Lawyers Clearinghouse

What Nonprofits Need to Know about Financial Statements
2018-10-12 09:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Boston Private, 10 Post Office Sq, Boston, MA, 02109, United States
Registration: Click here. Please RSVP by October 10.
Presenter: Amanda Pelcher, CPA, Manager of AAFCPAs.
Understanding and implementing accounting standards can be complex, time-consuming, and often requires requisite skills and expertise not found on the internal finance team. Amanda Pelcher, CPA, Manager of AAFCPAs offers a dynamic presentation addressing questions such as what are the areas of focus; how to digest the information within those financial statements to assess the financial health of the organization; how well philanthropic dollars are being utilized (i.e. how much is invested in program versus overhead) and how to look for liquidity. The program will be suited for nonprofit professionals in charge of finance and accounting as well as the members of the boards.
The program is a joint project of Lawyers Clearinghouse, Boston Private, and the Lenny Zakim Fund, and is part of Boston Private’s Community Investment Series with pro bono support of AAFCPAs.

Access to Justice Fellows Program Kick-Off
2018-10-11 17:00 - 19:00 | Adams Courthouse, 1 Pemberton Square, Boston, MA, 02108, United States
The Massachusetts Access to Justice Commission
and the Lawyers Clearinghouse
invite you to attend a Kick-Off Event for the
2018-2019 Access to Justice Fellows Program
Thursday, October 11, 2018
Supreme Judicial Court
John Adams Courthouse
Boston, MA
Want to join us? RSVP here.
5:00 p.m.-5:45 p.m.
Speaking Program, Seven Justice Courtroom
Featured Speakers:
Hon. Ralph D. Gants
Chief Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court and Co-Chair of the Massachusetts Access to Justice Commission
Hon. Patricia E. Bernstein (Ret.)
2017-2018 Fellow at Justice Bridge
Rosalyn Garbose Nasdor
Director and Pro Bono Counsel at Ropes & Gray LLP, Lawyers Clearinghouse Director, and Access to Justice Fellows Program Committee Chair
5:45 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Reception, Second Floor Conference Suite
Our 2018-2019 Fellows:
Learn more about each Fellow here.
John Achatz – Community Legal Services and Counseling Center
Michael Altman – Greater Boston Legal Services, Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Action
Janet Aserkoff – Community Legal Services and Counseling Center
Maryann Civitello – Elizabeth Stone House
Nolly Corley – Codman Square NDC
Peter Farrow – Waltham Alliance for Teaching, Community Organizing and Housing (WATCH CDC)
Michael Felsen – Justice At Work
Paula Mangum – Women’s Bar Foundation
Will Ogburn – Volunteer Lawyers Project
Julie Petrini – Massachusetts Access to Justice Commission
Mark Polebaum – Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office
Karen Quandt – Settlement and Early Resolution Volunteers (SERV) Project, Volunteer Lawyers Project/Senior Partners for Justice
Irene Scharf – Odd Hoc Group, University of Massachusetts School of Law Dartmouth
Hugh Scott – Political Asylum/Immigration Representation (PAIR) Project
Mary Rose Scozzafava – Conservation Law Foundation
Joel Suttenberg – Justice Bridge Legal Center, University of Massachusetts School of Law Dartmouth
Judith Tracy – Boston College Innocence Program Clinic
Jerry Tutor – Saheli, Inc.
Rom Watson – Political Asylum/Immigration Representation (PAIR) Project
Harvey Weiner – Massachusetts Bar Foundation

How to Maintain Nonprofit, Tax-Exempt, and Public Charity Status
2018-10-02 16:00 - 18:00 | Goodwin, 100 Northern Ave., Boston, MA, 02210, United States
This two-hour workshop offers an overview of compliance requirements with various government agencies and practical tips for nascent nonprofits, including the IRS rules on fundraising and political activities.
Registration*: Click here to register. Please RSVP by September 28.
*Please note that registration is required and is not complete without the seminar fee payment of $25 per person.
Payment: $25 per person. Click here to pay. Payment takes the form of a donation on Network for Good. Please select “Nonprofit Seminar Payment” under the “Apply My Donation To” dropdown menu.
Presenters: Veronica Zhang, Community Action Program Legal Services and Brittany Besler, AAFCPAs
This is a joint project of Lawyers Clearinghouse, Goodwin Procter LLP, the Arts & Business Council of Greater Boston/Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts and the Lenny Zakim Fund with pro bono support of Community Action Program Legal Services and Krokidas & Bluestein LLP.

