General Counsel Service: Get an Attorney on Your Team
We Manage the Legal Side of Your Nonprofit or Social Enterprise,
So You Can Focus on Your Cause and Community
We enjoy being a part of organizations’ teams. As general counsel, we assist with the legal aspects of nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations and we provide day-to-day counsel as legal questions arise. We are happy to offer this service to clients of all sizes. We are a Texas law firm, and we help clients across the United States with their nonprofits and social enterprises.
We are on call for you and your organization. We offer sound solutions so you can operate a strong nonprofit or socially responsible business.
Practical Help For Your Nonprofit
Before opening this law firm, Mollie Cullinane worked directly in the nonprofit sector – in development, legal, fundraising, and management roles – so she knows how nonprofits actually operate. She has represented professional athletes and international charities, as well as emerging local nonprofits. She has served as a university regent and as board president of numerous nonprofits. This background gives clients exceptional service, as Mollie provides her clients with practical advice in management, development, and board and staff issues so that they can succeed.
Practical Help For Your Social Enterprise or Socially-Responsible Business
Before joining the Cullinane Law Group, Jeff Cullinane represented clients before the IRS, argued cases before state courts and the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, closed multi-billion dollar business transactions, and worked in federal anti-trust litigation. He served as an attorney at private law firms, as Assistant General Counsel of a Fortune 500 company, and as Assistant Attorney General for the Texas Attorney General. Jeff’s diverse experience helps social entrepreneurs and socially responsible businesses find success.
How We Can Help You
- State Law Issues. We serve as correspondent with the Secretary of State on corporate matters, including filing periodic reports, changing the registered agent, board members, and/or Certificate of Formation.
- Federal Law Issues. We serve as correspondent with the Internal Revenue Service on all tax-exemption matters, including notification of certain nonprofit changes – name, bylaws, certificate of formation, budgets, and accounting periods. We work with the nonprofit treasurer or accountant to file Annual IRS Return 990.
- Internal Governance. We ensure that the corporate books and records are kept up to date, as required by law. We draft or update bylaws and governing documents (conflict of interest, whistleblower, record retention agreements). We provide sample agendas and minutes for your board of director meetings.
- Contracts and Memos of Understanding (MOUs). We draft legal documents related to the employment of independent contractors, staff, CEOs, and or service providers. We create contracts related to confidentiality and proprietary information. We review contracts for special events, including vendors, facility conference room or venue.
- Leases. We draft contracts for lease and/or rental of property.
- Risk Management. We offer assistance with obtaining appropriate insurance and setting liability protections in place. We draft Release of Waiver of Liability, Assumption of Risk, Indemnity, and Consent agreements.
- Fundraising Counsel. We advise on fundraising laws and regulations, planned gifts, major gifts – including naming rights gifts, corporate sponsorship, gift annuity programs, multi-state fundraising registration, raffles and charitable gaming, pledge enforcement, third-party events. We provide samples of receipts with appropriate tax language.
- Employment Issues. We draft and review executive compensation packages, employment contracts, employee handbooks, and more.
- Day-to-Day Advice. We offer counsel on legal questions or business matters, as they arise.
Affordable Options
Starting with a nominal fee (as little as $49.99/month), your organization can have a lawyer on your team. Many nonprofits like to have this as a protection for the board and staff, since it keeps your nonprofit in compliance of all applicable laws and regulations. You have someone to call with questions as they arise.