Full-Service Law Firm solving complex challenges through bold thinking, precise execution, and shared purpose.

Full Service Law Firm | Michael Best & Friedrich LLP

Specializing in the Intersection of Business &amp; Government

Meet our team of trusted advisors, strategic thinkers, and community builders dedicated to client success.

Learn about our full-service legal and business solutions, designed to address complex challenges for leading organizations across industries.

Access thought leadership, news, and resources to stay informed about the latest trends, legal developments, and industry innovations.

Discover how partnership, bold thinking, and precise execution drive results for clients nationwide.

Explore how our national reach and local expertise support clients across the United States and beyond.

Grow at a firm designed to bring out your best.

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Your mission drives you to make a difference. Receive legal counsel that understands your focus on what matters most, serving your community. Our dedicated nonprofit team works with organizations of all sizes, from local foundations and global nonprofits to trade associations, professional organizations, colleges and universities, and institutions across charitable, educational, scientific, human services, healthcare, and cultural sectors.

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Our Approach: Proactive Guidance and Personal Support

We are closely attuned to the complexities of the Internal Revenue Code regarding exempt organizations and to additional regulations by most states. We provide proactive planning advice to help you protect your tax-exempt status and focus on your mission with confidence.

Legal Counsel that Answers All Your Questions

Nonprofit Organization Structure

Receive counsel on structuring holding companies, for-profit subsidiaries, tax-exempt foundations, public/private partnerships, and other types of collaborative relationships.

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Governance

Ensure your articles of incorporation and bylaws, corporate recordkeeping, principal roles, and conflicts of interest are current and compliant.

Faith Based Organizations

Faith‑based organizations navigate distinct governance needs, shifting regulations, and mission‑sensitive risk areas. With Michael Best, you have guidance to address legal issues and strengthen risk management.

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Fundraising and Development

Understand your best options for fundraising with regard to fund solicitation, charitable registration under state laws, endowments, bonding, deferred giving, and estate planning.

Labor &amp; Human Relations

Navigate executive compensation, tax, and ERISA issues; staff and employee contracts; workplace safety and accommodation requirements under OSHA and ADA; and employment issues such as harassment, discrimination, discipline, and termination.

Our tax advisors regularly advise in the following areas:

Applying for and obtaining tax-exempt determination letters from the IRS

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Taxation of lobbying and campaign activity

Taxation of joint ventures with for-profit organizations

Tax matters related to private foundation classification, as well as the private foundation excise taxes

Disclosure of tax and information returns

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Real Estate and Environmental Issues

Approach real estate-related questions with ease. We provide guidance on site selection, acquisition, zoning, development, environmental and tax assessment, construction, financing, leasing, and sale of commercial properties.

Antitrust

Gain insight regarding including concerted action, standard setting and certification, and other competitive activities.

Government Relations

Attain clarity regarding participation in lobbying and rulemaking and interfacing with regulatory agencies in connection with compliance, grants, and funding.

Intellectual Property

Safeguard your assets. We can help you protect your patents, trademarks, trade names, and copyrights.

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Federal Appellate Court Overturns Trial Court in Favor of Religious Private School Due to Constitutional Ministerial Exception

Michael Best Welcomes Virginia Cronin as Senior Counsel in the Labor & Employment Practice Group

REPIFs Demystified: Legal and Financial Tools for Faith-Based Real Estate

Constitutional Considerations and Protecting Donor Data

Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Enhance Client Service at Michael Best

Four Practical Ways Organizations Can Improve Hiring Decisions

Lessons from the Tax Court: Contemporaneous Written Acknowledgments from Nonprofits to Donors – Strict Compliance Required, Substantial Compliance Not Enough.

Nonprofit

Key Contact

Trending Conversations for Nonprofit

Five Real Estate Trends Organizations Need to Know Right Now

Lessons from the Tax Court: Contemporaneous Written Acknowledgments from Nonprofits to Donors – Strict Compliance Required, Substantial Compliance Not Enough.

Four Practical Ways Organizations Can Improve Hiring Decisions

Key Contact

Trending Conversations for Nonprofit

Five Real Estate Trends Organizations Need to Know Right Now

Lessons from the Tax Court: Contemporaneous Written Acknowledgments from Nonprofits to Donors – Strict Compliance Required, Substantial Compliance Not Enough.

Four Practical Ways Organizations Can Improve Hiring Decisions

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