what kind of lawyer provides advice to charities

by Asa McDermott 5 min read

In California, the Attorney General has primary responsibility for supervising charities, charitable trusts, and professional fundraisers that solicit donations on their behalf.

Why use our lawyers for charities and estates?

Mar 10, 2022 · Find a Lawyer and Affordable Legal Aid. Learn what questions to ask when choosing a lawyer. And find organizations that give free legal advice and may help you find a free or low-cost attorney. What to Look for in a Lawyer. Before looking for an attorney, decide what kind you need. Common fields include: Criminal law. Family law. Landlords and ...

Why hire our not-for-profit and charity lawyers?

Nonprofit / Charities Law Trusts and Estates Lawyer P. Newman Bankston Egerton, McAfee, Armistead & Davis, P.C.

What does a nonprofit lawyer do?

Does your charitable organization need legal advice?

image

What are the ethical issues of nonprofit organizations?

Ethical Issues in the Nonprofit Sector

There are six areas in particular where ethical issues arise in the nonprofit sector: compensation; conflicts of interest; publications and solicitation; financial integrity; investment policies; and accountability and strategic management.

What is an attorney called?

In the United States, the terms lawyer and attorney are often used interchangeably. For this reason, people in and out of the legal field often ask, “is an attorney and a lawyer the same thing?”. In colloquial speech, the specific requirements necessary to be considered a lawyer vs attorney aren't always considered.

What is a 501 c )( 3 nonprofit?

Section 501(c)(3) is one of the tax law provisions granting exemption from the federal income tax to nonprofit organizations that exist for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes, among others. See the IRS's website for more information on the designation of charitable organizations.

How can I get free legal advice in California?

California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc.

Phone number is (415) 777-2752. Central California Legal Services - Another non-profit law firm that offers free services and representation. They provide legal assistance to low income families and others in the following counties across the state.

Which is higher lawyer or attorney?

A lawyer is an individual who has earned a law degree or Juris Doctor (JD) from a law school. The person is educated in the law, but is not licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania or another state. An attorney is an individual who has a law degree and has been admitted to practice law in one or more states.May 9, 2020

Can I put JD after my name?

JD can go after a lawyer's name, but it is usually only used in academic settings. Even though a legal degree is a doctorate, you do not usually address law degree holders as "doctor." Lawyers do not normally put Esq. after their name and many attorneys consider it old-fashioned.

What are the 3 types of nonprofits?

There Are Three Main Types of Charitable Organizations

Most organizations are eligible to become one of the three main categories, including public charities, private foundations and private operating foundations.
Jun 4, 2018

Is a 501c3 an S or C corporation?

No, a nonprofit organization is not a C corporation. As mentioned above, nonprofits operate under section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code and many of them operate under a tax exempt status. C Corporations pay taxes under Chapter C of the IRS tax code, which is where the name comes from.May 8, 2021

What is a 503 c 3?

A 501(c)(3) organization is a United States corporation, trust, unincorporated association or other type of organization exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of Title 26 of the United States Code. It is one of the 29 types of 501(c) nonprofit organizations in the US.

How can I get a legal question answered for free?

ABA Free Legal Answers is a website on which you can submit your questions about civil (non-criminal) legal issues and receive answers from pro bono lawyers in your state. It's EASY. Legal questions are submitted online – all you need is an internet connection.

Who is eligible for legal aid in California?

Depending on grant restrictions for our services, you may qualify for help if your income is less than 125% or 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. You may qualify for assistance, regardless of income, for health-related matters, or if you are a senior in Fresno, Madera, Kings, Merced or Tulare County.

What is a retainer for a lawyer?

Definition. A fee that the client pays upfront to an attorney before the attorney has begun work for the client.

Our Methodology

Recognition by Best Lawyers is based entirely on peer review. Our methodology is designed to capture, as accurately as possible, the consensus opinion of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same geographical area and legal practice area.

Practice Area Definition

The nonprofit and charities practice involves all respects of legal works relating to nonprofit and charitable activities.

Maintaining Good Corporate Governance

Our not-for-profit and charity law practice includes a significant amount of corporate and governance work. Our lawyers regularly provide strategic advice to help clients stay in compliance with the complex regulatory regimes that apply to charitable and not-for-profit organizations.

Commercial Services

Charitable and not-for-profit organizations occasionally have similar needs to those of for-profit businesses. As a full-service law firm, Mills & Mills LLP has the insight and ability to meet the commercial needs of our charitable and not-for-profit clients. This may include a lease review, handling employment matters or contract negotiation.

