Counsel for the nonprofit that’s outgrown the basics.
A general counsel’s judgment, on call, for organizations that aren’t ready for a full-time hire. Initial 30-minute consultations are complimentary.
Growth brings legal questions faster than most nonprofits can hire for them.
A donor wants to attach conditions to a major gift. A board member’s company just bid on your contract. Your first employee in another state starts Monday, and your executive director’s contract is up for renewal.
None of these is a crisis yet. Each one becomes one when it’s handled without counsel. We help you answer them in time, and build the policies that keep the same questions from coming back.
Counsel on the issues that actually cross your desk.
Board governance
Bylaws reviews, board and committee structure, fiduciary duties, conflict of interest management, and minutes that hold up when someone reads them later.
Contracts and grants
Vendor agreements, leases, grant agreements, and partnership MOUs, reviewed for what they actually commit you to.
Employment
Handbooks, worker classification (including the ABC test in Massachusetts), wage-and-hour and leave compliance, executive compensation, discipline, and separations.
Ongoing compliance
Form 990 review, state charitable registration (CT, MA Form PC, NY CHAR500, DC BRA-25), Attorney General notice requirements, and recordkeeping.
Gifts and endowments
Gift acceptance policies, restricted gift agreements, and the state endowment rules that govern how you can spend from a fund.
Advocacy and lobbying
How much lobbying your tax status allows, the 501(h) election, state lobbying registration, and a firm line on political campaign activity.
The same two partners handle your matters in New York, Washington, D.C., Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Facing a workplace investigation, a merger, or a wind-down? We handle those too, including the state approvals they require.
From Our Clients
We highly recommend Commonlight Legal. They steered us through the legal fundamentals of developing a grants program while at the same time honoring our very specific mission, strategy and audience. Attentive, patient, and efficient, we know we will continue to be in good hands as we grow our organization. Commonlight Legal provides excellent value for their services.
Tom Chase, Executive Director
Village & Wilderness Project
Ready to talk?
A complimentary 30-minute call with a managing partner. Clear scope.
Transparent fees. No primer required.