Training and Issue Spotting: How to Prevent Workplace Harassment and Discrimination
2018-09-28 09:00 - 12:00 | Morgan Lewis, 1 Federal St., Boston, MA, 02110, United States
If you wish to join us for this program, please complete the following two steps by 5:00 pm on September 25. Please note space is limited.
(1) Register here.
(2) Email us your current anti-harassment policy (if you have one).
Does your nonprofit have an anti-harassment policy in place that clearly identifies unacceptable conduct? If so, when did you last update it? And has it effectively deterred bad behavior and protected your employees? Come and join our training and consultation program on this timely topic. David Bowman of Morgan Lewis LLP will lead a discussion on topics including legal compliance, practical issues facing nonprofits, and best practices. Following this program, pro bono attorneys will meet with preselected attendees to review their existing anti-harassment policies. The review session will point out the problematic areas in the policy, and nonprofits are invited to follow up with Lawyers Clearinghouse to obtain full representation to revise and update their policy based on this review. Nonprofits are welcome to attend the training alone as well.
Presenter: David Bowman, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP.
Pro Bono Attorneys for Individual Consultation on Anti-Harassment Policy: Attorneys from Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP.
Agenda:
8:45 a.m.–9:00 a.m. Registration
9:00 a.m.–9:10 a.m. Welcome Remarks
9:10 a.m.–11:00 a.m. Training
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Policy Review by Pro Bono Attorneys
Please note that registration is required and space is limited for the Training and Consultation Session. In order to be part of the Consultation Session, a conflicts check will have to be cleared by the participating law firm.
This is a joint project of Lawyers Clearinghouse and Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP.

What it Means to Form and Operate a Nonprofit
2018-09-25 16:30 - 18:00 | Goodnow Library, 21 Concord Rd., Sudbury, MA, 01776, United States
Registration: Click here. Please register by September 21.
Mission-driven founders of charitable organizations are visionaries. They see unmet needs and are driven to fill them. But decisions must be made on how to best capture the founder’s vision in an effective legal structure. There are several options to consider, all with advantages and disadvantages, and all with legal issues to consider:
For example, should the group:

Become a tax exempt nonprofit?
Work through a “fiscal agent”?
Merge with an existing nonprofit?
Become an unincorporated association and trust?

Additionally, existing nonprofits are often asked to become a fiscal agent or take over a newly formed charitable group.

What legal ramifications should be considered before accepting this role?

Come learn about various options that are available to engage in charitable activities while remaining in compliance with pertinent laws and regulations.
Presenter: Elizabeth Reinhardt, Law Offices of Elizabeth S. Reinhardt.
This workshop is offered in partnership with Foundation for MetroWest.

Legal Clinic for the Homeless (Lifebridge)
2018-09-21 09:30 - 12:00 | Lifebridge, 56 Margin St., Salem, MA, 01970, United States
The Lawyers Clearinghouse operates free legal clinics throughout the year at a number of area shelters. In order to qualify, clients must be homeless, using shelter services, or otherwise income eligible for free legal services. This week’s clinic will match pro bono attorneys with homeless clients at Lifebridge seeking legal assistance.
Please contact Clinic Director Mia Friedman by email or at 617.544.3434 ext. 104 to learn more or to sign up for this clinic.
Clients who are unable to sign up in advance may still attend a clinic. We try to assist with most legal issues but do not take any domestic relations cases (divorce, custody, child support, etc) or represent defendants in criminal trials.
The full schedule is available to view and print in English and eight other languages.

Lobbying, Advocacy & Political Activities for 501(c)(3) Entities
2018-09-20 09:00 - 10:30 | Boston Private, 10 Post Office Sq, Boston, MA, 02109, United States
Registration: Click here. Please register by September 17.
Presenter: Teresa Santalucia, Partner, Klein Hornig LLP
Many nonprofits are now considering increasing their advocacy activities. It is critical for these nonprofits to review the rule of engagement in this area so as to remain in compliance with pertinent laws and regulations. This seminar will give a general overview of basic federal tax and lobbying law for 501(c)(3) organizations, and discuss best practices including the following questions:

What is the difference between advocacy and lobbying?
When and how is it okay for a nonprofit to lobby and what happens if a nonprofit crosses the line?

