GENERAL LEGAL COUNSEL - Must have active license to practice law in California position at Esalen Institute.| Remote

_2026-01-15 bot

Esalen Institute GENERAL LEGAL COUNSEL - Must have active license to practice law in California

Experience: Highly Experienced

Pattern: Remote

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At Esalen, we believe in the power of our potential -- both in our staff and in our global community of students and faculty who turn to us for transformative learning experiences. More than 50 years ago, Esalen co-founders imagined a place inspired by Abraham Maslow’s psychology of peak experiences and Aldous Huxley’s belief in “human potentialities”, the unrealized capacities of our mind and body. Today we build on this legacy by creating deep connections in a world challenged by disconnection and isolation; reigniting awe and wonder to spark greater curiosity about ourselves and others; and asking the questions that can lead to transformative change both for an individual and society.     Esalen isn’t just a place to work, it’s an invitation to help change the world.\n OVERVIEW<div> This is a rare opportunity for a seasoned attorney to step out of conventional legal environments and serve as a trusted advisor at one of the most iconic centers for human potential, where law meets philosophy, psychology, and culture. We are seeking a General Legal Counsel who brings both legal expertise and  alignment with  Esalen Institute’s mission — an attorney drawn to practicing law in service of a living, evolving organization. The role is best suited for someone who approaches legal work with a pragmatic and thoughtful mindset. A human who balances risk with organizational realities, while supporting leadership in navigating nuanced operational and programmatic decisions. This is not a traditional in-house counsel role. At Esalen, the General Legal Counsel operates at the intersection of mission, community, and organizational complexity — advising on governance, employment, partnerships, land stewardship, and other legal matters critical to operating within a multi-faceted, mission-driven nonprofit. This position is ideal for someone who is personally aligned with Esalen’s values and interested in contributing to a place where professional work and mission-driven impact are closely aligned. </div> <div> </div> <div> You may be especially drawn to this role if you: <ul> <li> Are seeking to align your legal career more closely with purpose and personal values </li> <li> Are energized by human-centered, mission-driven environments </li> <li> Enjoy serving as a thought partner to leadership within a collaborative decision-making environment </li> <li> Value both professional contribution and personal growth </li> </ul> For the right candidate, this role offers the opportunity to bring legal expertise into alignment with purpose, place, and community. This position reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer. </div> KEY RESPONSIBILITIES<ul> <li>Serve as the legal advisor to the CEO, Senior Leadership Team, and Board of Directors on all legal, regulatory, and governance matters.</li> <li>Provide proactive, solution-oriented legal counsel across all organizational functions, including operations, human resources, finance, programming, contracts, partnerships, and risk management.</li> <li>Draft, review, negotiate, and oversee a broad range of legal agreements, including vendor and service contracts, faculty agreements, licensing and sponsorship agreements, waivers, releases, NDAs, and partnership arrangements.</li> <li>Ensure organizational compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including nonprofit governance, employment and labor law, health and safety, privacy, and reporting obligations.</li> <li>Partner closely with Human Resources to advise on employment-related matters, including policy development, investigations, disciplinary actions, performance management, and terminations, with an emphasis on fairness, consistency, and risk mitigation.</li> <li>Support and strengthen governance practices, including Board and committee operations, bylaws, corporate filings, policies, and adherence to nonprofit best practices.</li> <li>Manage relationships with outside counsel and specialized advisors, ensuring appropriate use, cost discipline, and alignment with organizational priorities.</li> <li>Identify, assess, and manage legal and operational risk across the organization, providing clear recommendations that balance legal exposure with Esalen’s mission, values, and operational realities.</li> <li>Advise on real estate, land use, environmental, and regulatory matters related to Esalen’s campus and long-term stewardship obligations.</li> <li>Collaborate with leadership to develop, review, and implement organizational policies and procedures that promote accountability, ethical conduct, and operational clarity.</li> <li>Contribute to strategic planning and organizational decision-making by identifying legal implications of new initiatives, programs, partnerships, and revenue models.</li> <li>Maintain the highest standards of professional ethics, confidentiality, and discretion.</li> <li>Approach all legal matters with a pragmatic, business-minded perspective focused with a North Star to maintain Esalen’s mission.</li> </ul> QUALIFICATIONS<ul> <li>Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and active license to practice law in California.</li> <li>7–10+ years of progressively responsible legal experience, with demonstrated ownership of complex legal matters rather than narrow task execution.</li> <li>Significant experience in nonprofit, mission-driven, or values-based organizations, or equivalent in-house experience where legal advice directly supported executive decision-making.</li> <li>Demonstrated expertise in core in-house domains, including:</li> <li>Nonprofit governance and compliance</li> <li>Contract drafting and negotiation</li> <li>Employment and labor law</li> <li>Risk assessment and mitigation</li> <li>Regulatory compliance.</li> <li>Proven ability to advise senior leadership and boards, translating legal risk into clear, practical options rather than abstract legal theory.</li> <li>Strong business and operational judgment, with a track record of enabling progress while protecting the organization.</li> <li>Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to influence without authority and deliver difficult guidance clearly and constructively.</li> <li>High ethical standards, discretion, and emotional intelligence, particularly when navigating sensitive personnel, governance, or reputational matters.</li> <li>Ability to operate independently as the organization’s primary legal authority, setting priorities, managing workload, and knowing when to escalate or engage outside counsel.</li> </ul> FLEXIBILITY<ul> <li>Esalen functions best when all staff work toward the common mission of encouraging everyone to reach our highest human potential. With this goal in mind, this job description is not intended to cover or contain an all-encompassing listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice based on Esalen’s and your team’s needs.</li> </ul> PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS<ul> <li>While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to sit for extended periods, engage in sustained computer-based work, participate in meetings, and occasionally navigate Esalen’s campus, including uneven terrain.</li> </ul> COMPENSATION<ul> <li>This role offers a generous benefits package including competitive pay commensurate with experience, medical and dental insurance, and paid time off.  In alignment with Esalen’s mission in advancing human potential, staff are encouraged to engage in a wide range of personal and professional development programs designed by Esalen faculty and staff.</li> </ul> \n<div>$120,000 - $140,000 a year</div>\nEsalen provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without  regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, sexual orientation, gender identity or  gender expression.

GENERAL LEGAL COUNSEL - Must have active license to practice law in California job opportunity at Esalen Institute.

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