Seminars

Upcoming WAACO Seminars

Payroll Taxes and Witholding: A Webinar To Help Your Nonprofit Understand What It Needs To Know

Tuesday, February 26, 2013, 9:00 am – 10:00 am

Presenters: Marianna Dyson, Member, Miller & Chevalier and Moderator Regina Hopkins, Assistant Director, D.C. Bar Pro Bono Program.

This webinar is free of charge.

This webinar will discuss in more detail what an employer’s responsibilities are: what penalties the IRS can impose for failure to comply with the witholding rules; when officers and directors can be held personally liable for payroll and income taxes; what an employer can do to avoid problems with the IRS ;and what steps it can take to address problems if they happen.

To register, click here at htpps://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/697585881.

Microenterprise 101

Wednesday, March 13, 2013, 1:30 pm – 5:00 pm,  Perkins Coie, 1201 Third Avenue, Suite 4900, Seattle

Speakers: Madhu Sing, MK Sing Law; and Jennifer Jolley, Jolley IP

Seattle This seminar is designed to help attorneys and microenterprise staff who are new to working with low-income microenterprise clients. It is helpful for nonprofit staff also, because almost nonprofits have many of the same issues.  Topics will include business start-up, including formation and choice of entity; business contracts; employment, including employee vs. independent contractor issues, employment regulations; taxes, and I-9 compliance; intellectual property, including trademark, and patents; nondisclosure and noncompete agreements.  This course is highly recommended for attorneys interested in volunteering for WAACO’s Microenterprise Clinic.

$80 for WAACO volunteers and nonprofit leaders; $100 for all others.  3.75 hours of CLE credit approved. Online registration is available at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/329957.  For more information email contact@waaco.org.

Nonprofit Bylaws Workshop

Thursday, March 28, 2013, 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm (Brown Bag lunch); 2100 Building, 2100 24th Avenue South, Seattle, WA

Presenter: Judith Andrews, Law Offices of Judith Andrews 2100 Building,

This workshop is intended for nonprofit staff and board members to understand the purpose and use of nonprofit organizational bylaws.  Participants will learn what the key components of nonprofit organizational bylaws are and how to individualize template bylaws for your own organization.

$25 registration fee.  Online registration at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/322483 or email contact@waaco.org.

“Can We Be Sued?” – Liability Issues for Nonprofits

Thursday, April 25, 2013, 12:00 – 2:00 pm (Brown Bag Lunch); 2100 Building, 2100 24th Avenue South, Seattle, WA

Presenter: Peter Smith, Apex Law Group

This seminar is for nonprofit board members and staff to learn about what their risk of being sued as a board member or nonprofit organization.   All nonprofit board members should understand what their liability exposure is and how minimize it.  The question of what type of insurance should a nonprofit have will be addressed. Topics covered will include common liability risks of nonprofits, high risk activities, liability waivers, Directors and Officers insurance and other types of insurance.   Registration fee $25. Online registration at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/322520 or email contact@waaco.org.

Employment Law for Nonprofits – Chelan

Monday, May 13 2013, Campbell’s Resort, Lake Chelan, Washington

Speakers will be Attorneys Gill Sparks and Ernest Radillo, Ogden Murphy Wallace. P.L.L.C.

This training for attorneys (2.5 CLE credit available) and nonprofit leaders will cover common employment legal issues that nonprofits face, including independent contractor  vs. employee; wage & hour worker issues such as laws relating to minimum wage and overtime, and who falls under those laws (including volunteers and interns); what those laws require; and employee-social medial legal issues that are relevant to nonprofits.

This training is co-sponsored with the Community Foundation of North Central Washington.

Registration information is not yet available.  Please email jodi@waaco.org, if you have any questions.

