NLRB.Pay Range and BenefitsThe salary range for this position is $190,000 - $230,000. WSNA provides a generous benefits package that includes employer-paid individual health, dental, vision, and life insurance, fifteen paid holidays, twelve personal days per year, twenty-two vacation days per year, one day of sick leave per month, and participation in a 401(k) plan with employer contribution.The Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA) is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and staff without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-10-06