Nonprofit Law

Whether you are considering starting a nonprofit or are involved in an existing nonprofit organization, we can help. With deep experience in the nonprofit space, we help our clients get the answers they need, whether it’s founding the organization or day-to-day operational issues. 

Working with All Types of Nonprofit Organizations

We provide legal services to the full spectrum of nonprofits, including:

• Public charities
• Private foundations
• Religious organizations
• Private schools

Formation of Nonprofit Entities

Starting a nonprofit organization is very exciting but also requires a tremendous amount of effort. From conception to registration, we help our nonprofit clients every step of the way through the formation process by providing: 

• Drafting of charters, bylaws, and other foundational documents
• Completion and filing of registration documents
• Adoption and implementation of policies and procedures

Each nonprofit organization has its own unique vision and we work closely with you to provide fully-customized legal services to help your organization effectively serve its mission and community. 

Activities & Operations

While nonprofit organizations are not the same as for-profit entities, they share many of the same business challenges. We leverage our experience in working with nonprofit organizations against our corporate practice, providing our clients with guidance in their day-to-day operations and activities. We provide nonprofit organizations with legal advice concerning: 

• Contract drafting and negotiation
• Employment and volunteer issues
• Risk management
• Corporate governance
• Fundraising
• Restructuring and dissolution

A main concern for most nonprofits is either qualifying as tax-exempt or maintaining their tax-exempt status. We can help your organization navigate these issues among the many others you may face as your nonprofit grows and develops.

Dispute Resolution & Litigation

Unfortunately, nonprofit organizations are not immune to litigation. Whether you are the plaintiff or the defendant, we can help you fight for a resolution that doesn’t threaten your business financials or reputation. We help nonprofits with the following types of cases: 

• Contract disputes
• Compliance disputes
• Employment issues
• Claims involving breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, and misappropriation

Unlike our for-profit clients, we recognize that our nonprofit clients have limited budgets when it comes to litigation. As a result, we deliver cost-effective litigation support. We start by developing a realistic litigation budget and then work with you to evaluate your options. Our goal is to help to protect your mission without creating a financial burden for your donors or those who you serve. 

Contact Barnard, Mezzanotte, Pinnie, Seelaus, LLP

We represent nonprofit organizations across the spectrum – from large to small and newly formed to those that have been established for decades. Contact Barnard, Mezzanotte, Pinnie, Seelaus, LLP to schedule a meeting to discuss how we can help. We work with clients throughout Pennsylvania and Delaware from our offices in Media and Wilmington.