This seminar is a joint project of Lawyers Clearinghouse, the Lenny Zakim Fund, and Boston Private, with pro bono support of Klein Hornig LLP.

Nonprofit Incorporation Workshop
2018-09-18 16:00 - 18:30 | Goodwin, 100 Northern Ave., Boston, MA, 02210, United States
Registration: Click here. Please RSVP by September 14.
Payment: $25 per person. Click here to pay. Payment takes the form of a donation on Network for Good. Please select “Nonprofit Seminar Payment” under the “Apply My Donation To” dropdown menu.
Are you a leader of an existing nonprofit organization or have an interest in creating a new one? Do you have questions and concerns about incorporating and/or filing for tax-exempt status? All nonprofit start-ups are invited to attend this legal seminar for nonprofits, led by experienced nonprofit attorneys. At this group session, we will assist your organization in understanding the complicated processes of formalizing a nonprofit in Massachusetts by addressing questions regarding:

For-Profit or Not-for-Profit?
What is a Not-for-Profit?
Incorporating & Structuring the Not-for-Profit
Option of Fiscal Sponsorship
State Reporting & Regulation
Federal Tax Exemption
Ongoing IRS Reporting & Regulation

Three of our presenters spoke with us about starting a nonprofit and the state of the sector as whole. Take a look at their in-depth responses here.
Presenters: Lisa McChesney, Goodwin Procter LLP; Jim Grace, Arts & Business Council of Greater Boston/Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts; and Josh Sattely, TSNE MissionWorks.
Co-sponsors: Goodwin, Arts & Business Council of Greater Boston/Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts, TSNE MissionWorks.

[POSTPONED--New Date TBD] Pro Bono Consultation for Nonprofits: Written Information Security Program (WISP)
2018-09-18 09:00 - 12:00 | Morgan Lewis, 1 Federal St., Boston, MA, 02110, United States
This event has been postponed. A new date will be shared soon.
Payment: Click here. The fee is $25 per organization. Payment takes the form of a donation on Network for Good. Please select “Nonprofit Seminar Payment” under the “Apply My Donation To” dropdown menu.
Massachusetts law requires any corporate entity operating in MA which handles the residents’ personal information (PI) to develop and enforce a Written Information Security Program (WISP). Each WISP should be tailored to the manner and scope of operation of each corporate entity.
Join us for a two-part WISP training and consultation program. The 60 minute training will focus on how to implement and maintain WISP at the operational level and will be led by Patti Mazurkiewicz, Boston Bar Association. Patti trains BBA employees on this topic and will guide you on how you can do it at your nonprofit. Danny Summerlin of Jump Start will also be present to help you with IT related questions. The subsequent 75 minute consultation session will be staffed by lawyers from Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP. They will review your current WISP and make recommendations as necessary or discuss with you how to develop a new WISP for your nonprofit if you don’t have one.
Presenters: Patricia Mazurkiewicz, Benefit & Payroll Manager, Boston Bar Association; and Danny Summerlin, Senior Manager of Technology, Jumpstart.
Pro Bono Attorneys for Individual Consultation on WISP: Attorneys from Morgan Lewis.
Agenda:
9:00 a.m. – 9:20 a.m. Registration, refreshment and networking
9:20 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Welcome remarks
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. How to Implement and Maintain a WISP at Your Nonprofit, Patti Mazurkiewicz.
10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Break
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Consultation with Pro Bono Attorneys
This pro bono consultation program is a joint project of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, Boston Bar Association, and Lawyers Clearinghouse.

Legal Clinic for the Homeless (Pine Street Inn)
2018-09-14 09:30 - 12:00, 2018-04-27 09:30 - 12:00 | Pine Street Inn, 444 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA, 02118, United States
The Lawyers Clearinghouse operates free legal clinics throughout the year at a number of area shelters. In order to qualify, clients must be homeless, using shelter services, or otherwise income eligible for free legal services. This week’s clinic will match pro bono attorneys with homeless clients at the Pine Street Inn seeking legal assistance.
Clients should sign up in advance if possible by contacting the shelter representative:
Men’s Contacts: Ken – 617.892.9230
Women’s Contact: Catita – 617.892.9301
Clients who are unable to sign up in advance may still attend a clinic. We try to assist with most legal issues but do not take any domestic relations cases (divorce, custody, child support, etc) or represent defendants in criminal trials.
The full schedule is available to view and print in English and eight other languages.

