General Counsel

Job Description

• Own and oversee all legal matters at CALSTART, with broad scope across multiple functional areas including corporate governance • Provide strategic counsel to leadership, senior management, and key decision-makers on corporate legal, HR and business matters and direction and guidance on corporate governance • Work collaboratively with the contracts department to oversee the review and approval of various contracts, focusing on legal review of grant agreements, including government and state-specific contracts in California • Provide expert guidance on Request for Proposals (RFPs), reviewing terms and conditions to ensure alignment with company policies and prevent operational hardships • Ensure legal compliance with grant requirements by collaborating with project leads, managers, and the finance team to build capacity for policy adherence and develop corrective action plans when necessary • Establish company policies to maintain integrity and prevent conflicts of interest with member or partner organizations • Identify risks early and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements • Advise and support HR teams on employment law matters, particularly in California • Research and interpret laws and regulations to guide decisions and mitigate risks • Assess when to consult with outside counsel and manage those relationships effectively • Represent the organization in litigation, negotiations, and other legal matters, coordinating with outside counsel when necessary • Proactively handle additional duties as the sole legal expert in a rapidly growing organization

Qualifications

• Experience as in-house counsel or transitioning from practicing attorney to in-house counsel (commercial experience required) • Experience reviewing and approving contracts in California at the state, national, and international levels • Practical experience and deep knowledge of government contracting laws and principles • Experience managing grants and government contracts; US Federal and state contract experience preferred • Expertise in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Code of Federal Regulations (CFR); bonus for 2 CFR part 200 experience • Experience and knowledge of Employment and Contract Law, with a preference for California-specific experience • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills • Excellent interpersonal, writing, and presentation skills for effective communication and collaboration with stakeholders • High moral standards, acting with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality • Proven ability to manage time effectively and meet deadlines • JD and admission to a state bar • Licensed to practice law in California • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite

Benefits

• 11 paid holidays • Generous Accrued Time Off increasing with years of service • Generous paid sick time • Annual day of service