Good Counsel


Book Description

A concise overview of the legal needs of nonprofit organizations Good Counsel is a compact and personable overview of the legal needs of nonprofits, crafted by one of America's most astute nonprofit general counsels. The book distills the legal needs of the 1.8 million tax-exempt organizations in the United States.Written in a clear and accessible style, with plenty of humor and storytelling as well as illustrative case studies, Good Counsel explains the basics of nonprofit corporate law, governance, and the tax exemption. It then takes a department-by-department look at legal topics relevant to program, fundraising, finance, communications, human resources, operations, contracts, government relations, and more. Good Counsel is designed help organizations fulfill their missions to do the public good. Designed to impart confidence and demystify the issues, Good Counsel is a must-read for nonprofit professionals and board members as well as lawyers and law students. Using Good Counsel as their playbook, lawyers, executives, and trustees can get an overview of the most common legal, governance, and compliance issues facing their organization and together ramp up a top-notch legal function. Contains practice pointers, checklists, and assessment tools Features sample contracts, licenses, and other form documents Filled with case studies and end-of-chapter focus questions, as well as available lesson plans for easy classroom use by educators in business, management, public policy, and law schools Good Counsel is the first-of-its-kind guidebook written by the sitting General Counsel of a major nonprofit. Written by influential author, speaker, and Bar leader Lesley Rosenthal, the General Counsel of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Good Counsel shares the insights of a Harvard Law School graduate with years of in-house and business law experience as well as board service.




The Law (in Plain English) for Nonprofit Organizations


Book Description

“In easy to understand language, the book walks one through the many different foundational aspects of running a nonprofit—an important tool to have handy on one’s bookshelf!” —Michael Royce, Executive Director, New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) Navigating the legal complexities of running a nonprofit organization has never been easier than with the expert advice of authors Leonard DuBoff and Amanda Bryan. Managers, board members, advisers, consultants, contractors, employees, and even donors and volunteers will benefit from the invaluable information contained in The Law (in Plain English)® for Nonprofit Organizations. An approachable guide to planning and problem-solving, this handbook’s chapters cover important topics such as: Organizing a nonprofit Hiring and working with employees, contractors, and members Filing taxes and applying for tax-exempt status Fund-raising strategies Liability and insurance Protecting trademarks and intellectual property Zoning and renting space A comprehensive reference, The Law (in Plain English)® for Nonprofit Organizations, will help all nonprofit members to play their roles with authority and confidence.




Nonprofit Law Made Easy


Book Description

The ins and outs of law in the nonprofit sector--made easy! Written by renowned author Bruce R. Hopkins, Nonprofit Law MadeEasy is a must-read guide for executives, board members, officers,accountants, fundraisers, and others who handle legal issues thataffect the way nonprofit organizations are formed andoperated. Nonprofit Law Made Easy presents in-depth discussions on such hottopics as acquiring and maintaining tax-exempt status, reportingrequirements, charitable giving, disclosure requirements, unrelatedbusiness activities, fundraising, corporate governance principles,and board member liability. It also includes crucial information onavoiding nonprofit law traps and navigating governance andliability issues. Packed with practical tips and hard-to-find, authoritative advice,Nonprofit Law Made Easy demystifies complex legal issues withplain-language explanations of laws and regulations for non-legalprofessionals.




Starting and Managing a Nonprofit Organization


Book Description

Everything you need to start and manage a non-profit Starting and Managing a Nonprofit Organization is written to help anyone who's just getting their toes wet in the sector get up to speed on the critical information needed to protect their nonprofit's tax-exempt status—and avoid the many legal traps out there that you probably didn't know exist. Packed with checklists and step-by-step guidance, Starting and Managing a Nonprofit Organization demystifies intricate legal issues with plain-English language explanations for non-legal professionals of the statutes, regulations, court opinions, and other rules comprising nonprofit law. Nonprofits must comply with stringent federal and state laws due to their special exempt status; the government's ultimate threat is revocation of a nonprofit's tax-exempt status, which usually means the nonprofit's demise. Written in plain English, not "legalese," this all-important guide provides essential guidance for those interested in starting nonprofits, as well as valuable advice for leaders of established organizations. Covers all aspects of federal and state nonprofit law Discusses significant contemporary issues, including commerciality, private benefit, governance, and unrelated business Provides summaries of current IRS ruling policies Includes procedures and a glossary of legal terms for fail-safe compliance Written by the country's legal leading authority on tax-exempt organizations, Starting and Managing a Nonprofit Organization is the reference you'll want to keep close by as you navigate your way through the world of nonprofit and the law.




Nonprofit Law


Book Description

This book covers the formation, tax, governance, and documentation issues [of nonprofit organizations] ... and addresses some other areas, including mergers and sale of assets of nonprofits as well as dissolution of nonprofits. -- From the author's preface.