Serving Nonprofits from the Inside (Board Service) and Out (Counsel)

May 23, 2013,8:00 – 8:30 Registration and Breakfast,  8:30 am – 12:30 pm Presentation, Seattle, Stoel Rives, One Union Square, 600 University Avenue, Seattle

Speakers: Judith Andrews, Law Offices of Judith Andrews; Jeanne Marie Clavere, Professional Responsibility Counsel, WSBA; Lorri Dunsmore, Perkins Coie.

3.75 CLE credits, including 2 ethics credit approval pending.

This seminar will examine the roles and responsibilities of attorneys as both board members and legal counsel of nonprofit organizations.  Legal experts will explain how to effectively and ethically wear both your board member and your attorney hats, as well as the basics of nonprofit law that every attorney working with a nonprofit organization should know.  We will answer the following questions and more.

  • What is your role as an attorney-board member?
  • How can you ensure that the nonprofit you are serving meets all legal requirements to stay healthy and effective?
  • What ethical traps should you avoid as a nonprofit board member or advisor?

 

The ABC’s Of The Law: What Are The Legal Issues Your Nonprofit Needs To Know?

Thursday, June 6, 2013, 7:30 am – 12:30 pm, DLA Piper, 701 Fifth Avenue, Ste. 7000, Seattle, WA 98104

This seminar will focus on three main topics: running your organization by the books, learning what is included in a contract and why, and the basics of employment law. We will explore basic provisions such as articles of incorporation and by-laws, membership voting, proxy voting, and how to conduct board meetings. We will also give practical advice on what to look out for in everyday contracts, such as a vendor’s contract or consulting agreement. Finally, we will discuss employment issues including determining whether someone is an employee or an independent contractor, exempt vs. nonexempt status, complying with wage and hour laws, best practices for hiring and firing employees, and preventing discrimination and harassment. This seminar is designed for executive directors, directors of finance or operations, board members, and other nonprofit staff and volunteers responsible for the administration of nonprofits.

This seminar is FREE.  Please register by May 31st by going to: http://goo.gl/iMkHl.

Internal Controls for Nonprofits

Thursday, September 12, 2013, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm; Stoel Rives, Seattle

Presenters: Peter Smith, Apex Law; Ryan Bartlett, Bader Martin, Putnam Barber, UW Nancy Bell Evans Center for Nonprofits and Philanthropy

Most small nonprofits, with small staff sizes, do not think about the possibility of embezzlement, financial wrong doing, or internal mistakes.  However, it mistakes and sometimes, intentional wrong doing does happen even in small to medium organizations.  There are best practices and policies that should be put in place to insure that these types of events do not happen. This seminar will cover the legal, financial and nonprofit policy perspectives of this topic.

$80 for WAACO volunteers, $60 for nonprofit leaders; $100 for all others.  CLE credit approval pending. Online registration is not yet available.  Email contact@waaco.org for more information.

Social Media and Intellectual Property for Nonprofits and Businesses

Thursday, September 26, 2013, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Stoel Rives, 600 University Avenue, 36th Floor, Seattle, WA 98101

Speakers: Jennifer Jolley, Jolley IP, Michelle Bomberger, Equinox, a nd Lisa Oratz, Perkins Coie

This seminar is for nonprofit leaders, business owners and attorneys who have little or no experience in intellectual property law and is intended to provide a basic overview of intellectual property law and common issues involving the use of social media and intellectual property. Topics will include using photos of people on websites and marketing materials, using volunteers to create content for websites, employees use of social media and searches on perspective employees, name and trademark issues, negative online reviews, and other issues.

$80 for WAACO volunteers; $60 for nonprofit leaders (including public interest attorneys); $100 for all others.  2.75 hours of CLE credit approval pending. Online registration is not yet available. For more registration information email contact@waaco.org.