Legal Clinic for the Homeless (Southampton Shelter)
2018-06-29 09:30 - 12:00 | Southampton Shelter, 112 Southampton St., Boston, MA, 02118, United States
The Lawyers Clearinghouse operates free legal clinics throughout the year at a number of area shelters. In order to qualify, clients must be homeless, using shelter services, or otherwise income eligible for free legal services. This week’s clinic will match pro bono attorneys with homeless clients at the Southampton Shelter seeking legal assistance.
Please note this clinic is limited to guests of Southampton Shelter only. Please contact Legal Clinic Director Mia Friedman with any questions about legal assistance and/or future clinics: 617.778.2082 or by email.
Clients should sign up in advance if possible by contacting the shelter representative:
Pedro – 617.534.6136
Clients who are unable to sign up in advance may still attend a clinic. We try to assist with most legal issues but do not take any domestic relations cases (divorce, custody, child support, etc) or represent defendants in criminal trials.
The full schedule is available to view and print in English and eight other languages.

WEBINAR: Advocacy, Lobbying, and Political Activity--What Every Nonprofit Needs to Know
2018-06-20 12:50 - 15:15 | Webinar
Public charities play an essential role in our democracy by helping their communities understand the needs of often voiceless groups in our society, communicating with government decisionmakers and encouraging civic engagement. But public charities also need to be knowledgeable about the limits the Internal Revenue Code places on the ability of nonprofits to engage in lobbying, the types of advocacy that count towards the IRS lobbying limits, the restrictions on a nonprofit organizations engaging in what is considered political activity, and how to keep their civic engagement work nonpartisan. This workshop will cover Internal Revenue Code rules regarding lobbying and political activity for public charities, as well as the federal Lobbying Disclosure Act. Sign up now, and be prepared to deal with these issues as the election season approaches.
This session is designed for board members, executive directors, communications officers and other nonprofit staff and volunteers responsible for a nonprofit’s public communications.
Registration: Click here.
Agenda:
12:50 p.m. Opening Remarks (for New York City and WebEx participants)
1:00 p.m. The IRS Rules Regarding Political Activity
1:50 p.m. Lobbying and Advocacy—What is the Difference and What are the Rules
2:45 p.m. The Federal Lobbying Disclosure Act—What You Need to Know
3:15 p.m. Adjournment
Program Booklet:

Legal Clinic for the Homeless (Medeiros Center)
2018-06-15 09:30 - 12:00, 2018-04-13 09:30 - 12:00 | Medeiros Center, 1960 Washington St., Boston, MA, 02118, United States
The Lawyers Clearinghouse operates free legal clinics throughout the year at a number of area shelters. In order to qualify, clients must be homeless, using shelter services, or otherwise income eligible for free legal services. This week’s clinic will match pro bono attorneys with homeless clients at the Cardinal Medeiros Center seeking legal assistance.
Clients should sign up in advance if possible by contacting the shelter representative:
Jack – 617.619.6962
Clients who are unable to sign up in advance may still attend a clinic. We try to assist with most legal issues but do not take any domestic relations cases (divorce, custody, child support, etc) or represent defendants in criminal trials.
The full schedule is available to view and print in English and eight other languages.

Nonprofit Incorporation Workshop
2018-06-14 16:00 - 18:30 | Lincoln Public Library, 3 Bedford Rd., Lincoln, MA, 01773, United States
Registration: Click here. Please RSVP by June 11.
Are you a leader of an existing nonprofit organization or have an interest in creating a new one? Do you have questions and concerns about incorporating and/or filing for tax-exempt status? All nonprofit start-ups are invited to attend this legal seminar for nonprofits, led by experienced nonprofit attorneys. At this group session, we will assist your organization in understanding the complicated processes of formalizing a nonprofit in Massachusetts by addressing questions regarding:

For-Profit or Not-for-Profit?
What is a Not-for-Profit?
Incorporating & Structuring the Not-for-Profit
Option of Fiscal Sponsorship
State Reporting & Regulation
Federal Tax Exemption
Ongoing IRS Reporting & Regulation

Three of our presenters spoke with us about starting a nonprofit and the state of the sector as whole. Take a look at their in-depth responses here.
Presenters: Janet Rickershauser, Pathway Law; Elizabeth Reinhardt, Law Office of Elizabeth Reinhardt
Co-sponsors: Goodwin, Arts & Business Council of Greater Boston/Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts, TSNE MissionWorks.

