William and Flora Hewlett Foundation
Background
William and Flora Hewlett Foundation is one of the largest private foundations in the United States, supporting initiatives in climate change, education, global development, and democratic governance.
Beginning in 2020—at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic—the foundation partnered with John and Snyder to strengthen its legal team during a period of transition and growth. The first engagement focused on recruiting a replacement for a departing attorney.
Over time, the foundation continued to expand the legal department, and John and Snyder was retained to conduct three additional searches, including specialized roles in tax law and technology transactions / intellectual property.
Today, the legal department consists of a General Counsel, two Associate General Counsel, two Senior Counsel, and one Counsel.
Our Strategy
Because the foundation’s lawyers work closely with program teams across a wide range of grantmaking initiatives, the searches required identifying candidates who could combine technical legal expertise with strong collaborative instincts.
For the specialized roles, we focused on lawyers capable of advising on complex issues affecting philanthropic organizations, including private foundation tax rules and technology-related transactions. At the same time, candidates needed to be comfortable operating in a mission-driven environment where legal counsel works in close partnership with program leaders.
The searches drew candidates from both leading law firms and peer philanthropic organizations, with careful attention to cultural alignment and the foundation’s ethos of teamwork and collegiality.
Our Shared Success
Across four searches, John and Snyder successfully recruited lawyers who expanded the foundation’s legal capabilities while strengthening the team’s collaborative culture.
The hires added expertise across tax, technology transactions, data privacy, and nonprofit governance, enabling the legal department to support the foundation’s evolving programmatic work.
These placements helped the foundation continue to scale its legal function while maintaining the highly collegial and collaborative culture that has long defined the team.
Client Perspective
Our work with the Hewlett Foundation reflects a long-term partnership focused not only on recruitment but also on supporting the continued development of a strong, collaborative legal department serving one of the nation’s leading philanthropic institutions.
We are so appreciative for your help and support. You are honorary members of our team and have had such an impact in shaping us and readying us to meet the challenges and opportunities of the current moment.
Kristy Tsadik
General Counsel
William and Flora Hewlett Foundation
Recruited four key legal hires to strengthen and expand the foundation’s in-house legal team
Identified attorneys with expertise in nonprofit tax, technology transactions, and data privacy
Helped scale the legal department while preserving its collaborative, mission-driven culture
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