Microenterprise 101

Thursday, October 3, 2013  9:00 am – 12:00 noon- Stoel Rives, 600 University Avenue, Suite 3200, Seattle, WA

Speakers: Attorneys Madhu Sing, MK Sing Law and Jennifer Jolley, Jolley IP Law

This seminar is designed to help attorneys who are new to representing low-income microenterprise clients or any small business clients.  Topics include business start-up, including formation  and choice of entity; customer relations including business contracts; employment, including employee vs. independent contractor issues, employment regulations; taxes,  and I-9 compliance; intellectual property, including trademark, and patents; nondisclosure and noncompete agreements.  This course was highly recommended for attorneys interested in volunteering for WAACO’s Microenterprise Clinic.

$80 for WAACO volunteers; $60 for nonprofit leaders(including public interest attorneys); $100 for all others.  2.75 hours of CLE credit, approval pending. Online registration is not yet available.  For more registration information email contact@waaco.org.

Nuts & Bolts of Nonprofit Law, Part 2: Maintaining Nonprofits

Wednesday, October 16, 2013, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm; Seattle, WA

Speakers: Judith Andrews and Lorri Dunsmore

This seminar will cover corporate, state and federal tax exemption status requirements and issues.  Topics will include: fiduciary duties of directors and officers, Charitable Solicitation Act, governance policies, Form 990 reporting, private inurement and private benefit (executive compensation), lobbying and political activities, charitable contribution issues, unrelated business income and other issues.  This seminar is ideal for attorneys and nonprofit staff who have already taken WAACO’s Nuts and Bolts of Nonprofit Law seminar or have some experience working with nonprofits.

$80 for WAACO volunteers; $60 for nonprofit leaders(including public interest attorneys); $100 for all others.  2.75 hours of CLE credit, approval pending. Online registration is not yet available.  For more registration information email contact@waaco.org.

Other Recent WAACO Seminars

Nuts & Bolts of Nonprofit Law

SPOKANE-Wednesday, October 24, 2012, 2:00 – 5:00 pm; Spokane County United Way, Spokane
Speakers: Nonprofit Attorneys Steven Faust, Law Offices of Stephen Faust and Mary Giannini, Witherspoon Kelley
SEATTLE-Thursday, November 12 2012, 9 am – 12 noon; Offices of Perkins Coie, Seattle, WA
Speakers: Nonprofit Attorneys Judith Andrews, Law Offices of Judith Andrews and Lorri Dunsmore, Perkins Coie
2.75 CLE credits approved.

This seminar covered incorporation and other State law issues, applying for Federal tax-exempt status and understanding compliance issues facing public charities.  This seminar is ideal for all nonprofit staff and board members to understand basic compliance to keep your nonprofit healthy and in compliance with state and federal law.  It is also ideal for attorneys who want to learn the basics of nonprofit law.

Intellectual Property and Social Media for Nonprofits: What Are The Legal Rules Of The Road?

Thursday, November 27, 2012, 7:30 am – 12:30 pm, DLA Piper, 701 Fifth Avenue, Suite 7000.  Live videoconference from New York.

Social Media can expand outreach and donor base. Learn how to use them to your organization’s advantage, navigate the legal issues, preserve intellectual property rights and set guidelines for your employees to follow. This seminar is designed for executive directors, board members, communications officers and other individuals responsible for developing your nonprofit’s communication strategy.

See Seminar Brochure for more information about the videoconference and agenda.

Microenterprise 101: Representing Microenterprise Businesses

Thursday, October 4, 2012  9am – 12 noon SEATTLE – Stoel Rives, 600 University Avenue, Suite 3200, Seattle Speakers:Attorneys Rodger Kohn, Tousley Brian Stephens and Jennifer Jolley, Jolley IP Law

2.5 CLE credits approved.

This seminar is designed to help attorneys who are new to representing low-income microenterprise clients or any small business clients.  Topics include business start-up, including formation  and choice of entity; customer relations including business contracts; employment, including employee vs. independent contractor issues, employment regulations; taxes,  and I-9 compliance; intellectual property, including trademark, and patents; nondisclosure and noncompete agreements.  This course was highly recommended for attorneys interested in volunteering for WAACO’s Microenterprise Clinic.