30th Annual Meeting
2018-06-06 17:00 - 19:00 | Nixon Peabody, 53 State Street, Boston, MA, 02109, United States
30th Annual Meeting
June 6, 2018, 5-7 p.m.
Nixon Peabody
100 Summer St., Boston, MA
Bob Rivers, Chairman and CEO of Eastern Bank
2018 Honoree: Robert F. Rivers, Chairman and CEO, Eastern Bank
Please join the Clearinghouse and event co-chairs Kathy Henry and Doug Henry at Nixon Peabody on June 6 when we gather to honor Bob Rivers, the recipient of this year’s Lawyers Clearinghouse Leadership Award.
Bob is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Eastern Bank, America’s oldest and largest mutual bank and the largest independent community bank headquartered in Massachusetts, with $11 billion in assets and over 120 offices.
Bob is involved extensively in the community, serving on the Board of Directors of The Dimock Center, the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, the Massachusetts Business Roundtable, Jobs for Mass, and The Lowell Plan. He also is a member of the Board of Trustees of Stonehill College, the Northern Essex Community College Foundation, the Board of Corporators of Lowell General Hospital, the Advisory Boards of the Lawrence Partnership and JFK Library Foundation, and is a member of the City of Boston’s Women’s Workforce Council, Environmental League of Massachusetts’ Corporate Council, and ALPFA Boston’s Corporate Advisory Board, in addition to providing support and guidance to numerous other nonprofit organizations.
Named after the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy, Bob’s passion for advocating for social justice causes and sustainability issues is the result of a personal and professional journey that began early in his life. Bob has been recognized by The Boston Globe, Boston Business Journal, The Partnership, Get Konnected!, Color Magazine, the Massachusetts Immigration & Refugee Advocacy (MIRA), Asian American Civic Association (AACA), Association for Latino Professionals in Finance & Accounting (ALPFA), El Planeta, the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition, The Theater Offensive, The Ad Club, and MassINC for his work in championing diversity and social justice.
Purchase event tickets. Individual tickets are $75 each, however we welcome all of our pro bono volunteers to attend free of charge. Simply choose the “Volunteer Ticket” option when you register. Event sponsors receive tickets as part of their sponsorship package.
Download the Sponsor Packet (pdf).
Learn more about this event.

Legal Clinic for the Homeless (Metro Housing | Boston)
2018-06-01 09:30 - 12:00 | Metro Housing Boston, 1411 Tremont St., Boston, MA, 02120, United States
The Lawyers Clearinghouse operates free legal clinics throughout the year at a number of area shelters. In order to qualify, clients must be homeless, using shelter services, or otherwise income eligible for free legal services. This week’s clinic will match pro bono attorneys with homeless clients at Metro Housing | Boston seeking legal assistance.
Clients should sign up in advance if possible by contacting the shelter representative:
Maura – 617.425.6650
Clients who are unable to sign up in advance may still attend a clinic. We try to assist with most legal issues but do not take any domestic relations cases (divorce, custody, child support, etc) or represent defendants in criminal trials.
The full schedule is available to view and print in English and eight other languages.

Legal Clinic for the Homeless (Woods Mullen)
2018-05-18 09:30 - 12:00 | Woods Mullen Shelter, 794 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, MA, 02118, United States
The Lawyers Clearinghouse operates free legal clinics throughout the year at a number of area shelters. In order to qualify, clients must be homeless, using shelter services, or otherwise income eligible for free legal services. This week’s clinic will match pro bono attorneys with homeless clients at the Woods Mullen Shelter seeking legal assistance.
Clients should sign up in advance if possible by contacting the shelter representative:
Stephanie – 617.534.2445
Clients who are unable to sign up in advance may still attend a clinic. We try to assist with most legal issues but do not take any domestic relations cases (divorce, custody, child support, etc) or represent defendants in criminal trials.
The full schedule is available to view and print in English and eight other languages.

