Law Advisor

**Volunteer Role**
**Job Description Volunteer Position**: Law Advisor and Core Team Member
**Organization**: Vandanam Organization
**Location**: Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India (Remote work)
**Commitment**: 5-10 hours per week, pro bono
**Start Date**: Immediate (as of May 2025)

**About Vandanam**

Vandanam, founded in January 2023 by Shreyansh Jain, is a non-profit dedicated to fostering a harmonious world through five pillars: Philosophical Exploration (Darshan Vandanam), Environmental Justice (Paryavaran Vandanam), Social Justice (Nyaya Vandanam), Media Literacy (Samvad Vandanam), and Skill Development (Kaushal Vandanam). Inspired by Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family), our vision is a world where every individual is empowered to realize their potential, contribute to society, and live in unity with all beings. Starting in India for the first five years (2023-2028), we aim to address challenges in education, healthcare, environment, and social equity, with plans to expand globally thereafter. Join us to build a transformative movement under one unified vision.

**Role Overview**

We seek a highly experienced lawyer to serve as a Volunteer Law Advisor and Core Team Member, playing a pivotal role in establishing Vandanam as a globally recognized non-profit trust. This volunteer will advise on the legal formation of the organisation, ensuring autonomy, scalability, and compliance, while contributing to the core “kitchen team” that drives Vandanam’s growth. With high emotional intelligence (EQ), a commitment to serving a greater purpose, and alignment with our centralized leadership model, you will help shape Vandanam’s journey from India to the world stage.

**Key Responsibilities**
- **Legal Advisory for Trust Formation**:

- Advise on structuring Vandanam as a trust under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882, ensuring autonomy from excessive government control (unlike Companies Act frameworks).
- Draft a trust deed and charter that reflect Vandanam’s vision (Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam), purpose, and governance, designed to attract global attention and funding.
- Ensure compliance with the Income Tax Act, 1961 (Section 12A/80G) and FCRA, 2010 for tax exemptions and foreign contributions.
- Develop a governance model that supports centralized leadership under Shreyansh Jain while allowing scalability for global operations.
- Recommend strategies to harmonise the trust with international non-profit frameworks, ensuring compliance with local laws in future target countries.
- **Strategic Legal Guidance**:

- Provide ongoing legal advice for Vandanam’s five pillars, particularly Nyaya Vandanam (Social Justice), including legal aid clinics and advocacy for marginalized communities.
- Review contracts, partnerships, and policies to ensure legal compliance and alignment with Vandanam’s values.
- Advise on intellectual property, data protection, and regulatory requirements for global expansion.
- **Core Team Contribution**:

- Collaborate with the founder and core team to shape Vandanam’s strategy, programs, and partnerships, acting as a trusted advisor and executor.
- Participate in high-level planning sessions, contributing legal and strategic insights to drive growth.
- Foster a cohesive team culture, aligning all efforts with Vandanam’s unified vision and centralised leadership.
- **Networking and Advocacy**:

- Leverage your legal and non-profit networks to secure partnerships with governments, NGOs, and corporations for funding, CSR, and program support.
- Represent Vandanam in legal and non-profit forums, enhancing credibility and visibility.
- Advocate for policy changes that support Vandanam’s mission, particularly in social justice and skill development.
- **Capacity Building**:

- Mentor volunteers and staff on legal literacy, ensuring grassroots teams understand rights and compliance.
- Develop training materials for Nyaya Vandanam programs, empowering communities with legal knowledge.

**Qualifications**
- **Experience**:

- 10-15 years in non-profit law, trust formation, or international legal frameworks, with expertise in India’s regulatory environment (e.g., Indian Trusts Act, FCRA).
- Proven success in setting up or advising NGOs/trusts with global operations, ensuring autonomy and compliance.
- Experience drafting charters, bylaws, or governance documents for scalable non-profits.
- Strong networks in legal, non-profit, and government sectors in India and globally.
- **Skills**:

- Deep knowledge of non-profit governance, tax exemptions, and cross-border funding regulations.
- Exceptional analytical and drafting skills for legal documents and policies.
- High EQ, with empathy, collaboration, and conflict resolution abilities.
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving to navigate complex legal and cultural landscapes.
- **Mindset and Values**:

- Passionate about serving humanity, driven by Vandanam’s mission and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
- Committed to pro bono work, prioritising impact over fina