The Paterra Law Firm represents businesses of all sizes. We have assisted clients with all of their business needs—for example, formation and planning, contract drafting and negotiations, resolving disputes, and winding down. In representing our business clients, and all of our clients, we aim to use strategic solutions and our superior service to cost-effectively and efficiently manage our clients’ needs. We have used settlement discussions, mediation and arbitration, and litigation to assist our business clients.
All businesses, big or small, face risk. Risk is inherent in good business. At the Paterra Law Firm, we proactively help you minimize unnecessary risks. We help clients identify and address potential legal issues so that you can prosperously take your business into the future.
Because communities across the country benefit from the work of nonprofits, the federal government offers a variety of legal privileges and tax breaks to charities, foundations, churches, and other nonprofit groups. With all of these benefits, however, come some trade-offs. Starting and managing such groups often can be time-consuming, expensive, and confusing. But we can help.
At the Paterra Law Firm we manage the legal side of your nonprofit, so you can focus on your cause and community.
We help through Legal Check-Ups/Auditing, Training, and Growth Plans.
Legal Audits are like legal check-ups and are important for nonprofits and foundations that want to stay in compliance and avoid potential legal problems. We can conduct a complete organizational check-up (a “legal audit”) to identify risks and to fill any gaps in the operations and/or services.
This service will help strengthen your nonprofit. We advise that you get a legal check-up every two years. These check-ups are especially helpful when a nonprofit undergoes a change in direction or leadership.
Our legal check-ups can include:
Corporate governance matters – review formation articles, board duties, and governing documents to ensure proper board structure, validity of board actions and authority, legal compliance
Conflicts of interest topics
Affiliations and partnership agreements
Employment relationships
Risk management, insurance coverage
Fundraising law, gift planning, charitable solicitations, social investing
We then can report these findings to the board and recommend actions to take to ensure compliance with the laws as well as efficiency.
We offer training to nonprofit staff and board members. Training is especially helpful for new boards and new executive leadership teams, or for an organization that has been finding conflicts between board/staff roles.
The Paterra Law Firm can provide your nonprofit or foundation with one-on-one or group training. Topics can include:
Roles of the Executive Director vs. the board
Financial oversight, compliance, planning, budgeting, financial reporting
Staff and volunteer management
Program development, evaluation, and outcome reporting
Legal reporting requirements on state and federal levels
Fundraising legal issues and requirements, including donation acknowledgments
Financial oversight, compliance
Leadership succession issues
Conflicts of interest
Liability
Due diligence issues
Because nonprofits are highly-regulated businesses, it is important for nonprofits to have an attorney they can call to help them navigate this highly regulated business. Let our strong legal team lead you to becoming a strong nonprofit!
"As with many small businesses, mine was presenting with a hurdle where I needed someone's expert opinion and assistance. I did my research and found Alex. I read through some of the other recommendations and reviews I found and had a good feeling that Alex could help me in my situation. I called Alex and from the very beginning he was extremely helpful.
Alex was able to explain to me, in depth, more about the hurdle I was facing and provided me with several options to assist me in getting over it. We made a plan of action and were able to get past it, allowing me to focus more on my business. What I admired about Alex was his tenacity as well as his communication. He kept me well informed through every step, as each step was happening.
Alex has my highest recommendation and we'd certainly call him again if in need.'
Photography courtesy of: Josh Blaha