Nonprofit Incorporation Workshop
2018-05-10 16:00 - 18:30 | Goodwin, 100 Northern Ave., Boston, MA, 02210, United States
Registration: Click here. Please RSVP by May 7.
Payment: $25 per person. Click here to pay. Payment takes the form of a donation on Network for Good. Please select “Nonprofit Seminar Payment” under the “Apply My Donation To” dropdown menu.
Are you a leader of an existing nonprofit organization or have an interest in creating a new one? Do you have questions and concerns about incorporating and/or filing for tax-exempt status? All nonprofit start-ups are invited to attend this legal seminar for nonprofits, led by experienced nonprofit attorneys. At this group session, we will assist your organization in understanding the complicated processes of formalizing a nonprofit in Massachusetts by addressing questions regarding:

For-Profit or Not-for-Profit?
What is a Not-for-Profit?
Incorporating & Structuring the Not-for-Profit
Option of Fiscal Sponsorship
State Reporting & Regulation
Federal Tax Exemption
Ongoing IRS Reporting & Regulation

Three of our presenters spoke with us about starting a nonprofit and the state of the sector as whole. Take a look at their in-depth responses here.
Presenters: Alyssa Fitzgerald, Goodwin; Janet Rickershauser, Pathway Law
Co-sponsors: Goodwin, Arts & Business Council of Greater Boston/Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts, TSNE MissionWorks.

Legal Clinic for the Homeless (St. Francis House)
2018-05-04 09:30 - 12:00, 2018-03-23 09:30 - 12:00 | St. Francis House, 39 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02111, United States
The Lawyers Clearinghouse operates free legal clinics throughout the year at a number of area shelters. In order to qualify, clients must be homeless, using shelter services, or otherwise income eligible for free legal services. This week’s clinic will match pro bono attorneys with homeless clients at St. Francis House seeking legal assistance.
Clients should sign up in advance if possible by contacting the shelter representative:
Fabiana – 617.457.1034
Clients who are unable to sign up in advance may still attend a clinic. We try to assist with most legal issues but do not take any domestic relations cases (divorce, custody, child support, etc) or represent defendants in criminal trials.
The full schedule is available to view and print in English and eight other languages.

Massachusetts Pay Equity Law: Is Your Nonprofit Ready?
2018-05-03 09:30 - 11:00 | Seyfarth Shaw, 2 Seaport Ln., #300, Boston, MA, 02210, United States
Registration: Click here. Please register by April 30.
Presenters: Hillary Massey and Christina Duszlak, Seyfarth Shaw LLP
In 2017, Governor Baker signed a bipartisan pay equity bill, passed unanimously by both legislative branches, to ensure equal pay for comparable work for all Massachusetts workers and equal opportunities to earn competitive salaries in the workplace. The new law, going into effect on July 1, 2018, will prevent pay discrimination for comparable work based on gender. It also allows employees to freely discuss their salaries with coworkers and prohibits employers from requiring applicants to provide their salary history before receiving a formal job offer.
Come and learn more about this new law and what your nonprofit as an employer can do and can no longer do. The law will affect your existing pay scheme, employee handbook, hiring process manual and related policies. Employment law experts Hilary Massey and Christina Duszlak of Seyfarth Shaw will lead this 90-minute seminar.

Pro Bono Consultation for Nonprofits: Are Your Organization’s Anti-Harassment Policies Up-to-Date and Do They Effectively Combat Harassment?
2018-04-23 09:00 - 12:00 | Seyfarth Shaw, 2 Seaport Ln., #300, Boston, MA, 02210, United States
Please note: This event is currently at capacity. Please contact Machiko Sano Hewitt to inquire about our waitlist.

