As skilled nonprofit-law advisors, attorneys in our Exempt Organizations practice provide ongoing legal and practical advice to clients on how to structure their activities, often finding innovative approaches that allow our clients to achieve their programmatic objectives within the limits of the law.
Our attorneys provide assistance not only with respect to tax matters but also on a wide range of other legal issues faced by nonprofit entities. We also advise private individuals and for-profit entities that support or engage in transactions with exempt organizations.
Our firm currently represents private foundations, public charities, advocacy groups, universities, churches, trade associations, and other nonprofits, complying with IRS and state law requirements is essential to accomplishing their mission. With a team of recognized leaders in the exempt organizations field, HBG Law can help with all aspects of forming, governing, and operating your tax-exempt entity. We offer sophisticated planning, strategy, and crisis management, and can also defend your exemption—and everything that depends upon it—in the event of an IRS audit or attorney general investigation.
How we do it:
Entity Formation
- Incorporating the organization (including drafting of articles and bylaws)
- Designing a selection process and terms for board members and officers
- Establishing board committees to divide governance responsibilities
- Establishing sound policies for maintaining books and records
- Securing federal and state tax exemption
- Creating advisory boards and other means to expand the organization’s network of supporters
- Establishing and implementing conflicts of interest policies
Operations Counseling
- Employee benefit plans
- Leases
- Employment contracts
- Directors’ and officers’ liability
- Criteria for awarding grants or scholarships
- Record retention policies
Existing Organization
- Reviewing transactions for intermediate sanctions risks
- Improving leadership through changes to board structure and membership
- Identifying options for qualifying as a public charity or operating foundation, rather than a private foundation