Specialized nonprofit legal support

For the last forty-five years, I have honed a very particular set of skills, skills that permit me to help you now.

1. Advising Nonprofit Public Charities

I have advised a large number of nonprofit public charities on

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    Forming New Entities, Preferably Corporations, in All States;

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    Dissolving 501(C)(3) Entities and Guiding Asset Transfers;

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    Board Members, Meetings, and Matters, Including Notices and Records;

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    Private Inurement and Self-dealing;

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    Obtaining and Maintaining 501(C) Tax Exemption;

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    Annual State and Federal Filings in California and Arizona;

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    “Statutory” or Voting Members;

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    Volunteer Arrangements;

  • Employment Relationships
  • Indemnification of Directors and Officers
  • Business Operations and “Ubit” Tax Issues
  • Reinstating Lost 501(C)(3) Exemptions—Note Time is of the Essence
  • Fundraising and Donations
  • Lobbying and Political Activities
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2. Advising Nonprofit Private Foundations

In addition to the above issues, I have advised private foundations on

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    Self-dealing Rules and “Disqualified Persons” Applicable to Foundations;

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    Required Annual Distributions in Support of the Mission;

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    Grants Made to Non-501(C)(3) Recipients;

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    Investments in High-risk Securities and Owning Interests in Privately Held, Nonpublic Businesses;

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    Reinstating Lost 501(C)(3) Exemptions—note Time is of the Essence.

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    Lobbying and improvidently granted funds.

3. Advising Churches and Spiritual Organizations

I have advised churches, ashrams, and unincorporated associations on:

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    The Formation and Management of Assemblies of Like-minded Individuals for Worship or Service;

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    Formation and Management of Monastic Entities;

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    Formation and Operations of Corporations Sole;

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    Spiritually Related Business Operations and “UBIT” Tax Issues;

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    Clergy, Ministers, and Pastoral Agents Concerning Employment and Misconduct;

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    Developing and Implementing Safety Procedures and Protocols;

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    Legal Claims Brought by Members, Followers, Donors, and Other Organizations, With Referral as Needed;

  • Legal Claims to Church Property
  • Responding Appropriately to Defamation, Slander, Libel, and Similar Claims in a Religious or Spiritual Context
  • Private and Public Discrimination Based on Religion in Employment, Housing, Public Services, and Zoning
  • Anticipating and Avoiding Litigation, by Developing Policies and Procedures to Comply With Legal Requirements, and Conducting Internal Investigations
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4. Advising Spiritual Practitioners

My familiarity with different religious traditions and the variety of religious expression permits me to appreciate each client’s unique situation and adjust my approach to address the context. I have enjoyed assisting people in conducting religious-related business activities.

In this regard, I have advised on

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    Negotiating and Drafting Agreements and Other Legal Documents That Reflect the Parties’ Goals and Spirit.

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    The Filing and Prosecution of Trademarks Before the US Patent and Trademark Office, as Well as Obtaining Madrid Protocol Rights in Foreign Countries, for Marks Arising in Religious and Spiritual Contexts;

  • The Registration of Copyrights Through the Library of Congress for Works Arising in Religious and Spiritual Contexts
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