The law should be simple, but it isn’t. Unnecessary complexity decreases access to our legal system, making it serve the few and not the many.
Through legal services for individuals, nonprofits and small businesses, and also educational efforts, I work to make the law more understandable, accessible and fair.
Purpose-Driven Legal Assistance
We believe in the power of law to make a positive difference, especially for nonprofit organizations and individuals planning their estates. Our purpose-driven approach means we go beyond just providing legal assistance; we strive to understand and support the unique missions and aspirations of our clients. Whether it’s navigating complex nonprofit regulations or crafting personalized estate plans, we’re dedicated to helping our clients achieve their goals while making a meaningful impact in their communities.
Complete the form below to begin the conversation about advancing your purpose-driven plan with Todd Gallinger, Esq. We understand that every client and organization is unique, and we’re eager to tailor our legal services to meet your specific needs and objectives. Whether you’re seeking guidance on nonprofit compliance, estate planning, or any other legal matter, we’re here to listen, advise, and empower you to make a difference. Let’s work together to turn your vision into reality.
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Professional Experience
Principal Attorney at Gallinger Law Long Beach, CA
December 2005 to 2011, 2015 to Present
Provided legal counsel to clients on a wide range of complex matters, focusing on serving nonprofit organizations and public interest work. Assisted individuals with immigration matters, specializing in family and business immigration but including pro-bono representation for asylees and victims of human trafficking. Litigated immigration and naturalization delays in every district court in CA, including class action lawsuits co-counseling with ACLU and Asian Law Caucus. Represented nonprofits in initial formation and charitable approval, employment issues, political involvement, board management and ongoing regulatory compliance. Managed law firm staff including to two associate, two full-time support staff, and numerous contract associates and part-time administrative staff.
Director of Chapter Development - Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)
Washington, DC, January 2012 to September 2015
Senior management position with largest American Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, reporting to National Executive Director. Responsible for managing development and advising on operations for CAIR’s 29 local affiliates. Primary trainer within organization of over 200 staff and board members. Established and administered online document and resource sharing system. Created, with expert input, first organization wide policies covering all substantive areas of operations and programming. Drafted operative legal documents governing relationships with affiliates and vendors. Developed toolkits and guides covering human resources, board governance, staff and board recruitment, financial controls, political advocacy and government relations, and volunteer management. Primary planner and host for annual multi-day national training and business meeting with over 75 attendees.
Education
Claremont School of Theology/Bayan Claremont
Claremont, CA, June 2019
Masters of Arts, Religion – Islamic Studies & Leadership
• Coursework including: Immigration as Human Rights Crisis, Race and Religion, Interreligious Dialogue and Leadership, Feminist Theologies in North America
• Thesis on Adoption and the Care of Orphans and Foundlings in Islamic Legal Tradition.
George Washington University Law School
Washington, DC, June 2005
Juris Doctor, Cum Laude
• Coursework including: Islamic Law, Immigration Law I & II, International Business Transactions, Trust & Estates
• Honored for Contributions to the Muslim Law Student Association
University of California, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA, December 2000
Bachelor of Arts, Religious Studies, Cum Laude
• Study abroad at Hebrew University of Jerusalem
• Thesis on historical collection of Qur’an, review of Hadith literature and archeological/textual evidence.
Memberships/Recognitions
State Bar of California
December 2005- Present
State Bar of New York
December 2007- Present
Member of Future50 – USC’s Center for Religion and Civic Culture
2014-2015
Recognized as one of 50 young interfaith leaders bringing social change to Southern California.
Super Lawyer – Rising Star in Nonprofit Law
2013, 2014, 2017, 2020, 2021, 2022
Award based on peer recognition.
Volunteer Experience
Board Chair, The Nonprofit Partnership
2019 to Present
Led board efforts for Strategic Planning. Work with staff and volunteers to build nonprofit capacity thoughout Southern California.
Instructor, Muslim Youth Camp of California
July 2014 to July 2019
Instructor primarily for adult and college age campers for week long youth family camp. Teach courses and lead discussion groups on Islamic law and theology and its role in the lives of contemporary Muslims.
Board Member, Progressive Interfaith Alliance of Orange County
2016 to 2017
Founding Board Member of Organization in 2006. Rejoined the Board after returning to private practice of law in California.
Board Member, Muslim Bar Association of Southern California
December 2015 to 2017
Founding Board Member of Organization in 2006. Rejoined the Board after returning to private practice of law in California.
President of CAIR-CA PAC
June 2010 to January 2012
Volunteer President for the largest Political Action Committee representing the interests of American Muslims. Supervised board meetings and volunteer activities, organized candidate events, administered website. Oversaw publication of “American Muslim Voter Guides” in 11 California Counties for 2010 Elections.
Candidate for Irvine City Council
November 2008
Recruited and organized dozens of volunteers for field campaign. Raised over $70,000 in less than four months. Designed print brochures and mailers. Earned over 22,000 votes.
Board Member at New Horizons Elementary School - Irvine
June 2008 to June 2011
Participated in management of one of the top performing private schools in Southern California. Chaired Community Outreach/Communications and Strategic Planning committees.
Radio Host of “Consensus” at One Legacy Radio
September 2010 to July 2011
Hosted online radio show and podcast on national and international politics aimed at educating and encouraging activism.
Advisor & Organizer with Muslim Anti-Racism Collaborative
December 2014 to Present
Event organizer and speaker at day-long SoCal Muslim Anti-Racism Training (Get SMART) in May 2015. Consulted on online volunteer recruiting/management and fundraising.
Legal Columnist with InFocus Newspaper
December 2006 – 2010
Monthly column on legal matters for largest regular publication for American Muslims in California.
Presentations
UC Berkeley – Institutionalizing Islamophobia: Critiquing the Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) Framework and Emerging Programs
February 2016
Presented paper, accepted for Publication (forthcoming) “Reflection Irrationality: CVE as Discursive Mirror.”
Western State College of Law - National Security Symposium
April 2014
Speaker on NSA Surveillance panel, comments published in Law Review.
Claremont Graduate University – Religions in Conversations Conference
February 2015
Presented paper “Imagining Islam – First Amendment, State Power, and Countering Violent Extremism.”
Parliament of World Religions– Religions in Conversations Conference
February 2015
Two trainings on Social Media Use by Religious Institutions
Islamic Institute of Orange County - When is Marriage a Crime?
2014
Public debate on civil marriage, polygamy and the practice of Islamic legal norms by American Muslims