General Counsel

Title

General Counsel

About the Organization Your future, our focus! If you're looking to join a firm that is as committed to you as we are to our clients, keep reading! At PBMares you'll find great people, challenging work, rewarding opportunities and a culture that embraces integrity, creativity, and teamwork. We're a perennial top-100 firm according to Inside Public Accounting and Accounting Today recently named us one of the fastest growing firms overall. Continuous learning, work-life balance, and challenging opportunities are just a start. We're over 300 strong in 12 offices across Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina and we are looking for new teammates. Workplace Type None Specified

Secondary Location Location(s) Norfolk, Fairfax, Fredericksburg, Harrisonburg, Morehead City, New Bern, Newport News, Richmond, Warrenton, Williamsburg, Wilmington Exempt/Non-Exempt Exempt Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time Description

We're looking for a strategic and business-minded General Counsel to join our leadership team as the firm's top legal advisor. In this highly visible role, you'll partner directly with the CEO, executive leadership, and Board of Directors to guide critical decisions, protect the firm, and enable sustainable growth.

If you thrive in complex environments, enjoy influencing strategy, and bring a practical, solutions-oriented approach to legal challenges-this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact.

PBMares Core Values:

• Integrity
• Trust
• Respect
• Accountability
• Caring

What that means for you:

• Full benefits: medical, dental, 401K match & HSA.
• Paid Time Off
• 11 paid holidays per year
• Flexible work schedule to include hybrid work environment.
• Summer Hours! Half days on Friday (based on a minimum 40-hour work week)
• Company investment of a minimum of 40 hours learning and development annually
• The opportunity to grow and shape the future of the firm.

What You'll Do:

Strategic Advisory

• Partner with the CEO, Executive Leadership Team, and Board to provide legal, regulatory, and risk guidance
• Translate complex legal issues into clear, actionable business recommendations

Legal, Risk & Compliance Oversight

• Lead all legal, compliance, and risk management activities
• Ensure adherence to laws, regulations, and professional standards
• Identify and mitigate risk across the organization

Contracts & Governance

• Draft, review, and negotiate key agreements (e.g., employment, vendor, NDAs)
• Establish and maintain policies that support strong governance and ethical operations

High-Impact & Sensitive Matters

• Manage legal issues, investigations, disputes, and regulatory inquiries
• Provide guidance on employment matters, partner issues, and conflict resolution

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Collaborate with leaders and teams across the firm
• Communicate legal concepts in a clear, practical, business-oriented way

Growth & Innovation Support

• Advise on new services, partnerships, and investments
• Assess legal risks related to technology, data, and emerging areas (e.g., AI, cybersecurity)

Position Requirements

Position Requirements:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
• Barred in VA or eligible to obtain Corporate Counsel Certification upon hire.
• 10+ years of legal experience (law firm, government, or in-house)
• Strong expertise in regulatory compliance and risk management
• Proven ability to manage complex, high-risk legal matters
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence senior leaders
• Strong business acumen and understanding of partnership structures
• This position can be performed in a hybrid model or fully in-office, based on candidate preference and business needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting accounting or professional services firms
• Prior in-house counsel experience, especially within a partnership structure
• Experience managing outside counsel relationships
• Track record of advising executive teams and Boards
• Experience leading investigations or high-risk legal matters
• Team leadership or project management experience

Shift Days EOE Statement Our Firm's policy is to provide equal opportunity for employment to all individuals regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-741.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability, and requires affirmative action by covered prime contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities.

Must be authorized to work in the United States permanently without the requirements of sponsorship at any point in the future.

This position is currently accepting applications.

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