General Counsel

Disability Rights California

. Serve as the primary legal advisor to the CEO, Board of Directors, Human Resources, Finance, and leadership team .

Posted 9/15/2026full-timeCalifornia • United StatesSeniorLead💰 $185,012 - $244,062 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in nonprofit governance, California employment law, and regulatory compliance, while providing strategic legal advice to executive leadership and the Board of Directors. Capable of managing legal risks and developing training on legal and compliance topics.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Juris Doctor (J.D.)California State Bar MembershipNonprofit Governance ExpertiseCalifornia Employment Law KnowledgeLegal Risk Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Legal AdvisoryContract ReviewRegulatory ComplianceRisk MitigationDispute ResolutionPolicy InterpretationWorkplace InvestigationsFiduciary DutiesTraining DevelopmentAudit Support

Soft Skills

Excellent CommunicationJudgmentDiscretionRelationship-Building

Certifications & Qualifications

Active California State Bar Membership

Industry Keywords

Nonprofit Compliance501(c)(3) RegulationsEmployment LawGovernance ResponsibilitiesPublic Interest Organizations

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as the primary legal advisor to the CEO, Board of Directors, Human Resources, Finance, and leadership team
Provide practical legal advice supporting organizational goals and strategic initiatives
Identify legal, regulatory, and operational risks and recommend mitigation strategies
Support organizational decision-making by balancing legal requirements with operational needs
Advise the Board on governance responsibilities, fiduciary duties, bylaws, policies, and nonprofit compliance
Ensure compliance with federal and California nonprofit regulations, including lobbying and political activity requirements
Monitor legal and regulatory changes and advise leadership on necessary actions
Support responses to audits, regulatory reviews, and government inquiries
Partner with Human Resources and leadership on employment matters
Advise on employee relations, workplace investigations, disability accommodation, leave administration, policy interpretation, performance management, and disciplinary actions
Provide guidance on California and federal employment laws
Oversee review, drafting, and negotiation of contracts, leases, partnerships, and vendor agreements
Manage relationships with outside counsel and coordinate legal strategy
Evaluate claims and disputes and recommend resolution strategies
Lead risk management efforts, including insurance, conflicts of interest, and professional liability concerns
Develop and deliver training on legal, governance, compliance, and risk-related topics
Support the MCLE provider program and review courses for MCLE eligibility
Maintain legal records and oversee responses to subpoenas and service of process
Report directly to the Chief Executive Officer
No supervisory responsibilities

Requirements

What you’ll need

Must reside in California
Resume and cover letter are required
Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school
Active membership in the California State Bar and in good standing
Ten or more years of progressively responsible legal experience
Excellent communication, judgment, discretion, and relationship-building skills
Experience advising nonprofits, public interest organizations, government agencies, or mission-driven organizations
Knowledge of nonprofit governance and 501(c)(3) regulatory requirements
Strong understanding of California employment law
Experience advising executive leaders and governing boards
Ability to transport oneself to work-related meetings, training, and community events
Ability to perform duties in an office environment and remotely, with regular communication over online platforms

Benefits

Comp & perks

401k - 8% Match
Health benefits (HMO options)
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Basic life insurance
Short-term and long-term disability insurance
Flexible spending accounts (medical, dependent care and commuter)
Health Reimbursement Accounts for some HMO Plans
Pet Insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Teladoc
Ample vacation, Sick / Self Care time and holidays (including the last week in December)
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) - eligible employer
Reasonable accommodations, including ASL interpretation, alternative interview formats, advance interview questions, extended interview time, quiet interview settings, and reading or note-taking assistance