Does your nonprofit have an anti-harassment policy in place that clearly identifies unacceptable conduct? If so, when did you last update it? And has it effectively deterred bad behavior and protected your employees? Come and join our consultation program on this timely topic. The law firm of Seyfarth Shaw LLP will lead a discussion on topics including legal compliance, practical issues facing nonprofits, and best practices. Following this program, pro bono attorneys will meet with preselected attendees to review their existing anti-harassment policies.
Payment: $25 per organization. Someone will contact you regarding payment in the event that consultation space becomes available.
Presenters: Daniel Klein, Cindy Westervelt, Kelsey Montgomery, and Molly Mooney of Seyfarth Shaw LLP.
Pro Bono Attorneys for Individual Consultation on Anti-Harassment Policies:
Attorneys from Seyfarth Shaw and in-house counsel from area corporations
Agenda:
9:00 a.m. – 9:20 a.m. Registration and meet and greet
9:20 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Welcome remarks
9:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Training: Are Your Organization’s Anti-Harassment Policies Up-to-Date and Do They Effectively Combat Harassment?
10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Break
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Consultation with Pro Bono Attorneys
Please note that registration is required and space is limited for the policy review and Consultation Session. In order to be part of the Consultation Session, a conflicts check will have to be cleared by the participating law firm.
This program is a project of Lawyers Clearinghouse with pro bono support from Seyfarth Shaw LLP.

Pro Bono Consultation for Nonprofits: Bylaws and Conflict of Interest Policy Review and Update
2018-04-12 08:45 - 12:00 | Ropes & Gray LLP, 800 Boylston St., Boston, MA, 02199, United States
When did your organization last formally review its bylaws to ensure that they remain in accordance with your Articles of Organization, other corporate documents, and that they are reflective of the organization’s actual practices? Does your organization have any concerns about how your bylaws are being or can be interpreted to ensure that decisions and resolutions are legally binding? Is your Conflict of Interest Policy current and useful to address your possible and likely scenarios?
Join us for a two-part training and consultation program on bylaws and COI policy. The 60-minute training will focus on the mechanics of bylaws and COI policy and practical tips for how to use these documents in your operation. The subsequent 75-minute consultation session will be staffed by lawyers from Ropes & Gray LLP. They will review your current bylaws and COI policy or assist you in creating a new policy, and make recommendations as necessary.
If you wish to join us for this program, please complete the following two steps by April 5.
(1) Register here. SPACE IS LIMITED.
(2) Email your current bylaws and COI policy, if you have one, to Machiko Sano Hewitt.
Please note that registration is required and space is limited for the Training and Consultation Session. In order to be part of the Consultation Session, a conflicts check will have to be cleared by the participating law firm.
Payment: Pay here. The cost is $25 per organization. Payment takes the form of a donation on Network for Good. Please choose “My full contact information” or “My name and email address only” under privacy preferences and indicate the date of the program in the “Designation” section so we may log your payment.
Presenters: Dick Allen, Access to Justice Fellow and Peter Erichsen, Ropes & Gray LLP
Pro Bono Attorneys for Individual Consultation: Attorneys from Ropes & Gray LLP
Agenda:
8:45 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Registration
9:00 a.m. – 9:10 a.m. Welcome Remarks
9:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Training: Understanding Your Bylaws and Conflict of Interest Policy
10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Break
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Consultation with Pro Bono Attorneys
This program is a project of Lawyers Clearinghouse with pro bono support from Ropes & Gray LLP.

Legal Clinic for the Homeless (Bridge)
2018-04-06 09:30 - 12:00 | Bridge Over Troubled Waters, 47 West St., Boston, MA, 02111, United States
The Lawyers Clearinghouse operates free legal clinics throughout the year at a number of area shelters. In order to qualify, clients must be homeless, using shelter services, or otherwise income eligible for free legal services. This week’s clinic will match pro bono attorneys with homeless clients at Bridge seeking legal assistance.
Clients should sign up in advance if possible by contacting:
Transitional Day Program Staff – 617.423.9575 ext. 207
Clients who are unable to sign up in advance may still attend a clinic. We try to assist with most legal issues but do not take any domestic relations cases (divorce, custody, child support, etc) or represent defendants in criminal trials.
The full schedule is available to view and print in English and eight other languages.

[CANCELED] Massachusetts Pay Equity Law: Is Your Nonprofit Ready?
2018-04-05 09:00 - 10:30 | Stonehill College – Brocktonian Room, 16 Belmont St., Easton, MA, 02357, United States
This event has been canceled. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Presenters: Michael Birch, Charlotte Petilla, of Hirsch Roberts Weinstein.
On August 1, Governor Baker signed a bipartisan pay equity bill, passed unanimously by both legislative branches, to ensure equal pay for comparable work for all Massachusetts workers and equal opportunities to earn competitive salaries in the workplace. The new law, going into effect on July 1, 2018, will prevent pay discrimination for comparable work based on gender. It also allows employees to freely discuss their salaries with coworkers and prohibits employers from requiring applicants to provide their salary history before receiving a formal job offer.
Come and learn more about this new law and what your nonprofit as an employer can do and can no longer do. The law will affect your employee handbook, hiring process manual, and related policies. Employment law experts from Hirsch Roberts Weinstein will lead this 90 minute seminar.

