Not-for-Profit Corporation Law Clinic (2 credits)
T. Kevin Murtha, Adjunct Professor of Law
The Not-for-Profit Corporation Law Clinic is dedicated to assisting community groups and non-profit organizations. These entities provide a large and important array of services in any community: health care; education; children's programs; senior citizens' services; advocacy for disadvantaged groups; recreational and entertainment projects; and much more. Whether long-established or recently formed to address an emerging problem, both the organizations and their staff and board members need sound legal advice to function properly, fulfill legal requirements, and carry out their charitable purposes.
The clinic enables students to engage in the practice of basic corporate and non-profit law while helping community groups accomplish important goals. Under the supervision of experienced faculty, students advise groups on appropriate forms of organization to accomplish their goals. They also provide ongoing legal services in matters such as creation of corporate structure and by-laws; application for tax-exempt status; compliance with federal, state, and local laws; government filings; fundraising; advice on board and volunteer liability; restrictions on lobbying; and other actions of the organization.
Clinic students work an average of eight (8) hours each week on client matters typically in the evenings; they also participate in a weekly seminar covering the laws and procedures that apply to the non-profit groups and corporations. (Evening division students receive enrollment preference.)
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