Proactive Risk Management

As with all our clients, we believe in a proactive risk management approach to address potential problems early and limit exposure. If disputes arise requiring intervention, we represent clients in conflict resolution including alternative dispute resolution , administrative proceedings and litigation.

Protecting the Interests of Charities Named as Estate Beneficiaries

Our lawyers also have extensive experience at the intersection between charities and estates. We regularly advise clients of their legal rights and obligations with respect to funds received from charitable bequests under a Will, and we work diligently to ensure the full intended value of the bequest is received.

Experienced Lawyers for Charities and Not-for-profit Corporations

We advise already established and yet to be established charities and not-for-profit organizations on a wide range of issues, including:

Contact the Charitable and Not-for-profit Lawyers at Mills & Mills LLP

For more information on how we can help you or your organization, contact us at 416-863-0125 or email us. We look forward to assisting you.

What can a corporate lawyer do for you?

A corporate lawyer will be able to help you with issues related to the formation of your corporation, general corporate governance issues and corporate compliance issues.

What is a disability attorney?

The Social Security Disability system can be a particularly complex system in which to navigate. An attorney who specializes in Social Security Disability issues can help you with any step in the Social Security Disability process, including assisting you with eligibility issues, launching an appeal of a decision to deny you benefits and dealing with the reduction or termination of your benefits.

What is an estate planning lawyer?

The estate planning lawyer specializes in wills and trusts, and can help you to draw up a will to pass on your assets. Among other estate planning legal services, this type of lawyer can help you set up a trust which will help take care of your children’s financial needs.

What is an IP lawyer?

Also known as an IP attorney, an intellectual property lawyer can advise you with regard to issues relating to intellectual property, such as copyrights, trademarks, patents, industrial design and trade secrets.

What is an employment lawyer?

Employment Lawyer. Whether you’re a company that’s having a problem with an employee, or an individual who’s having problems with the company you work for, an employment lawyer can generally provide advice about legal issues which arise from an employment contract or within an employment relationship.

What is a worker's compensation lawyer?

If you’ve been injured while on the job, or have had to face the death of a loved one as a result of a workplace accident or occupational disease, a lawyer who specializes in workers compensation law can help you navigate the issues you face, such as the extent of the employer’s fault and the amount of benefits to which you are entitled.

Do doctors make mistakes?

Doctors do occasionally make mistakes, and if you’re facing the consequences of a medical mistake such as a medical misdiagnosis or inaccurate treatment, a lawyer who specializes in medical malpractice issues can be particular helpful.

What can a lawyer do for a nonprofit?

A lawyer can help identify, prevent, mitigate, and evaluate risks for your organization. While most organizations have procured liability insurance, a lawyer can help you put sound policies into place that can help prevent and manage risks before they turn into a crisis for your nonprofit.

Do nonprofits have an attorney?

While most nonprofit organizations do not have a full-time attorney on staff, many nonprofits find that it is helpful to have an ongoing relationship with an attorney to call on when questions arise. When should your nonprofit consult with an attorney?

Why is it important to have an attorney review a lease?

Before signing a contract or lease, it is often helpful to have an attorney review the document, so that you can better understand the organization’s obligations . Additionally, an attorney can help put into place processes to guide the organization in reviewing contracts and leases.

What is an attorney's guidance?

An attorney’s guidance can be critical in determining what intellectual property rights a nonprofit organization needs to protect. Whether a trademark, copyright, or patent is needed, an attorney can guide you through the appropriate application process.

Do employment laws apply to all organizations?

Employment laws can be daunting. Some apply to all organizations while others require a minimum number of employees to be triggered. A lawyer can help decipher these laws along with other issues like when a contractor is an employee or what to include in an employee handbook.

Do nonprofits have board conflicts?

Since nonprofit corporations are generally governed by a board of directors, board conflicts are serious. Contact an attorney in the structuring of your board of directors, including whether the board should be elected by members, self-perpetuating, or selected by an outside body.

Nonprofit Versus Profit

According to corporate attorney Michael Murray from Austin, Texas, setting up a nonprofit organization is similar to setting up a for-profit corporation but for a few unique issues. For example, in Texas, nonprofits are not required to have the words “incorporated” -- or its abbreviation “Inc.” -- or “company,” in its name.

Federal Taxes

Federal tax status is another issue that differentiates nonprofits from for-profit corporations – and a typical reason for founding a nonprofit organization.

Federal Filings

You must apply to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for non-profit status. Attorney Murray cautions that the application is extensive, requiring voluminous data – far more onerous than state filings. As of 2012, the IRS application was over 25 pages long; with attachments, expect it to at least double in size.

