Nonprofits
As current and former nonprofit board members and allies, we understand that nonprofits and other tax-exempt organizations are not only stalwart supporters of our communities, they also directly contribute to our national, state, and local economies. While their missions and goals are diverse and the communities they serve are different, these organizations regularly confront similar problems and issues.
Our professionals assist nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations in fulfilling their missions and goals by providing thoughtful representation on both traditional and unique legal issues. We are experienced in working within the complex legal and regulatory framework in which these organizations operate, and we regularly collaborate with nonprofit organizations to navigate intricate laws and regulations, reduce risk, solve difficult issues, and assist in advancing social and commercial goals effectively and efficiently. Our multi-service team allows us to better serve nonprofit organizations—large or small—with a one-firm approach. We also pride ourselves on our ability to work directly with other counsel, including in-house counsel, when it best serves our clients’ needs.
Over the years, we have provided legal services to nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations ranging from well-known national organizations to those providing boots-on-the-ground services in their local Northwest community, including the following services:
- Labor & Employment
- Executive Compensation
- Intellectual Property
- Real Estate Development
- Data Privacy & Security
- Litigation in Federal & State Courts
We also provide the following services to tax-exempt entities:
- Governance & Fiduciary Duties
- Formation
- Obtaining/Maintaining Tax Exemption
- Regulatory Compliance
- Tax-Exempt Bonds (and other financing)
- Nonprofit Mergers, Acquisitions, and Joint Ventures
Litigation
We understand that litigation is not always the answer to a problem, and our attorneys pride themselves on finding creative, effective, and efficient resolutions to disputes. When alternative dispute resolution is unsuccessful, we are prepared to represent nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations from pre-litigation demands and investigations to appeals. We regularly defend nonprofit organizations on a wide range of appellate, employment, and commercial matters before state and federal courts and administrative agencies, including appeals, breaches of contract, board member and member disputes, and tax litigation.
Industry Commitment
We are deeply committed to nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations and the communities they serve. We honor that commitment by advocating for our clients; serving on nonprofit boards; actively sponsoring, speaking, and engaging regional industry associations; and direct local philanthropy, as illustrated by our annual showing on the Portland Business Journal’s Corporate Philanthropy list.
