In House Counsel

In-House Counsel

Title : In-House Counsel

Supervisor : PEC President

Office Location : Warrenton, VA

Job Classification : Full-time Exempt

About Us

The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) conserves and restores the lands and waters of the Virginia Piedmont, while building stronger, more sustainable communities. Founded in 1972, PEC is a locally based, community-supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit and accredited land trust. At the core of PEC’s approach is a focus on educating, engaging and empowering people to effect positive change in their communities.

PEC works closely with The Piedmont Foundation, a 509(a)(3) charitable organization formed in 1999 to support PEC’s work throughout its nine-county region. Each of the conservation funds held by The Piedmont Foundation is guided by a county advisory board made up of local residents who value their communities and are committed to preserving and strengthening them.

Your Role

The In-House Counsel will provide comprehensive legal support and guidance to all aspects of the organization’s operations. This critical role involves ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations, managing legal risks, and advising on complex land conservation transactions. As a member of PEC’s management team, the In-House Counsel will report directly to the President and work collaboratively with staff, the Board of Directors, The Piedmont Foundation, and external partners.

Key Responsibilities

Legal Advice & Compliance :

• Provide expert legal advice on all matters related to land conservation, real estate, non-profit governance, charitable giving, and environmental law.
• Ensure compliance with 501(c)(3) regulations, Land Trust Alliance accreditation standards, and federal, state, and local laws.
• Provide expert and strategic legal advice to management on dealing with local, state, and federal land use issues, ranging from individual development proposals, local ordinances, state legislation and regulations to federal legislation and policies.
• Provide expert and strategic legal advice on local, state, and federal environmental and utility regulations, including the State Corporation Commission.

Conservation Transactions :

Organizational Governance :

Risk Management :

Stakeholder Relations :

Required Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

Geographic Focus

In this position, the In-House Counsel will work from PEC’s headquarters office in Warrenton, VA, or in a hybrid manner to be decided jointly with the President. PEC’s hybrid work policy includes a requirement of at least one day per week in the office. Occasional travel to PEC jurisdictions, Washington, DC and Richmond, VA expected

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

This position will be completed in both an office environment. Office work requires extended sitting or standing and the use of a computer, keyboard, and mouse provided by PEC.

Compensation

The In-House Counsel salary range is $120,000 – $140,000 annually and is an exempt position with benefits.

Benefits

PEC offers an outstanding and robust benefits package including :

Application Process

Interested applicants should fill out our job application form. Candidates must submit a cover letter and resumé. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Application Deadline : November 21, 2025.

Desired start date : January 5, 2026. The position will remain open until it is filled.

If your qualifications and experience are a good fit, PEC will reach out to you within 2 weeks of receiving your application. The following is what you can expect as part of our hiring process :

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ)

The Piedmont Environmental Council strives to increase diversity, equity, inclusion and justice (DEIJ) in all aspects of achieving our mission. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote regardless of race, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity (including gender nonconformity and status as a transgender individual), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, genetic information, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Read more about our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ) commitments.

The Piedmont Environmental Council recognizes that people bring a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. We encourage people from all backgrounds to apply to our positions.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process may be requested. If you have any questions or concerns, please email apply@pecva.org.

If selected for this position, a background check will be conducted.

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