We advise a variety of nonprofit organizations, including trade associations and charitable organizations, on matters related to their formation and operation. Our representation includes advice on legal considerations arising out of the organization of a nonprofit entity and operational matters relating to the entity's contractual relationships, employee relations, maintenance of tax-exempt status and corporate structure. In addition, our firm counsels nonprofit clients on complex legal issues that raise unique concerns in the nonprofit sector.

Our attorneys regularly work with the organizers of nonprofit entities to develop governing documents that meet their operational needs and comply with applicable law. Our unique experience in the corporate area has been utilized by nonprofit organizations and associations to understand and apply their corporate governing documents. We regularly advise nonprofit boards on the nature and scope of their obligations as directors in an era of heightened scrutiny.

We advise nonprofits on the opportunities available under federal and state tax law to obtain tax exemption and assist them with filings necessary to obtain exemption. On an ongoing basis, we provide our clients with a full range of tax advice on the maintenance of tax-exempt status and address the unique tax issues relating to nonprofit business activities and affinity programs.

We represent nonprofit clients in the negotiation of contracts with their vendors and venture partners. We also assist clients with the negotiation of lease arrangements for office space. Our representation also includes assistance with the development of contracts relating to meetings, conventions or similar events, including the negotiation of co-location agreement for trade shows and agreements relating to the sale of trade show rights.

We regularly counsel clients on matters relating to human resources law, employee benefits programs and executive compensation arrangements. We also draft and negotiate employment contracts for key personnel. We often assist clients with issues arising out of the termination of an employee or executive, including the negotiation of severance packages and employee releases and the representation of clients in disputes arising out of employee terminations.

We also assist nonprofit clients with advice relating to the protection of intellectual property, including the development of appropriate contractual safeguards relating to the development and use of these assets in connection with licensing arrangements, publications or similar ventures.