Other Corporate Professionals

If you elect not to engage a corporate attorney to help you start your nonprofit, the Society for Nonprofit Organizations recommends that you at least hire one to review your application and related paperwork. Murray also suggests that a corporate attorney with a tax background would be an asset.

Is attorney client communication protected?

If it’s clear that the communications are to be attorney-client communications, they should be protected by the privilege. However, such protection may be lost if it’s not clear that you are communicating only as an attorney or if the communication is recorded in minutes to which other persons have access. Competence.

What does a board member do?

A board member who is an attorney offers to the nonprofit specialized knowledge, skills, perspectives, and networks of contacts. But serving as a board member is very different from representing the organization as pro bono counsel, which makes it critical for the parties to understand the precise role in which the attorney will serve. ...

What is a director entitled to?

In performing the duties of a director, a director may be entitled to rely on information, opinions, reports or statements prepared or presented by an attorney. This may serve as a defense to a claim if, for example, a director took an action that would otherwise have been considered negligent but not for the director’s reliance on the opinion ...

What can an attorney do?

An attorney can also assist with steps that may not be obvious to the general public. For example, somes a business or defendant’s legal name may be different than the name known to the public. The state in which they are incorporated will also matter, as well as what state or states in which they operate.

Is a non profit a legal entity?

In the majority of states, a non-profit organization is treated as a legal entity capable of suing and being sued. Because of this, it must abide by any contract entered into. It must also exercise the same duty of care as any other corporation would in the same circumstances.

What is a non profit organization?

A non-profit organization, also known as a non-profit corporation, is an organization that exists to fulfill a non-monetary purpose. This is different from a regular corporation that exists to make a profit. The two types of corporations are structured and function in a similar manner. However, a non-profit corporation may have tax-exempt status ...

Is a non profit corporation tax exempt?

However, a non-profit corporation may have tax-exempt status and be eligible for governmental and private funding. Generally, in order to be a non-profit organization, the purpose of the organization must be one the following: Scientific. In some cases, other groups or individuals may qualify as a non-profit organization.

Do non profit organizations pay taxes?

A non-profit organization is not required to pay any federal or state income tax for activities related to its stated purpose. Private individuals or businesses who donate to non-profit organizations are permitted to receive a tax-deduction for their donation.

What is the role of a board of directors in a non profit?

Their main role is to set policies and oversee issues like finances, strategic planning, and/or management-level hiring. The board of directors of a non-profit organization will appoint officers.

What is the role of a trustee?

Their main role is to set policies and oversee issues like finances, strategic planning, and/or management-level hiring. The board of directors of a non-profit organization will appoint officers.

image

Maintaining Good Corporate Governance

Image
Our not-for-profit and charity law practice includes a significant amount of corporate and governance work. Our lawyers regularly provide strategic advice to help clients stay in compliance with the complex regulatory regimes that apply to charitable and not-for-profit organizations. Much of our recent work has been to a…
See more on millsandmills.ca

Commercial Services

  • Charitable and not-for-profit organizations occasionally have similar needs to those of for-profit businesses. As a full-service law firm, Mills & Mills LLP has the insight and ability to meet the commercial needs of our charitable and not-for-profit clients. This may include a lease review, handling employment matters or contract negotiation. Our in-depth understanding of the ways i…
See more on millsandmills.ca

Proactive Risk Management

  • As with all our clients, we believe in a proactive risk management approach to address potential problems early and limit exposure. If disputes arise requiring intervention, we represent clients in conflict resolution including alternative dispute resolution, administrative proceedings and litigation. Our qualified and experienced team works with clients to resolve mat…
See more on millsandmills.ca

Protecting The Interests of Charities Named as Estate Beneficiaries

  • Our lawyers also have extensive experience at the intersection between charities and estates. We regularly advise clients of their legal rights and obligations with respect to funds received from charitable bequests under a Will, and we work diligently to ensure the full intended value of the bequest is received.
See more on millsandmills.ca

Experienced Lawyers For Charities and Not-For-Profit Corporations

  • We advise already established and yet to be established charities and not-for-profit organizations on a wide range of issues, including: 1. Incorporation, Registration, Articles of Amendment, Supplementary Letters Patent, and other organizational documents 2. Charitable Registration 3. Corporate Governance, including drafting and revising bylaws and governance policies 4. Regula…
See more on millsandmills.ca

Contact The Charitable and Not-For-Profit Lawyers at Mills & Mills LLP

  • For more information on how we can help you or your organization, contact us at 416-863-0125 or emailus. We look forward to assisting you.
See more on millsandmills.ca