About the role#
The Patty Gerstenblith Legal Fellowship is a two-year position for early-career attorneys. You will work within the in-house legal team to gain experience in the legal and practical concerns related to repatriation, collections management, and the exhibition of scientific and cultural items. This role reports to the General Counsel and offers professional development opportunities, including conference attendance and the chance to complete a relevant professional certification.
What you'll do#
- Provide legal support to the Museum Repatriation Center regarding NAGPRA compliance.
- Assist the Collections Center with provenance research and the analysis of potential acquisitions.
- Identify legal risks to the Museum and recommend mitigation strategies.
- Draft, review, and negotiate contracts and transactional agreements.
- Collaborate with staff to ensure projects and procedures protect the interests of the Museum.
- Design and review organizational policies while monitoring compliance with applicable laws.
- Stay informed on emerging legal issues and provide counsel to management.
What you'll need#
- A Juris Doctorate from an ABA accredited institution.
- To be within your first five years of legal practice.
- A license to practice law in Illinois, or the ability to achieve admission or waive into the Illinois Bar.
- Demonstrated interest or experience in working with museums, non-profits, or institutions of higher education is preferred.
Location & details#
- This is a full-time, exempt position based in Chicago, Illinois.
- The role is eligible for a hybrid work schedule.
- The term is two years, though a one-year term may be considered upon request.
About Field Museum
The Field Museum is a natural history museum based in Chicago. It maintains a large collection of artifacts and specimens for research and public education. The institution employs 882 people and welcomes 1.6 million visitors annually. It operates as a nonprofit organization.
How to get in at Field Museum
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