Volunteer Legal Advisor — Nonprofit Governance & Partnerships

Non-Resident (Remote) · Volunteer / Pro Bono · As-needed (a few hours/month) · Ongoing, reviewed at 6 months NB: BEFORE YOU APPLY — MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS This is a counsel-level role, not a student or paralegal position. We will only review applicants who meet both of the following: Licensed and in good standing with a Canadian provincial or territorial law society (called to the bar); and Demonstrated experience in charities and not-for-profit law, or in corporate/transactional law with meaningful exposure to nonprofit clients. About Tessera Research Collective Tessera is a Canada-based, independent think tank dedicated to advancing research and informed dialogue on transatlantic relations, global security, and democratic resilience. We are proudly non-partisan. With particular attention to Canada–EU cooperation, we produce timely analysis, host events and discussions, and connect researchers, policymakers, and civil society. Our international network of researchers and fellows supports high-quality, accessible work on issues ranging from defense and critical minerals to technology governance and geopolitical risk. As we grow, we are formalizing our structure, building partnerships, and expanding our footprint — and we are looking for legal guidance to do this soundly. About the role Tessera is seeking a volunteer Legal Advisor to support our institutional development as we scale up. The role centers on helping us build the right legal foundation: establishing our structure as a nonprofit, getting our governance in order, and putting our partnerships and collaborations on a solid footing. You would work directly with leadership as a trusted advisor, providing clear, practical guidance and knowing when a matter calls for specialist counsel. This is an opportunity to shape the institutional architecture of an emerging, mission-driven organization from the ground up. Responsibilities Advise on legal structure and incorporation as a Canadian not-for-profit, and on the options and trade-offs around charitable or tax-exempt status Draft and review governing documents (articles, bylaws) and advise on board structure, membership, and fiduciary duties Review and advise on memoranda of understanding (MoUs), membership agreements, and research-collaboration agreements with partner organizations — including the binding/non-binding line, confidentiality, intellectual property, data handling, and dispute resolution Help us understand obligations attached to joining international networks and umbrella bodies Spot and flag intellectual property, data-protection/privacy, and employment issues as they arise, and help identify when specialist counsel should be brought in Provide general, plain-language legal guidance to a non-legal leadership team on an as-needed basis What we're looking for The minimum requirements above (Canadian bar admission in good standing; charities/not-for-profit or relevant transactional experience) — these are firm requirements Comfort with contract drafting and review, particularly partnership and collaboration agreements The ability to translate legal complexity into clear, actionable advice for a non-legal team Sound judgment about scope — knowing what a generalist can handle and when to escalate to a specialist Familiarity with intellectual property, privacy/data protection, or employment law is a strong asset French, or experience advising organizations with international or cross-border operations, is an asset What you'll gain A formal affiliation as Legal Advisor, Tessera Research Collective The opportunity to shape the institutional foundation of a growing independent think tank, working directly with its leadership A meaningful, well-scoped pro bono engagement with clear boundaries and a collaborative team Connection to our international network of researchers, policymakers, and practitioners, and invitations to Tessera events and roundtables Public acknowledgment of your contribution and a written reference letter on request How to apply Apply through LinkedIn with your CV and a short cover note (one page) combined into a single PDF, outlining your relevant experience — particularly in charities/not-for-profit or transactional law — and your interest in supporting an independent research organization. We review applications on a rolling basis. Questions: message us on LinkedIn. — Tessera Research Collective www.tesserainstitute.ca

The Legal Advisor will provide guidance on establishing the legal structure of the nonprofit, including incorporation and governance. They will also draft and review legal documents and advise on partnerships and collaborations.

Applicants must be licensed and in good standing with a Canadian law society and have experience in charities or not-for-profit law. Comfort with contract drafting and the ability to provide clear legal advice to a non-legal team are essential.

• formal affiliation as Legal Advisor • shape institutional foundation of think tank • pro bono engagement with clear boundaries • network with international researchers and policymakers • invitation to events and roundtables • public acknowledgment and reference letter

Relevées dans la description du poste. Confirmez les exigences importantes ci-dessus.

• Charities Law
• Not-For-Profit Law
• Corporate Law
• Transactional Law
• Contract Drafting
• Legal Guidance
• Governance
• Intellectual Property
• Data Protection
• Privacy Law
• Employment Law
• Collaboration Agreements
• Fiduciary Duties
• MoUs
• Research Collaboration
• Cross-Border Operations

Expérience minimale

5+ ans