Services
Fractional General Counsel for Nonprofits*
Nonprofit Setup / 501(c) Registration
Governance, Restructuring, and Sunsetting Nonprofit Organizations
Grants / Gift Agreements / Gift Acceptance Policies
Fundraising Compliance
Structured Giving
Complex Gifts
Generational Business Transfers
Estate Planning
We specialize in the legalities of running a charity and the many forms of planned giving.
We also advise on personal wills, gifts, and generational business succession.
Not sure if your issue is covered? Call, text, or email to find out.
What Makes Us Different
We are a law firm built to bring matchless legal support to anyone with a charitable or giving goal, including philanthropists, foundations, active nonprofits, and anyone thinking about testamentary transfers. Every aspect of our firm is informed by deep experience with the legal needs of nonprofits and their supporters. Learn more in the About section.We understand that for many nonprofits maintaining relationships can be as important as compliance, so we’ll work with you to find a solution that matches your organization's values and long-term goals. Our job is giving you a clear path forward. We want you to be able to think as though no legal issues stand between you and your giving or service objectives. Just bring your plan and we’ll figure out the rest.We also keep pricing simple and predictable by letting you know up-front what it will cost to handle your issue.† You'll never be surprised by a bill.First time working with us? Fill out an appointment card to talk to a lawyer. The appointment is free.*Fractional general counsel work for an organization only when their expertise is needed. This is similar to having an attorney on retainer, except that we prefer to price by the matter rather than holding a retainer and billing by the hour.
†Pricing for Special Circumstances: Potential pro bono and “low-bono” clients are warmly invited to apply. If we can’t help, we may be able to match you with a more suitable organization.
Take Note: We are proud to support members of our community whose rights are being threatened during this time when basic humanitarian principles and civil rights are under threat. This is a time that will ultimately show that the people of New York will support one another, and the rule of law, no matter how far the government strays from foundational principles of equity, equality, and justice. Many communities around the country are already facing unconstitutional enforcement actions based on the presumed visa status of residents. If you’re an existing nonprofit without legal support, especially if you are concerned your programs are vulnerable as the result of unconstitional political agendas, please consider reaching out.
How We Are Working to Change Access to Legal Services for Nonprofits
Small- to mid-sized charities have a history of under-utilizing legal advice. We are attempting to identify and eliminate barriers to access.
For example, traditional billing models meant advancing thousands of dollars to be held in escrow for future work. That’s a high bar to ask a question.
So with us, no retainer, and no uncertainty about the price. We’ll figure it out in advance, and that will be the price, regardless of how long it takes.
Lawyers are expensive, and there are far too few attorneys familiar with the needs of nonprofits considered against the gargantuan number of 501(c) organizations.
This firm leverages all options in business services to make our legal services accessible to any operating nonprofit. We can flexibly expand our capacity to meet any demand. By keeping our operating costs as low as possible we can offer nonprofits work of the highest professional standard at the lowest possible cost.
We fix our fee in advance so that we can stay focused on what’s important to you- getting things done in a way that matches your values, your mission, and your long-term goals. We don’t want you worrying about whether it’ll break the budget to have another call with us. We want you focused on your mission.
What to expect here
We charge clients by the matter. Our system is: tell us what’s got you concerned, and we’ll tell you what issues —if any— you might be up against, and what it will take to handle it.
Our clients can expect to have practical, useful solutions in place, on-demand, without any anxiety or uncertainty about the bill.
Check out the About section of the website to learn about our work and standards you should expect as a client.
Direct Action
The Philanthropy Law Firm℠ places its role as fractional general counsel* for nonprofits at the center of what we do. We are a mission-based law firm, and that mission is uncompromising, accessible legal support for nonprofits. Potential pro bono or “low-bono” clients are warmly invited to apply, particularly if your mission or community have had their constitutional protections under the law threatened by recent government actions. Call, text, or email to talk to a lawyer.