Founding Pro Bono Legal Counsel / General Counsel

Published: 6/14/2022

Legal

Job Description

Location: Remote (United States)
Job Type: Pro Bono Executive Leadership
Schedule: Initial Commitment of 3–10 Hours per quarter
Expected Transition: Paid Legal Counsel / General Counsel Position as Organizational Funding Permits
Compensation: Pro Bono during the initial startup phase; future compensation to be determined based on organizational growth, funding, experience, and scope of responsibilities.

Overview

RISE Foundation is seeking a highly qualified Founding Pro Bono Legal Counsel / General Counsel to provide legal guidance and help establish the organization's legal and compliance infrastructure as it grows.

This is a unique opportunity for an attorney who wants to help build a mission-driven national nonprofit from the ground up. The Founding Legal Counsel will serve as a trusted legal advisor to organizational leadership, helping protect the Foundation's interests while establishing sound governance, contracting, employment, risk management, and regulatory practices.

During the startup phase, this position requires approximately 3–10 hours per quarter with a flexible schedule. As RISE Foundation grows and funding becomes available, the organization intends to evaluate a transition into a paid legal leadership position.

Position Summary

The Founding Pro Bono Legal Counsel will serve as RISE Foundation's primary legal advisor and will work closely with the Founder & Chairman, executive leadership, and Board of Directors.

The role will provide legal guidance across nonprofit governance, contracts, employment matters, organizational policies, risk management, intellectual property, partnerships, and regulatory compliance.

The successful candidate will help establish the legal framework necessary for RISE Foundation to operate responsibly and scale nationally.

Primary Responsibilities

Legal & Governance

Provide legal guidance to the Founder, executive leadership, and Board of Directors.
Advise on nonprofit governance, corporate policies, and organizational structure.
Review and assist with development of organizational policies and procedures.
Support Board governance and corporate documentation.
Advise leadership regarding fiduciary duties and organizational risk.

Contracts & Partnerships

Draft, review, and negotiate organizational agreements and contracts.
Review partnership agreements, vendor agreements, memoranda of understanding, and service agreements.
Support negotiations with funders, contractors, vendors, and strategic partners.
Establish contract review and approval procedures.

Employment & Human Resources

Advise leadership regarding employment-related legal matters.
Review employment agreements, policies, handbooks, and related documentation.
Collaborate with Human Resources and Compliance leadership.
Provide guidance regarding applicable federal, state, and local employment requirements.

Nonprofit Compliance & Risk Management

Monitor legal and regulatory developments relevant to the organization's operations.
Identify potential legal and operational risks and recommend mitigation strategies.
Support compliance with applicable nonprofit laws and regulations.
Assist with privacy, data protection, intellectual property, and records-management matters.
Help establish appropriate legal documentation and compliance systems.

Organizational Growth

Provide legal guidance as RISE Foundation expands into new jurisdictions.
Support development of strategic partnerships and new programs.
Advise on fundraising, grants, sponsorships, and institutional relationships when legal review is required.
Help establish a scalable legal infrastructure for the organization's future growth.

Qualifications

Required

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
Good standing with the applicable state bar.
Strong legal research, writing, analytical, and communication skills.
Ability to provide practical, business-oriented legal advice.
Strong understanding of professional ethics and confidentiality.
Commitment to RISE Foundation's mission.

Preferred

Experience representing nonprofit organizations.
Experience with nonprofit governance and corporate law.
Experience with employment law, contracts, compliance, or regulatory matters.
Experience serving as General Counsel, outside counsel, or corporate counsel.
Experience with organizations operating across multiple states.
Prior board, nonprofit, or community leadership experience.

Important Professional Requirement

The selected attorney must be licensed and authorized to practice law in the applicable jurisdiction(s) for any legal services provided on behalf of RISE Foundation.

Where a matter requires specialized counsel or admission in another jurisdiction, the General Counsel may recommend or coordinate with appropriately licensed outside counsel.

Compensation & Transition

This position begins as a pro bono legal leadership opportunity requiring approximately 3–10 hours per week with a flexible schedule.

As RISE Foundation reaches established organizational and funding milestones, the Foundation intends to evaluate transitioning the position into a paid General Counsel or senior legal leadership role.

Any future compensation, employment status, and scope of the paid position will be formally established through an appropriate written agreement and subject to organizational funding and Board approval.

Why Join RISE Foundation?

As the Founding Legal Counsel, you will have the opportunity to help build the legal foundation of a growing national nonprofit from the ground up.

Your legal expertise will help shape the organization's governance, partnerships, policies, risk-management practices, and long-term sustainability.

You will have the opportunity to:

Serve as the organization's founding legal advisor.
Help establish a strong nonprofit governance framework.
Work directly with the Founder, Board, and executive leadership.
Shape contracts, policies, and legal systems from the organization's earliest stages.
Help protect an organization dedicated to serving youth and young adults.
Build meaningful nonprofit and community leadership experience.
Help create the legal infrastructure necessary for responsible national growth.
Be considered for a future paid General Counsel position as organizational funding and operational needs develop.

Hiring Company Description

RISE Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth and young adults ages 15–25 through mentorship, education, leadership development, career readiness, workforce opportunities, and community engagement.

Our mission is to remove barriers to success by connecting young people with the resources, relationships, and opportunities they need to thrive.

Through innovative programs, strategic partnerships, and dedicated leadership, RISE Foundation is building a growing national organization focused on creating meaningful and measurable community impact.

Equal Opportunity Statement

RISE Foundation is committed to equal opportunity and welcomes qualified attorneys from diverse professional backgrounds. Selection is based on qualifications, experience, professional standing, and alignment with the organization's mission and values.

\nCompany Description

RISE Foundation is a mission-driven organization dedicated to creating meaningful opportunities for young people and strengthening communities. We bring together passionate individuals who want to make an impact, develop their skills, and contribute to work that matters. Through collaboration, leadership development, education, service, and community engagement, RISE provides opportunities for people to grow while helping others rise.