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| A Lawyers Alliance Continuing Legal Education Program |
| March 22, 2013 - 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
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Current Issues in Advising Nonprofit Organizations
We will hold our annual full-day CLE event, "Current Issues in Advising Nonprofit
Organizations," on March 22, 2013 at the offices of Shearman & Sterling LLP. Topics will include: Life Cycle of a Nonprofit Organization; Affordable Housing Development; Ethical Issues in Pro Bono Representation; Debt Restructuring; and Employment Law.
Morning session - 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (registration at 9:00 a.m.)
Two afternoon breakout sessions - 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
and 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Click here for more information.
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| Becoming a Nonprofit: Incorporation |
| March 19, 2013 - 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM |
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Ready to get your non-profit off the ground? This one hour webinar will focus solely on incorporating a not-for-profit corporation in the State of New York. This webinar will discuss the benefits and obligations of forming a New York not-for-profit corporation. The webinar will also provide a step-by-step guide to completing a draft certificate of incorporation, including obtaining any required consents by New York agencies prior to incorporation, naming a not-for-profit corporation, drafting a purpose clause and dissolution clause, and other related requirements. In addition, the webinar will provide a list of some pitfalls to avoid that may result in the rejection of incorporation documents by the New York Department of State.
Instructor: Nicole Cuttino, Staff Attorney |
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| Becoming a Nonprofit: Incorporation and Tax Exemption |
| June 4, 2013 - 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM |
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Getting a new nonprofit organization off to the right start can mean the difference between success and failure. This workshop will go step-by-step through the process of incorporating in New York State and applying for federal tax exempt status. Attention will be given to the benefits and obligations of incorporation and tax-exempt status including reporting requirements, the role of board members, and the limitations on lobbying and political activities. For those interested in forming a nonprofit organization in New York.
Instructor: Nicole Cuttino, Staff Attorney |
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| Becoming a Nonprofit: Seeking Federal Tax Exemption |
| April 9, 2013 - 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM |
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Already started your non-profit and interested in applying for tax exemption? This one hour webinar will focus primarily on applying for federal tax exemption, but will also include information on applying for New York State and local tax exemption. This webinar will discuss the benefits and obligations of being a tax exempt organization. The webinar will also provide a step-by-step guide to completing IRS Form 1023/1024, including obtaining an employer identification number, drafting a narrative description, preparing bylaws, conflict of interest policies and other policies that govern the board and employees of the not-for-profit corporation, understanding limitations on lobbying and political activity, and IRS reporting requirements. In addition, the webinar will also cover New York State Attorney General registration and reporting requirements for organizations that solicit funds in the State of New York.
Instructors: Nicole Cuttino, Staff Attorney |
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Employment Webinar for Wise Nonprofits: Managing Ailing Employees: Balancing Statutory Obligations and Operational Needs |
| March 20, 2013 - 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM |
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Handling employee illness and injury tops the list of difficult employee relations issues, especially for nonprofits trying to be humane employers on limited resources. This webinar will help employers understand their rights and obligations under multiple federal, state, and local laws including the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and NYS Workers Compensation law. This webinar is for senior management and human resources professionals.
Instructor: Judith Moldover, Senior Staff Attorney |
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Employment Webinar for Wise Nonprofits Classifying Your Workers: Who Really Is an Independent Contractor? |
| June 11, 2013 - 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM |
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Nonprofits that misclassify an employee as an independent contractor are at tremendous financial risk for back taxes, workers comp penalties, and other financial burdens as a result of noncompliance with federal, state, and local employment law, even if the individual in question insisted on being classified as an independent contractor. This webinar will explain who is and who is not an independent contractor; what employers need to do to establish a legitimate independent contractor relationship; and what to do if an individual has been misclassified. Participants will also learn about the IRS’ Voluntary Settlement Compliance Program and legislative developments. This webinar is for senior management and human resources professionals.
