Corporate Counsel

American Farm Bureau Federation; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 170,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

The American Farm Bureau Federation in Washington, DC, seeks a Corporate Legal Counsel to provide comprehensive legal services and strategic support on corporate matters. Responsibilities include managing compliance, trademark protection, and developing organizational policies.

The ideal candidate will have a JD, be a member of the DC Bar or licensed elsewhere, and possess at least 7 years of legal experience. The position offers a competitive pay range of $170,000 to $200,000 annually.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of relevant legal experience in law firms or in-house positions.
• Strong understanding of trademark licensing and enforcement.
• Excellent business judgment and strategic thinking.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal services, counsel and partnership on compliance and risk management.
• Manage trademark protection and compliance issues.
• Develop and draft clear organizational policies.

Skills

Corporate law expertise

Contracts and compliance knowledge

Tax-exempt compliance understanding

Trademark matters knowledge

Oral and written communication skills

Business judgment

Education

JD from an accredited law school

Member of DC Bar or licensed in a U.S. state

Job description

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Provide counsel and services to AFBF and its affiliated companies on corporate legal matters.

REPORTS TO: General Counsel and Secretary

LOCATION: Washington, DC

PAY RANGE: $170,000 - $200,000 annually, commensurate with experience

DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide general legal services, counsel, and strategic partnership to ensure compliance, manage risk, and support business objectives on a broad range of projects for tax‑exempt and for‑profit affiliated entities. Routine matters requiring counsel’s review, engagement and approval include member benefit programs, sponsorships, conventions and other events, publications, contests, affiliated company agreements, employment, and a high volume of business contracts.
• Handle or manage all aspects of trademark, copyright, and other intellectual property protection and compliance, including preparation of trademark applications and maintenance of registrations; policing and enforcement; licensing; and assistance to member Farm Bureau® organizations on licensing and other trademark compliance issues.
• Manage insurance matters, coordinating with brokers and insurers on insurance renewals, coverage, and claims.
• Collaborate in developing and drafting clear, concise, and practical organizational policies such as employee policies, cybersecurity, and generative AI.
• Related duties as may be assigned.

RELATIONSHIPS

Cultivate and maintain strong, positive relationships with AFBF colleagues, state Farm Bureau staff and counsel, and Farm Bureau’s engaged farmer leaders and volunteers.

EDUCATION AND LICENSING REQUIRED

• JD from an accredited law school
• Member of DC Bar or licensed in at least one U.S. state or territory

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED

• Minimum 7 years relevant legal experience, including law firm or in‑house positions
• Broad knowledge of corporate law, contracts and compliance matters
• Strong understanding of tax‑exempt compliance and tax efficiency in transactions involving tax‑exempt organizations
• Strong understanding of trademark matters, including trademark licensing, policing, applications, and maintenance filings with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
• Highest oral and written communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent business judgment and strategic thinking

PREFERRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/TRAINING/SKILLS

• Affinity for farmers, ranchers, and rural America

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Occasional travel

TO APPLY

• Please submit a cover letter and resume.

If you have 5-7 years of relevant experience, we encourage you to apply—you may be considered for a junior‑level role with similar responsibilities and competitive compensation aligned to experience.