General Counsel
Disability Rights California
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Disability Rights California (DRC) seeks a General Counsel to serve as the organization's legal advisor and strategic partner, reporting to the CEO. You will guide governance, compliance, and risk management across the nonprofit.
You will partner with HR, finance, and leadership to ensure lawful, ethical operations, and to advance DRC's mission for people with disabilities statewide. Ideal candidates have a JD, California Bar admission, 10+ years of nonprofit legal experience, and a passion for
Qualifications
- Ten or more years of progressively responsible legal experience.
- Experience advising nonprofits, public interest organizations, government agencies, or mission-driven organizations.
- Strong understanding of California employment law.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary legal advisor to the CEO, Board of Directors, Human Resources, Finance, and leadership team.
- Provide practical legal advice to support 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.
- Oversee review, drafting, and negotiation of contracts, leases, partnerships, and vendor agreements.
- Manage relationships with outside counsel and coordinate legal strategy.
- Lead risk management efforts, including insurance, conflicts of interest, and professional liability concerns.
Skills
Education
Job description
People with disabilities, people of color, people in all protected classes, and formerly incarcerated people are encouraged to apply. Make a difference! We fight for the rights of people who have disabilities.... JOIN US!
At Disability Rights California (DRC), we are committed to creating an equitable, accessible, and inclusive experience for all applicants. Below, we’ve outlined important details to ensure you feel fully supported throughout the hiring process.
- American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation
- Alternative formats for interview materials (e.g., large print, Braille, digital files)
- Interview questions are provided prior to the interview
- Extended interview time
- A quiet or distraction-free interview setting
- Adjustments to the interview format for accessibility (e.g., pinning participants,)
- Assistance with reading or note-taking during interviews
If you require an accommodation due to a disability to complete this application OR you are experiencing issues submitting your application and accompanying materials, please e-mail: talent@disabilityrightsca.org . Please note: resume and cover letter are required. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Must reside in California.
Exempt; Regular; Full-time
$185,012 - $244,062
Note: As part of our commitment to internal equity, salary offers are determined through a structured analysis that considers each candidate’s relevant education and years of substantially similar experience for the position. We review the candidate’s resume to assess relevant experience in relation to current employees in comparable roles. This process ensures our compensation decisions are fair, consistent, and aligned with organizational equity standards.
- 401k - 8% Match
- Health benefits (HMO options)
- Additional Benefits: dental, vision, 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
- We offer ample vacation, Sick / Self Care time and holidays (including the last week in December)
- We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) - eligible employer.
- Meet the minimum requirements of the position for which they are applying
- Employed for more than 6 months
Open until filled. Applications should be received by October 5, 2026 to be considered for the first round of interviews. A resume and cover letter are reviewed and required. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Disability Rights California (DRC) defends, advances, and strengthens the rights and opportunities of people with disabilities.
DRC works for a world where all disabled people have power and are treated with dignity and respect. In this world, people with disabilities are supported, valued, included in their communities, afforded the same opportunities as people without disabilities, and make their own decisions.
DRC values all forms of human diversity. We are committed to a culture of belonging where all people are welcome. In order to be effective advocates for all people with disabilities, we must address discrimination in all its forms, including the unique challenges faced by people who experience the intersection of multiple systems of discrimination.
Executive
The General Counsel serves as the organization's legal advisor and strategic partner. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, this role provides legal guidance and risk management support to the CEO, Board of Directors, executive leadership team, Human Resources, and Finance. The General Counsel helps the organization achieve its mission while managing legal, compliance, governance, and operational risks. This position translates complex legal requirements into practical business advice and works collaboratively across the organization to support sound decision-making. This position is ideal for someone who is drawn to mission-driven work, organizational complexity, and who thrives strengthening legal compliance in a statewide non-profit.
- Serve as the primary legal advisor to the CEO, Board of Directors, Human Resources, Finance, and leadership team.
- Provide practical legal advice to support 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 compliance with 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.
None
The following describes general working conditions and requirements of the job, which can be performed with or without disability related reasonable accommodations. Duties will be performed in an office environment and remotely. Duties require regular communications over online platforms. Must be able to transport oneself to work-related meetings, training, and community events.
- 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.
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