Position Title: Attorney – Agricultural Equity & IP Protection (Contract / Retainer)
Position Title: Attorney – Agricultural Equity & IP Protection (Legal Counsel – Contract or Retainer)
Position Type: Contract / Retainer (with potential for expanded scope based on organizational needs)
Location: Remote / Nationwide
Schedule: Flexible (based on organizational initiatives and legal priorities)
About National Women in Agriculture Association (NWIAA)
The National Women in Agriculture Association (NWIAA) is one of the largest agriculture-focused organizations in the world, with over 120 chapters globally. For nearly two decades, NWIAA has been committed to empowering women in agriculture, strengthening farming and rural communities, advancing education, and advocating for policies that support sustainable agriculture.
NWIAA operates at the intersection of agriculture, community development, education, and public policy. Through national, multi-state, and USDA-aligned initiatives, NWIAA works to ensure women in agriculture have access to resources, legal protections, representation, and opportunities to lead.
Position Overview
The Attorney – Agricultural Equity & IP Protection serves as legal counsel to support NWIAA’s intellectual property protection, brand integrity, equity advocacy, and enforcement matters.
This role is critical to safeguarding NWIAA’s organizational assets, supporting equal rights advocacy for women farmers, and ensuring compliance and protection across national and multi-state initiatives. The attorney will provide strategic legal guidance related to intellectual property, infringement matters, confidentiality agreements, and agricultural equity issues.
This is a remote, independent contractor or retained counsel role ideal for an experienced attorney with a background in intellectual property law, agricultural law, civil rights, or nonprofit governance.
Key Responsibilities
Intellectual Property & Brand Protection
Advise on trademark, copyright, and brand protection strategies
Monitor and address intellectual property infringement matters
Support enforcement actions related to unauthorized use of NWIAA materials
Develop policies to safeguard proprietary content and organizational assets
Infringement Enforcement
Evaluate and respond to potential IP violations
Draft cease-and-desist letters and legal communications
Provide legal strategy for dispute resolution and enforcement actions
Advise leadership on risk mitigation and compliance strategies
Agricultural Equity & Advocacy
Provide legal guidance related to equal rights advocacy for women farmers
Support policy-related initiatives aligned with civil rights protections
Assist in addressing discrimination or access-related legal concerns impacting women in agriculture
Confidentiality & Governance
Draft, review, and enforce confidentiality agreements
Provide legal oversight for contract development and governance documentation
Support nonprofit governance compliance and accountability standards
Ensure legal readiness for national and multi-state initiatives
Ideal Candidate Qualifications
Required
Licensed attorney in good standing within at least one U.S. jurisdiction
Experience in intellectual property law, agricultural law, civil rights law, or nonprofit governance
Strong legal writing and analytical skills
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Professional discretion and high ethical standards
Preferred
Experience supporting nonprofit or mission-driven organizations
Familiarity with agriculture-related policy and advocacy
Experience with multi-state or national legal initiatives
Background in enforcement and dispute resolution
Expectations & Accountability
All legal guidance must be well-documented and clearly communicated
NWIAA leadership must be included in relevant legal correspondence and strategic decisions
Legal strategies must align with NWIAA’s mission, branding, and national initiatives
Consistent responsiveness, professionalism, and confidentiality are required
All work must meet applicable state and federal compliance standards
Impact of the Role
This position directly supports NWIAA’s 2026 initiatives, including the 15-State Farmers Aid & Assistance Program and the Year of the International Woman Farmer. The Attorney – Agricultural Equity & IP Protection ensures that NWIAA’s intellectual property, advocacy efforts, and organizational integrity are protected as the organization expands its national and international impact.
Through strong legal leadership, this role strengthens NWIAA’s ability to advocate for women farmers, protect its brand and programs, and advance agricultural equity with accountability and professionalism.
