Nonprofit & Charitable Organizations: Flaster Greenberg

Today more than ever before, charitable and/or nonprofit organizations face unprecedented challenges—challenges that not only impact every aspect of their service, but also may threaten their very survival. The cascade of events occurring in the corporate sector has dramatically affected entities that depend on others for a variety of needs. In addition to chronic concerns of funding and financial support, these organizations may be in unfamiliar territory when considering issues such as staff layoffs and reductions, drastic declines in the value of their endowments and investment portfolios, the new complexities in Board disclosure requirements and tax reporting and many others.

Founded as a tax and corporate law boutique, and now a full-service law firm, Flaster Greenberg is sensitive to these issues and has developed a wealth of experience in assisting charitable and nonprofit organizations, as well as individual philanthropists, corporations and private donors. In addition to tax and corporate advice, our Nonprofit and Charitable Organizations attorneys have evolved into a multidisciplinary team drawn from related areas of the firm, including labor and employment, real estate, securities, bankruptcy and litigation.

Strategic, Sophisticated Services

Our clients are a diverse blend of nonprofit and charitable organizations, as well as private philanthropists and corporate donors, including cultural and historical organizations, schools, colleges and universities, hospitals and medical research organizations, religious institutions, trade associations and community and civic groups.

Our assistance encompasses a comprehensive array of services executed by attorneys with many years of experience in the nonprofit sector. We are particularly strong in the area of developing innovative approaches to persistent needs, including funding and fundraising, and providing legal services consistent with the philanthropic mission of our clients. Members of our group have assisted nonprofit organizations with individualized strategies to increase or create sources of funding, while maintaining tax-exempt status. Our attorneys apply similar creative thinking and the benefit of their experience to the myriad of situations and circumstances unique to the nonprofit environment.

Legal Services

Corporate/Transactional

Structuring private charitable foundations for individuals and families
Creating and counseling nonprofit organizations
Obtaining recognition as a tax-exempt organization
Counsel and representation of Boards
Contract and bylaw reviews
Articles of incorporation
Equipment purchase

Government and Regulatory Issues

Telecommunications and economic development counsel; grant programming
Technology and corporate matters

Intellectual Property

Trademark, copyright and intellectual property issues
Provide guidance on the patent process and associated costs

Labor and Employment

Advice on discipline and terminations
Drafting employment contracts, including non-disclosure agreements
Writing employee handbooks and facility handbooks for higher education institutions
Teacher contracts and performance issues for independent private schools
Contract terminations for upper-level staff
Investigating and defending against claims of discrimination and harassment

Real Estate, Land Use and Construction

Real estate, general business, finance, regulatory compliance, overall legal counseling
Purchase and sale
Land use approvals
Construction contracts and bids
Construction disputes, construction defect issues
Development of affordable housing
Development of public policy for affordable housing issues (for presentation in court)

Taxation