Whether you are just getting started or need help running your established social enterprise, my goal is to provide highly qualified, professional legal counsel at every stage in the process to ensure a solid foundation for your organization, minimize risk and prepare for growth. 

 
Which Legal Structure Is Best for Our Organization?

As a solution-oriented attorney, it’s my job to ensure that your legal structure provides you best possible framework in which to meet your social objectives and to ultimately help you succeed.  To this end, I will help you:

• Select and maintain a business entity (non-profit corporation, for profit corporation, LLC, L3C, B corporation, partnership, etc.) or structure a hybrid entity
• Structure joint venture arrangements between nonprofit corporations and for-profit corporations
• Draft business plans and operating agreements to create a sustainable organization
• Ensure that your business entity will best fulfill your business and social objectives

 
How Can We Protect Our Business Name, Logo, Brands, Ideas, and Other Intellectual Property?

It is important to protect your good will, the commercial value of your work, and your reputation in the marketplace.  I can help you:

• Register and verify the status of trademarks, trade names, domain names, and copyrights
• Determine whether other proprietary information should be protected

 
How Do We Comply with State and Federal Laws Regarding Fundraising?

In order for you to comply with state and federal laws regarding registration and record-keeping of the funds raised and spent, I can help you with:

• State fundraising registration and reporting
• Federal tax law substantiation requirements
• Due diligence with regard to crowdfunding campaigns and seeking and receiving impact investments

 

How Do We Institute and Maintain Good Governance and Accountability Practices?

Businesses devoted to positive social change should institute and maintain good governance practices, including transparent decision making, accurate financial reporting and accepted auditing practices.  I can help you:

• Review Articles of Incorporation and/or Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws
• Verify that state corporate filings including annual reports have been made
• Review governance-related policies, including conflicts and ethics

 

How Can We Remain Legally Compliant While Engaging in Lobbying and Advocacy Activities?

Exceeding legal limits on lobbying and advocacy can endanger your organization’s tax status.  When you work with me, I will:

• Assist with lobbying registration and disclosure
• Monitor compliance with IRS lobbying and political campaign activity rules

What Legal Employment Issues Should We Consider When Hiring Employees, Volunteers and Interns?

Stay compliant with the relevant employment laws that affect your employees and your business, including the engagement of volunteers and interns.  As your attorney, I will:

• Review employee manuals, handbooks and policies
• Review whether individuals are properly classified as employees and independent contractors
• Review employment contracts, agreements and offer letters

 

How Can We Avoid Jeopardizing Our Tax-Exempt Status?  Or Regain It If It Has Been Lost?

I work closely with a trusted network of unaffiliated lawyers to provide whatever additional legal services in the area of tax law are necessary, including:

• Acquiring and maintain tax-exempt status
• Monitoring Form 990 compliance and other filing requirements
• Communicating with the IRS

 
What Are the Legal Implications in the United States If We Make International Charitable Donations and Undertake Overseas Projects?

There are a variety of state and federal laws that govern these operations, many of which are related to U.S. anti-terrorism efforts and to taxation.  I can help you:

• Monitor compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
• Facilitate compliance with U.S. law by identifying terrorist financing risks and clarifying obligations and best practices

What Other Legal Issues May Arise in the Course of Running Our Business?

Having me on your team as a trusted legal advisor means that I will also:

• Draft and review contracts, including non-compete and non-disclosure agreements, vendor contracts, leases, purchase agreements, separation agreements or other types of contracts
• Review your website, social media content and policies, and e-mail marketing campaigns
• Represent you in alternative dispute resolution proceedings such as mediation or arbitration
• Provide answers to your general legal questions in order to avoid costly litigation
• Assist with local code compliance, business license or other issues between the business and the city, county, state or other governmental regulatory body
• Notify you of changes in the law which you might not otherwise know that affect your business
• Respond to threatened litigation and work within my trusted network of attorneys to handle existing lawsuits
• Navigate legal barriers that affect day-to-day operations, including other barriers to growth and success

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Not sure which services your organization needs or where to begin?  Contact me to schedule a free consultation.