Non-Profit

Overview

We understand the business side of non-profits, and we offer creative approaches to guide you in managing governance, financial and operational issues, enabling you to fulfill your organization’s mission.

We offer business-savvy counseling that recognizes both the unique challenges and opportunities for private foundations, public charities, trade associations, educational institutions, religious organizations, as well as professional and political organizations. Compliance with state and federal laws on annual reporting, board governance, fundraising, and the tax code are challenging, and we advise on every aspect of keeping you on the right side regulators. On the opportunity side, we have rich experience in the relatively new areas of social enterprise, and alternative financing of the missions of both member-focused and community-focused organizations. While our tax attorneys provide essential services to non-profits, our corporate lawyers offer a broader perspective on building the business side for long-term sustainability.

Experience

National outside IP and media counsel for advocacy groups
Serves as outside counsel for all media, merchandising, blogging, copyright, trademark, and social media inquiries for several national conservative non-profit groups, including Tea Party Patriots and Center for Self Governance.
Obtained jury verdict in favor of Tea Party Patriots in trademark and defamation jury trial
Successfully defended non-profit advocacy group against claim that it did not own rights to its name and that it had defamed a former director. Jury found that "Tea Party Patriots" trademark did not belong to former board member and restored all rights to the mark. The defamation claims were dismissed upon motion for directed verdict.
Amicus Curiae brief before the United States Supreme Court
Wrote amicus curiae brief in support of challenge to Minnesota statutes limiting free speech activities near voting areas.
Tax litigation
Co-counsel in federal lawsuit seeking redress against the IRS and individual defendants for unconstitutional viewpoint discrimination against non-profit educational and advocacy groups.

Representing a large, international aircraft parts manufacturer in complex property tax dispute.

Representing one of the world's largest religious organizations in an unprecedented sales and use tax case.