Maryland Nonprofit Attorney
Running a nonprofit organization involves more than advancing a mission. Maryland nonprofits must also navigate corporate governance, contracts, employment matters, tax requirements, real estate issues, and other legal responsibilities. Joseph, Greenwald & Laake provides legal counsel to nonprofit organizations throughout Maryland, helping boards, executives, and organizations address legal issues and make informed decisions as they operate and grow.
Our Legal Services for Nonprofit Organizations
JGL provides legal services tailored to the needs of nonprofit organizations. Our attorneys can assist with forming and structuring nonprofit entities, corporate governance, contracts, compliance, employment matters, and general legal questions that arise during day-to-day operations.
We also advise nonprofits on matters involving their property and other assets. When a nonprofit is purchasing, selling, leasing, or otherwise dealing with real estate, our attorneys can provide guidance throughout the transaction.
Nonprofits may also need legal assistance when their operations change. Whether an organization is expanding its programs, entering into a new agreement, facing a dispute, or reviewing its internal policies, having experienced legal counsel can help the organization address issues before they become more complicated.
What Types of Nonprofit Organizations We Represent
At JGL, we represent a range of nonprofit organizations, including charitable organizations, community organizations, professional and trade associations, educational organizations, religious organizations, foundations, and other tax-exempt entities. Our attorneys work with both established organizations and nonprofits addressing legal issues as they develop or expand.
What Are the Common Legal Challenges Facing Nonprofits?
Nonprofit organizations face many of the same legal issues as other businesses, while also dealing with requirements tied to their tax-exempt status and charitable purpose. Common legal challenges include:
Formation and Tax-Exempt Status
- Choosing and establishing the appropriate nonprofit structure
- Preparing organizational documents and governing documents
- Applying for and maintaining federal tax-exempt status
- Understanding federal taxes and state tax obligations
- Maintaining compliance with requirements applicable to tax-exempt organizations
Corporate Governance
- Board responsibilities and fiduciary duties
- Conflicts of interest
- Bylaws and internal policies
- Board meetings and decision-making
- Executive and officer responsibilities
- Questions involving organizational authority and oversight
Contracts and Agreements
- Vendor and service agreements
- Employment agreements
- Partnership and sponsorship agreements
- Fundraising and donor agreements
- Reviewing contracts before an organization signs them
- Addressing contract disputes
Employment and Workplace Issues
- Hiring and termination
- Employee policies and handbooks
- Wage and hour issues
- Workplace discrimination and harassment
- Independent contractor relationships
- Employment disputes
Real Estate and Property
- Buying or selling nonprofit property
- Commercial leases
- Property use and development
- Reviewing real estate agreements
- Disputes involving nonprofit-owned or leased property
Compliance and Organizational Changes
- Maintaining corporate records
- Regulatory and reporting requirements
- Changes to organizational structure
- Mergers or other significant organizational transactions
- Legal issues involving fundraising, donations, or charitable activities
Why Work With a Nonprofit Attorney?
Nonprofit organizations have legal responsibilities that can differ from those of for-profit businesses. Maintaining tax-exempt status, following governing documents, meeting board obligations, and complying with applicable laws all require attention. An attorney who understands this type of law can help an organization address these responsibilities while keeping its mission.
Legal counsel can also provide value before a problem develops. Reviewing a contract, policy, lease, or proposed transaction in advance may identify issues that could otherwise create unnecessary costs or disputes. For organizations without in-house counsel, a nonprofit attorney can also serve as outside general counsel and provide ongoing guidance as legal questions arise.
Nonprofits also operate in a changing environment. Board leadership changes, funding arrangements evolve, organizations enter into new contracts, and programs may expand into new areas. Having an attorney familiar with the organization’s structure and goals gives leadership a resource they can turn to when these changes create legal questions.
Schedule a Consultation With Joseph, Greenwald & Laake for Nonprofit Legal Services
Legal problems can take time and resources away from a nonprofit’s work. Getting legal guidance early can help leadership address issues efficiently and avoid problems that may become more difficult to resolve later. At Joseph, Greenwald & Laake, we provide legal counsel to nonprofit organizations throughout Maryland. If your organization needs assistance with governance, contracts, tax-exempt status, employment matters, real estate, or another legal issue, contact JGL to schedule a consultation.
