Nonprofit

Representative Experience

• Served as outside general counsel for several tax-exempt organizations including a Texas-based community foundation, a large botanical society, and a multi-location healthcare organization
• Issued equivalency determinations for private foundations engaged in foreign grantmaking in a variety of countries in Africa, Europe, South America, and Asia
• Served as tax counsel for a New Orleans-based tax-exempt organization, including managing an organizational restructuring and change in tax status, taking it from a private foundation to a public charity
• Redesigned and implemented organization-wide employee benefits structure of an international nonprofit youth organization
• Created and obtained I.R.C §501(c)(3) status for multi-million dollar endowment fund to support a major regional charitable organization in Texas
• Formed West Virginia-based non-profits in support of technology-based economic development
• Counseled Boards of Directors and executive leadership in response to threats to the organization’s ability to deliver its mission, including disputes with major donors, fraud, governance disputes, and reputational attacks
• Advised numerous tax-exempt organizations about federal funding programs and helped Boards of Directors and executive staff determine which opportunities align with long-term strategy and short-term needs
• Organized county-wide land trust in Ohio as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, including crafting governing documents and recommended management structure
• Assisted multiple Texas I.R.C §501(c)(3) organizations with the formation of supporting organizations, to provide asset protection, enhanced fundraising, and more effective corporate governance
• Served as outside general counsel for university foundation of a West Virginia Land Grant institution
• Advised an organization’s executive staff and Board of Directors members regarding structuring and operational issues after the organization experienced a dramatic increase in contributions
• Created and obtained I.R.C §501(c)(3) status for Texas organizations that provide job training and opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities and other barriers to employment
• Advised nonprofit corporations on board and committee structure to encourage the involvement of outside experts to enhance their missions and governance
• Assisted nonprofit clients with issues related to governance, including board member education regarding legal duties and responsibilities, conflicts of interest guidance, and adherence to bylaws
• Represented a one-of-a-kind Kentucky-based trade organization of bourbon distillers, businesses, educators, and governmental entities in a variety of intellectual property matters
• Represented national educational nonprofit in a variety of intellectual property matters
• Represented multiple nonprofit colleges and universities in registering and protecting their names, logos, and associated brand marks
• Successfully defended 501(c)(3) organizations in IRS audits of their tax-exempt bonds to protect their tax-exempt status