The Law (in Plain English) for Galleries


Book Description

An Essential Reference for Sellers of Arts and Crafts In The Law (in Plain English)® for Galleries, Third Edition, Leonard DuBoff and Christopher Perea walk readers through the legal intricacies of selling arts and crafts. This helpful guide provides clear explanations and examples of real cases to furnish readers with a strong understanding of their obligations and vulnerabilities. Updated to reflect recent changes in the market and technology, this new edition is the go-to guide for all aspects of running a gallery. Chapters cover a wide range of topics, including: Organizing a business Franchising Working with employees and contractors Selling pieces Contracts Artists’ and galleries’ rights Catalogs and online sales Copyright and trademark Customer relations Product liability Filing taxes Estate planning Gallerists, artists, craftspeople, and anyone else interested in the buying and selling of arts and crafts must have this book in their libraries.




Private Foundation Law Made Easy


Book Description

Now your foundation can be fully informed about the basic legal requirements affecting private foundations and avoid the perils lurking in nonprofit tax law traps. Private Foundation Law Made Easy clearly shows you how, with information on reaping the charitable and tax advantages of your private foundation. Filled with straightforward guidance, author Bruce Hopkins?a leading authority on the laws regulating private foundations?demystifies this topic for you and your board members with practical legal information in easy-to-understand English.




The Law (in Plain English) for Collectors


Book Description

“Savvy art collectors who want to protect themselves and their investments would be wise to read The Law (in Plain English)® for Collectors. The book provides valuable guidance that collectors of all levels can rely on.” —Dale Chihuly In The Law (in Plain English)® for Collectors, Leonard DuBoff and Sarah Tugman provide helpful advice on all things legal when it comes to art, antiques, and other collectibles. Whether readers are into coins or Queen Anne furniture, paintings or vintage books, this guide contains useful and practical information readers need to know to protect and enjoy their collections. Among other important concerns, readers will learn how to: Navigate purchases and customs Select insurance plans Properly file taxes Loan out pieces to galleries, museums, and shows Bestow work to future generations For private collectors, gallerists, artists, and others interested in art dealings, The Law (in Plain English)® for Collectors is an indispensable reference.




Start a 501c3 Nonprofit That Doesn't Ruin Your Life


Book Description

Can starting a 501c3 nonprofit really ruin your life? Absolutely - if you don't know what you're doing! In this easy to read guide, nonprofit Attorney Audrey K. Chisholm shares in plain English how to legally structure your nonprofit to avoid IRS trouble, lawsuits, financial scandals & more!" This book is perfect for anyone that wants to start a nonprofit or that already has a nonprofit and wants to make sure they're in compliance with the I.R.S. and the law. Nonprofit founders, board members, officers, employees, volunteers, donors, and community partners can all benefit from this text. The book includes 225 pages worth of guidance and is designed to save each reader THOUSANDS of dollars in legal fees. This book will share: - How to Avoid I.R.S. Trouble When Paying Yourself - How to Avoid a Lawsuit When Choosing a Name for your Nonprofit - How to Avoid Getting Kicked Off Your Own Board of Directors - 11 Things You Need To Do Before Accepting Any Major Donations - How to Avoid Financial Scandals When Handling Money for Your Nonprofit - Top 7 Reasons Nonprofits Get Into Legal Trouble And How to Avoid Them - How to Avoid Liability When Fundraising for Your Nonprofit - How to Legally Structure Your Nonprofit to Avoid IRS Trouble -Most Important Things You Absolutely Must Know to Avoid Liability When Recruiting Volunteers -How to Protect Your Nonprofit's Name from Counterfeits and Identity Theft -10 Things You Need to Do to Avoid Being Sued Personally for Your Nonprofit's Actions Even If You've Incorporated with the State - How to Avoid Losing Your Entire Nonprofit by Keeping up with Annual FilingsAnd more! Attorney Audrey K. Chisholm is the founder of Chisholm Law Firm, LLC (www.Chisholmfirm.com) a law firm focusing on helping professionals start nonprofits throughout the United States. She has a 100% success rate with her nonprofit filings and her clients range from professionals to NFL players and a Fortune 500 company. She is also the founder of Revolution Leadership, Inc., a 501c3 nonprofit that has served over 1,633 students and has awarded 30+ college scholarships for the past 17 years. She resides in Orlando, Florida with her husband, Dr. Juan Chisholm, and three daughters. Visit www.StartYourTaxExemptNonprofit.com for more information.




Employment Law (in Plain English)


Book Description

Employment Law (in Plain English)®provides both employers and employees the information they need in order to understand the law as it relates to their working relationship. This helpful guide will enable readers to identify and prevent many of the issues which can and do occur in the employment context, thus saving everyone valuable time and money and establishing a stronger workforce. While this book is not intended to replace the reader’s employment lawyer, it will provide the ability to assist one’s lawyer in litigation should the need arise. Chapters discuss a variety of topics including: Advertising for new positions and vacancies Interviewing, hiring, and other pre-employment considerations Employment contracts Union shops Collective bargaining agreements Employee handbooks First day on the job Wages hours and other terms and conditions of employment On-the-job rights and responsibilities Employee dignity, privacy, and reputation Ownership of work created by employees Private employment versus public employment Internet concerns Virtual offices Employees versus independent contractor statutes Discipline and termination of the employment relationship Dispute resolution Fringe benefits How to find a lawyer In easy-to-understand terms and with plenty of examples, this essential handbook supplies readers with invaluable insights on the legal nature of their working relationships.