About Nonprofit Formation & Compliance

Our team advises 527 political organizations and 501(c) groups, such as 501(c)(3) charities, 501(c)(4) social welfare organizations, and 501(c)(6) trade associations and labor-management committees. This counsel includes everything from entity formation to ongoing legal compliance, strategic planning and communications, and crisis management.

What We Do

  • Assist with entity formation, obtaining tax-exempt status, and ongoing corporate governance
  • Advise regarding federal, state, and local lobbying, ethics, and campaign finance laws
  • Advise regarding federal tax implications of political and lobbying activities
  • Counsel regarding state and local tax and solicitation registration issues
     

Experience

  • Provided “general counsel” services for a 501(c)(3) organization focused on voter protection, including nonprofit governance guidance, tracking of election laws in 50 states, and regular communication with state election officials.
  • Helped with formation of U.S. nonprofit designed to assist foreign nonprofit organization dedicated to global health and counseled regarding proper registration under Lobbying Disclosure Act.
  • Helped with formation of several super PACs and provided guidance on recordkeeping and reporting responsibilities.
  • Successfully assisted new super PAC in responding to several complaints filed at the Federal Election Commission (“FEC”) claiming improper contribution receipts.
  • Successfully guided a 501(c)(4) organization through an IRS audit with no findings.
  • Assist several nonprofits with governance matters, including leadership changes, documentation of decision making, conflict of interest compliance, employment issues, and tax compliance.

Key Contacts

Scott E. Thomas

Scott E. Thomas

Partner/Senior Principal

Washington, D.C.+1.202.420.2601
Jennifer L. Carrier

Jennifer L. Carrier

Partner/Principal

Washington, D.C.+1.202.420.3034
Lawrence J. Beaser

Lawrence J. Beaser

Senior Counsel

Philadelphia, PA+1.215.569.5510
Gregory M. Bordo

Gregory M. Bordo

Partner

Los Angeles, CA+1.424.239.3404