What the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Means for Nonprofits and Best Practices to Prevent Financial Misconduct
2018-03-23 09:00 - 11:00 | Boston Private, 10 Post Office Sq, Boston, MA, 02109, United States
Registration (required): Click here. Please register by March 20.
Presenters: John Buckley and Josh England of AAFCPAs

This year, MA nonprofits face significant legal challenges to be in compliance with new sets of federal and Massachusetts laws. This program will address to the new IRS rules nonprofits need to comply with and those with the calendar year as their fiscal year will have to do so by April 15. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has enacted widespread changes to the tax rules affecting nonprofit organizations.
Our presenter Josh England of AAFCPAs will lead a presentation on the following changes that are especially noteworthy: (1) a 21% excise tax on executive compensation exceeding $1 million; (2) UBTI must be computed separately for each unrelated trade or business; (3) disallowed fringe benefits are now UBTI including any qualified transportation fringe; any parking facility used in connection with qualified parking; and any on-premises athletic facility; (4) Private colleges and universities with significant endowments will be subject to new 1.4 % excise tax. In addition, he will speak on provisions that impact donors and the tax benefits they may receive from making a charitable contribution.
Our second presenter John Buckley also of AAFCPAs will discuss the best practices to prevent financial misconduct which remains an enormous risk for nonprofits of any size including fraud warning signs.
Come learn the new federal laws to avoid being blindsided when Form 990 is due and the practical tips as to how to avoid to create a situation where financial misconduct could be perpetrated and how to spot any red flag.
This seminar is a joint project of the Lawyers Clearinghouse and Boston Private with pro bono support of AAFCPAs.

Nonprofit Incorporation Workshop
2018-03-22 16:00 - 18:30 | Goodwin, 100 Northern Ave., Boston, MA, 02210, United States
Registration: Click here. Please RSVP by March 20.
Payment: $25 per person. Click here to pay. Payment takes the form of a donation on Network for Good. Please choose “My full contact information” or “My name and email address only” under privacy preferences and indicate the date of the program in the “Designation” section so we may log your payment.
Are you a leader of an existing nonprofit organization or have an interest in creating a new one? Do you have questions and concerns about incorporating and/or filing for tax-exempt status? All nonprofit start-ups are invited to attend this legal seminar for nonprofits, led by experienced nonprofit attorneys. At this group session, we will assist your organization in understanding the complicated processes of formalizing a nonprofit in Massachusetts by addressing questions regarding:

For-Profit or Not-for-Profit?
What is a Not-for-Profit?
Incorporating & Structuring the Not-for-Profit
Option of Fiscal Sponsorship
State Reporting & Regulation
Federal Tax Exemption
Ongoing IRS Reporting & Regulation

Three of our presenters spoke with us about starting a nonprofit and the state of the sector as whole. Take a look at their in-depth responses here.
Presenters: Susan Abbott and Lisa McChesney, Goodwin; Josh Sattely, TSNE MissionWorks.
Co-sponsors: Goodwin, Arts & Business Council of Greater Boston/Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts, TSNE MissionWorks.

Legal Clinic for the Homeless (Women's Lunch Place)
2018-03-09 09:30 - 12:00 | Women’s Lunch Place (Women Only), 67 Newbury Street, Boston, MA, 02116, United States
The Lawyers Clearinghouse operates free legal clinics throughout the year at a number of area shelters. In order to qualify, clients must be homeless, using shelter services, or otherwise income eligible for free legal services. This week’s clinic will match pro bono attorneys with homeless clients at Women’s Lunch Place seeking legal assistance.
Clients should sign up in advance if possible by contacting the shelter representative:
Tara – 617.267.8105
Clients who are unable to sign up in advance may still attend a clinic. We try to assist with most legal issues but do not take any domestic relations cases (divorce, custody, child support, etc) or represent defendants in criminal trials.
The full schedule is available to view and print in English and eight other languages.
