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Board Recruitment

Invitation to Serve

Justice Access Foundation invites qualified individuals to consider service on its volunteer Board of Directors. The Foundation seeks experienced leaders who are committed to access to justice, institutional credibility, and sound nonprofit governance.

This is a governance role, not an advocacy role. Board members are expected to apply professional judgment to organizational stewardship, financial oversight, and mission compliance.

Ideal Candidate Profile

JAF seeks board candidates whose backgrounds demonstrate:

  • Senior leadership experience in legal aid organizations, law school clinics, bar associations, or the judiciary
  • Retired or transitioning executives with backgrounds in public interest law, nonprofit management, or foundation governance
  • Experience serving on the boards of nonprofit organizations, particularly those with public charity or public interest missions
  • Demonstrated commitment to institutional integrity and professional conduct

Qualifications

Required

  • Demonstrated professional experience relevant to JAF’s mission areas (legal, social services, nonprofit management, public administration, or related field)
  • Ability to read and understand nonprofit financial statements (balance sheet, income statement, IRS Form 990)
  • No prior history of fiduciary misconduct, regulatory action, or professional discipline
  • Ability to commit to quarterly board meeting attendance and advance preparation

Preferred

  • Prior board service with a California nonprofit organization
  • Experience with IRS 501(c)(3) compliance requirements
  • Knowledge of California nonprofit corporation law
  • Established professional reputation in law, public administration, or legal services

Governance Expectations

Board members are expected to:

  • Attend all quarterly board meetings and special meetings as called
  • Review all board materials in advance of each meeting
  • Complete annual conflict of interest disclosure forms
  • Exercise independent judgment in all board decisions
  • Maintain confidentiality of board deliberations as required by the Bylaws
  • Refrain from making unilateral commitments on behalf of the organization
  • Support JAF’s public support and fundraising goals through professional networks, consistent with board policy

Reputation Standards

JAF’s credibility depends on the professional standing of its board members. Board candidates are expected to maintain:

  • An unblemished professional and legal record
  • No history of involvement in regulatory actions, disciplinary proceedings, or financial misconduct
  • Standing in good reputation within their professional community
  • No material conflict of interest with JAF’s mission or operational partners

Financial Literacy Expectation

Board members are not required to hold CPA credentials or legal qualifications in tax law. However, all board members are expected to:

  • Read and interpret nonprofit financial statements with reasonable proficiency
  • Understand the structure and significance of IRS Form 990
  • Recognize and raise concerns about financial anomalies or governance risks
  • Apply prudent financial judgment in board decisions involving expenditures, contracts, and financial controls

Time Commitment

Board service at JAF requires:

  • Attendance at four (4) quarterly board meetings per year (in person or remote)
  • Approximately 4 to 6 hours per meeting, including preparation time
  • Periodic review of written reports and materials between meetings
  • Availability for special meetings or time-sensitive governance matters as required
  • Annual completion of conflict of interest and governance documentation

Independence Requirement

Board members must be independent of any commercial entity that has or seeks a financial relationship with JAF. Specifically:

  • No board member may hold a material financial interest in any entity transacting with JAF
  • No board member may serve simultaneously on the governing body of any entity in a business relationship with JAF without full board disclosure and approval
  • Board members who develop a conflict of interest during their service are required to disclose it promptly and, where appropriate, resign

How to Express Interest

Qualified candidates may contact JAF’s Board Development Committee. All inquiries are held in confidence. Candidate backgrounds are reviewed by the full Board in accordance with JAF’s governance procedures.

[Contact the Board Development Committee]