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National Restaurant Association · 2 days ago

Executive Director, Law Center

Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Full-time

Hybrid

Director/Executive

$0/yr - $345K/yr

15+ years exp

The National Restaurant Association is a key player in the U.S. restaurant industry, and they are seeking an Executive Director for the Law Center. In this role, you will serve as the chief legal strategist, developing litigation strategies and representing the industry's interests in legal matters while building relationships with stakeholders and advancing the Law Center's mission.

HospitalityLifestyleRestaurants

Responsibilities

Serve as the Law Center's chief legal strategist, providing analysis and recommendations to the Law Center Board and the National Restaurant Association leadership on significant court decisions and their implications

Develop and execute the Law Center's strategic litigation agenda to advance the restaurant industry's interests in federal and state courts

Identify, evaluate, and prioritize opportunities for amicus participation in cases that may significantly impact the restaurant and food service industry

Lead first party litigation initiatives on behalf of the Law Center when direct legal action is necessary to protect industry interests

Oversee the preparation and filing of amicus briefs, ensuring high-quality legal arguments that effectively communicate the industry's perspective

Manage relationships with outside counsel, coordinating legal strategy and ensuring cost-effective representation

Monitor judicial and regulatory proceedings nationwide to identify emerging legal issues that may affect the restaurant industry

Collaborate with the Association's Policy and Government Affairs team to ensure alignment between litigation strategy and legislative advocacy priorities

Represent the Law Center before courts, regulatory agencies, and in public forums as the industry's legal spokesperson

Develop and maintain expertise in key legal areas affecting restaurants, including labor and employment law, regulatory compliance, franchising, accessibility, and commercial litigation

Serve as primary staff liaison to the Law Center's Board of Directors, providing regular updates on litigation activities, strategic initiatives, and organizational performance

Prepare materials for and facilitate Board meetings, ensuring directors are well-informed and engaged in strategic decision-making

Work collaboratively with the Board to develop and refine the Law Center's strategic priorities and long-term vision

Cultivate relationships with Board members to leverage their expertise, networks, and resources in support of the Law Center's mission

Build and maintain relationships with state restaurant associations and their legal counsel to coordinate nationwide litigation efforts

Work with member companies to understand their legal challenges and ensure the Law Center's activities address their most pressing concerns

Develop educational materials and presentations to inform Association members about significant legal developments affecting the industry

Coordinate with allied business organizations and trade associations on collaborative litigation efforts

Develop and implement strategies to recruit new corporate members to the Law Center, expanding the membership base and revenue sources

Engage prospective corporate members through presentations, meetings, and demonstrations of the Law Center's value proposition

Maintain strong relationships with existing corporate members, ensuring their needs are met and their engagement remains strong

With logistical support from the Association’s event team, plan, organize, and execute the annual Restaurant Law Summit, bringing together industry leaders, legal experts, and policymakers to address critical legal issues facing the restaurant sector

Provide thought leadership through articles, speeches, and media appearances on legal issues facing the restaurant industry

Represent the Law Center at legal conferences, bar association meetings, and industry events

Manage the Law Center's budget, allocating resources effectively to maximize impact

Report regularly to the National Restaurant Association leadership and Law Center Board of Directors on litigation activities, outcomes, and strategic priorities

Ensure the Law Center's operations comply with applicable nonprofit and tax-exempt organization requirements

Qualification

Legal experienceAmicus brief writingLitigation strategyLaborEmployment lawRegulatory complianceFranchisingOral advocacy skillsLegal researchEthical standardsLeadership experienceRelationship-building skills

Required

Minimum 15 years of legal experience with substantial appellate experience

Proven track record in amicus brief writing and strategic litigation, with the ability to identify cases and legal issues with industry-wide implications

Active membership in good standing with at least one state bar

Exceptional legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills, with sound judgment and discretion in handling sensitive legal matters

Demonstrated leadership experience managing legal programs or directing litigation strategy, including coordinating multi-stakeholder initiatives

Strong relationship-building skills and proven ability to work effectively with outside counsel, member companies, government officials, and allied organizations

Ability to translate complex legal issues into clear, accessible language for diverse audiences

Commitment to advancing industry interests while maintaining the highest ethical standards

Preferred

Experience in legal areas relevant to the restaurant and hospitality industry (labor and employment, regulatory compliance, franchising, etc.) is strongly preferred