Business Legal Matters Eligible For Pro Bono Assistance
Description of types of business legal matters
Nonprofit organizations improve our communities by providing social, educational, cultural, and charitable services, and by promoting economic development in distressed areas. These organizations require ongoing legal assistance to stabilize their operations and increase their capacity to serve their constituents. Business-related legal services that WAACO volunteer attorneys may provide include:
- Corporate governance - Preparing and revising bylaws, articles of incorporation, conflict of interest policies, whistleblower policies, and other corporate documents and policies, and advising on good corporate governance.
- 501(c)(3) maintenance and compliance - Advice on maintaining 501(c)(3) status, including unrelated business income and compliance with lobbying restrictions.
- Taxes - Advice regarding federal, state, and local taxes.
- Contracts - Drafting and advising on business contracts.
- Employment - preparing, reviewing and revising personnel policies, employment contracts, and confidentiality agreements.
- Real estate - help with property leases and purchase and sale agreements.
- Intellectual property - assistance with registering trademarks, and advising on copyright protection, license agreements, or website-related agreements
- Advice on risk and liability assessment, including waiver and release forms, and advice on insurance coverage.
- Assistance in incorporating and filing for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.
Uncertain if your organization needs legal assistance?
Use our Nonprofit Legal Self-Assessment Checklist for help in understanding common legal obligations and to highlight areas where your organization might need to consult with an attorney.
