Because of the protections afforded by the U.S. Constitution in the Establishment and Free Exercise Clauses, religious institutions are subject to tax and corporate rules that differ greatly from those applicable to other nonprofit organizations. In addition, many religious denominations have their own internal bodies of law that also must be followed while dealing with governance and tax issues and other compliance with civil law. A denomination's hierarchical structure, if any, may also affect our civil law advice.
Adler & Colvin attorneys have counseled a broad spectrum of religious groups; among them Western and Eastern denominations, religious orders, and individual churches, synagogues, mosques, and other institutions.
Areas of Focus
- Assisting with structural and governance issues.
- Complying with tax laws and audits.
- Collaborating with a denomination’s religious counsel.
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November 11, 2020
Authors
David A. Levitt
A&C Alumni
Past Events
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In-Person and Virtual Conference December 16, 2025
Practising Law Institute's Understanding California Nonprofit Organizations
Why You Should Attend
This program is directed to attorneys who work with and within nonprofit organizations formed or operating in California. The faculty will provide up-to-date guidance on governance and operational issues for nonprofits, including choice of entity matters, creation and termination of nonprofit organizations, best practices for boards of directors and officers, protection of charitable assets, fundraising, and an overview of relevant business matters such as staffing, advocacy and lobbying work by nonprofits, and protection of intellectual property assets. The faculty will also discuss the use of California nonprofit organizations in social enterprise.
What You Will Learn
After completing this program, participants will be able to:
- Understand the unique characteristics of the regulatory framework for nonprofit organizations formed or operated in California
- Understand areas of law specific to nonprofit organizations, including laws regulating fundraising, advocacy, and management of charitable assets
- Better advise California nonprofit organizations on key elements of their life cycle
- Learn how to apply to the operation of nonprofit organizations laws also relevant to for-profit business entities
- Identify how nonprofit organizations may be used to structure social enterprise endeavors
Who Should Attend
This session is appropriate for attorneys who want to expand their knowledge of the regulation of nonprofits organized or operating in California. Attorneys who currently serve nonprofit clients, attorneys who would like to expand their practice to include new nonprofit clients (including pro bono clients), and attorneys and other individuals currently employed by nonprofit organizations may all benefit from this session.
Presenters:
- William Choi, Rodriguez, Horii, Choi & Cafferata LLP
- William Kell, New Business Community Law Clinic
- Carol Bradford Worley, California Community Foundation
- Shirley J. McLaughlin, Adler & Colvin
- Nancy E. McGlamery, Adler & Colvin
Presenter(s)
