500+ association and nonprofit clients
We support a wide range of nonprofits, empowering them to serve their members and operate with efficiency and impact.
Supporting your mission with precision and passion
We give each organization personalized, attentive service, whether you're a national association or a local foundation. Our approach isn’t one-size-fits-all – it’s tailored to meet your specific needs, backed by decades of experience working with a large roster of nonprofit clients.
Our team brings deep experience, practical solutions, and personalized attention to every client, ensuring you can focus on what truly matters – your mission.
Collaborating across practices for comprehensive support
As part of a full-service law firm, our Associations and Nonprofits team collaborates with attorneys across healthcare, intellectual property, litigation, employment, and other key practice areas to provide comprehensive legal counsel tailored to nonprofit organizations.
With clients operating across all 50 states and internationally, we have deep experience interpreting multistate laws and navigating global regulatory frameworks. No matter the challenge—whether governance, compliance, or operational risks—our team delivers strategic, business-focused solutions to help nonprofits thrive.
Key areas of service include:
- Employment and HR – Advising on HR policies, employment law compliance, and workplace dispute resolution to support a stable workforce.
- Tax-exempt status and compliance – Advising nonprofits on obtaining, maintaining, and protecting tax-exempt status, including IRS filings, governance best practices, and defense against audits or challenges to exempt status, and minimizing unrelated business income.
- Governance and compliance – Drafting bylaws, advising on board management, and handling tax-exempt status to keep organizations running smoothly.
- Intellectual property – Protecting trademarks, copyrights, and proprietary assets to safeguard brand identity and mission impact.
- Litigation and dispute resolution – Managing mediation, arbitration, and complex litigation to help nonprofits resolve challenges efficiently.
- Regulatory and legislative services – Navigating federal and state regulations, lobbying efforts, and legislative advocacy to advance organizational goals.
- Antitrust – Minimizing risk of activities to remain compliant with antitrust laws.
We understand the complexities of nonprofit law and the critical role your organization plays. At Barnes & Thornburg, our attorneys provide strategic legal counsel on everything from routine compliance to high-stakes legal challenges, ensuring your organization remains resilient, compliant, and mission-driven.
Associations and Nonprofits Practice Leaders
