Description

Dzokden is seeking a dedicated and experienced volunteer lawyer to provide pro bono legal counsel and support for our US-based operations. This critical role will help ensure Dzokden operates within legal compliance, mitigate risks, and effectively manage various legal aspects inherent to a growing global non-profit.  The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of US law and be adept at general corporate legal matters, with an interest in or ability to research international legal frameworks as needed.

Responsibilities

• Contract Drafting and Review – draft, review, and negotiate a variety of agreements and contracts, including:
  • Vendor agreements (e.g., for software, services, event venues)
  • Partnership agreements with other organizations
  • Licensing agreements for content or intellectual property
  • Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs)
  • Volunteer agreements and waivers.
• Provide legal guidance on volunteer and employment law matters, including:
  • Reviewing and drafting policies and procedures.
  • Advising on human relations, disciplinary actions, and terminations.
  • Ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws.
  • Assisting with classifications for independent contractors, volunteers and employees.
• General Legal Advisory:
  • Offer counsel on a broad range of general legal inquiries related to non-profit operations, governance, and compliance.
  • Advise on data privacy (e.g., GDPR, CCPA if applicable to US activities), intellectual property (copyrights, trademarks), and online legal considerations.
  • Assist with compliance issues related to non-profit status (e.g., 501(c)(3) regulations).
• Legal Research (Domestic & International):
  • Conduct thorough legal research on specific issues as they arise, particularly concerning US federal and state laws relevant to non-profits.
  • Ability to research and understand governing laws in other countries where Dzokden operates or has significant activities (e.g., Asia, Europe, Australia, India), particularly concerning aspects like data protection, charitable regulations, and cross-border agreements. While not expected to be an expert in all international laws, the ability to navigate and extract relevant information from foreign legal frameworks is highly valued.
• Risk Management:
  • Identify potential legal risks to the organization and recommend strategies for mitigation.
  • Assist in developing and implementing internal legal best practices.
• Work collaboratively with Dzokden’s leadership team, board members, and various departments (e.g., finance, social media, events) to provide timely and practical legal advice.

Why This Role Is Important

This role directly supports Rinpoche’s vision to create the Golden Age of peace and harmony on earth through the Kalachakra Tantra.   Your work helps Dzokden to inspire transformative experiences that cultivate deep inner realization through a strong compassionate and devoted heart.  The virtue generated through your Dharma service is dedicated to the accumulation of merit which is essential for the path to enlightenment.  You have the opportunity to practice the path through a mundane, samsaric role and see how it is possible to transform ordinary work into extraordinary opportunities.  This will help you learn to walk the real tantric path.