Association and Non-profit Services

The firm is counsel to a variety of trade and professional associations, foundations and other nonprofit organizations, serving the diverse needs of groups that vary in size from small associations and foundations to one of the nation's largest medical associations. Experience ranges from the formation of "startup" organizations to the established organizational issues confronting entities with thousands of members. Aside from the normal business services required by these entities, representation has included those legal services specifically germane to their industry, including advice as to the appropriate corporate and tax exempt structure of the organization; maintenance of tax-exempt status; group tax exemptions; compliance with fund-raising restrictions; governance issues; antitrust concerns relative to codes of ethics, standard setting, and certification; administrative and regulatory activity with state and federal agencies; legislative and lobbying efforts; and publishing activities. Further, we have advised tax exempt organizations on a variety of employment related matters, including qualified pension plans for Nonprofits, negotiation of employment contracts for key employees, separation issues, and defense of age and sexual discrimination claims.

One of our attorneys, Tom Daly, has served as legal counsel to a major national professional association for over 20 years. In that time, he has gained extensive experience in corporate governance issues relative to the proper functioning of a trade association, as well as in the regulation and handling of association business and commercial matters. He has extensive experience dealing with governmental agencies and has served as legislative counsel to association lobbyists. He has a working knowledge of the day to day operation of a trade association and interacts on a regular basis with association board members, officers, staff and volunteers. In addition, Mr. Daly conducts and participates in educational and political programs and seminars for association members.