Serving Nonprofits from the Inside (Board Service) and Out (Counsel)

Friday, October 12, 2012,  2:00 – 6:00 pm TACOMA – Gordon, Thomas, Honeywell, Wells Fargo Plaza,  1201 Pacific Avenue, Suite 2100,  Tacoma Speakers: Judith Andrews, Law Offices of Judith Andrews; Helena Modonick, Deputy General Counsel for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; Jeanne Marie Clavere, Professional Responsibility Counsel, WSBA; Brooke Johnson, Kampbell, Andrews, & Arbenz.

This seminar is available by video.  Please email contact@waaco.org for more information.

3.75 CLE credits, including 2 ethics credit approved.

WAACO and Washington Women Lawyers are co-sponsors of this CLE.

This seminar will examine the roles and responsibilities of attorneys as both board members and legal counsel of nonprofit organizations.  Legal experts will explain how to effectively and ethically wear both your board member and your attorney hats, as well as the basics of nonprofit law that every attorney working with a nonprofit organization should know.  We will answer the following questions and more.

  • What is your role as an attorney-board member?
  • How can you ensure that the nonprofit you are serving meets all legal requirements to stay healthy and effective?
  • What ethical traps should you avoid as a nonprofit board member or advisor?

Employment Law for Nonprofits

Tuesday, May 8, 2012,  9am – 12 noon
Stoel Rives, 600 University Avenue, Suite 3200, Seattle

Speakers: Timothy O’Connell and Molly Daily,  Stoel Rives LLP

This training for attorneys (2.5 CLE credit available) and nonprofit leaders will cover common employment legal issues that nonprofits face, including independent contractor  vs. employee; wage & hour worker issues such as laws relating to minimum wage and overtime, and who falls under those laws (including volunteers and interns); what those laws require; and other current labor law issues that are relevant to nonprofits (unionization of nonprofit workers, social media rules and other current issues).

Nuts & Bolts of  Representing Nonprofits, Part 2: Maintaining Nonprofits

Thursday, October 27, 2011, 9 am – 12 noon
Speakers: Nonprofit Attorneys Judith Andrews and Thomas Schroeder

This seminar covered corporate, state and federal tax exemption status requirements and issues.  Topics included: fiduciary duties of directors and officers, Charitable Solicitation Act, governance policies, Form 990 reporting, private inurement and private benefit (executive compensation), lobbying and political activities, charitable  contribution issues, unrelated business income and other issues.  This CLE was ideal for attorneys and non-attorneys who have already taken WAACO’s Nuts and Bolts of Representing Nonprofit Organizations seminar or have some experience working with nonprofits.

A videotape of this seminar is available for a fee. Please email contact@waaco.org, for information about viewing the videotape.

Nonprofit Turnarounds: A Legal Perspective

Thursday, September 22, 2011, 9am – 12 noon
Speakers:  Nonprofit Consultant Jan Glick, Nonprofit Attorneys Judith Andrews and Keelin Curran

This CLE provided a research-based perspective to help guide attorneys who work with struggling nonprofit organizations, specifically exploring the following three areas of law that are most applicable during turnarounds:

  • Governance: Board of directors governance problems that prevent sound decision making.
  • Employment Law:  Executive Director performance problems that place the organization’s future at risk, and serious HR issues with other staff members.
  • Legal Structure:  How three scenarios may be addressed following severe financial and operational problems:  mergers, divestitures or closure/dissolution.

The seminar emphasized methods attorneys can use to provide legal advice for nonprofit clients and/or organizations on whose boards of directors they may serve.  Because legal issues often intersect with business and operational issues, this seminar provided a context for attorneys to be most prepared to advise their clients.  The seminar covered legal issues and solutions as well as providing information on where the organization can turn for related, non-legal guidance on issues that are closely related to legal processes, and ideally, be dealt with simultaneously.

A videotape of this seminar is available for a fee. Please email contact@waaco.org, for information about viewing the videotape.