What people ask before they write
Short answers to the questions we hear most. Your own situation may change them.
Who are your clients?
Food shelves, clinics, arts groups, youth programs, neighborhood associations and other nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations, from a founder with an idea to a board with an established staff.
Do you represent individuals?
Not in their personal matters. When we help an organization, we represent the organization, not any one director, volunteer or employee.
How do you charge?
Formation work is usually quoted as a flat fee in writing before we begin, and the quote says what it includes. Ongoing counsel is billed monthly or hourly, whichever fits. Filing fees paid to the government are separate.
What should I bring to a first meeting?
Whatever you have: a mission statement, a list of who is involved, any documents already signed and the question that made you write. If you have nothing on paper yet, that is fine.
Can you help us if we already have bylaws?
Yes. Many boards come to us with bylaws that were copied from somewhere else. We read them against how you meet and suggest the smallest changes that help.
Do you also handle taxes or accounting?
We handle the legal side of exemption and filings. For bookkeeping, audits and the annual return itself, we work alongside your accountant.
How soon will someone reply?
A lawyer reads every message and writes back about next steps. Please don't send confidential details until we have agreed to work together.
Still have a question?
Write to the firm and a lawyer will reply. We would sooner answer it now than have you wonder.