Remote General Counsel – Nonprofit Governance & Risk

Disability Rights California; California (MO); On-site; USD 185,000 - 244,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k - 8% Match

Health benefits (HMO options)

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance (short-term and 


Flexible spending accounts

Pet Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Teladoc

Paid time off

PSLF eligible employer

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

Legal leadership

Executive communication

Contract review

Nonprofit governance

MCLE program experience

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school

Active California State Bar admission

Job description

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