Instructor: Judith Moldover, Senior Staff Attorney |
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| Human Resource Administration - The Impact of the NLRB and Unionization on Progressive Employment Policies of Nonunion Nonprofits |
| March 1, 2013 - 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM |
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On December 14, 2012, the National Labor Relation Board (NLRB) held that a nonunion nonprofit violated the National Labor Relation Act (NLRA) when it terminated five employees for comments they posted on Facebook from their personal computers in response to a coworker's criticisms of their job performance.
If you are surprised by the NLRB's decision or the fact that the NLRB has jurisdiction over nonunion employers, then you should register for this new on-demand webinar. This webinar will discuss how nonprofit employers that are not unionized can proactively respond to recent proposed and implemented changes in the law, resulting from actions of the NLRB, in order to more efficiently and effectively manage their businesses without undue interference from outside influences, such as unions.
PRESENTER: David Islinger, Esq., partner in the Morristown, NJ office of the firm of Jackson Lewis, LLP
Because we are expecting a large audience for this workshop, it will be prerecorded as an on-demand course. Registrants will receive a link and login instructions on March 11, 2013. The course will remain online until May 1, 2013.
REGISTRATION:
For information and registration please click here.
Registration closes March 1, 2013.
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| Making Bylaws Useful: A Hands-On Clinic |
| April 19, 2013 - 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM |
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HOW YOU WOULD BENEFIT:
Bylaws are the documents that guide an organization's decision-making processes. Too often, however, bylaws are overly complicated and hinder rather than encourage Board participation and oversight. Using case studies, hypotheticals, and form documents, this clinic will help participants to revise their organization's bylaws to promote good governance practices.
This event will be held in conjunction with Viacom's Viacommunity Day, at its offices at 1515 Broadway between 44th and 45th Streets. Each participating organization will have an opportunity to meet with an attorney from Viacom or Lawyers Alliance during the clinic to discuss their organization's bylaws. Advance submission of certificate of incorporation and bylaws is required; you will be given instructions in a confirmation e-mail.
WHO WOULD BENEFIT:
Board members and senior managers.
Registration is now closed.
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| Making Bylaws Useful: A Nonprofit Hands-On Clinic WIth Legal Practioners |
| June 20, 2013 - 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM |
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HOW YOU WOULD BENEFIT:
Bylaws are the documents that guide an organization's decision-making processes. Too often, however, bylaws are overly complicated and hinder rather than encourage Board participation and oversight. Using case studies, hypotheticals, and form documents, this clinic will help participants to revise their nonproift organization's bylaws to promote good governance practices.
The clinic will include a presentation by Lawyers Alliance's staff attorneys about bylaws issues, relevant New York legal principles, and sound board governance. Next, each participating organization will have an opportunity to meet with a pro bono attorney from Verizon Communications and/or DLA Piper to discuss its organization's own bylaws. You are required to submit your organization's certificate of incorporation and bylaws to Lawyers Alliance by Tuesday, June 11. You will receive instructions in a confirmation e-mail.
WHO WOULD BENEFIT:
Board members and senior managers of New York nonprofit organizations serving low-income communities.
The registration deadline is Friday, June 7.
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| Making the Volunteer Experience Work within the Law: Volunteers without Tears |
| May 7, 2013 - 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM |
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Volunteers, when managed effectively, are a tremendous asset to a nonprofit organization. This workshop will focus on the use of background checks, volunteer agreements and codes of conduct, insurance issues, the payment of stipends to volunteers, and the application of state and federal employment laws to volunteers and other unpaid workers. For Board members, Senior Management, Managers of Volunteers, and Human Resources Professionals.
Instructor: Judith Moldover, Senior Staff Attorney |
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| Operating an Afterschool Program: Liability and Regulatory Issues |
| March 5, 2013 - 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM |
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There are a number of regulatory and liability issues that may arise in the operation of afterschool programs. This workshop will discuss liability for negligence, proper classification of employees, independent contractors and volunteers, and regulatory requirements in the areas of facilities, staffing requirements, background screening, and child abuse reporting. In addition, this workshop will provide guidance for directors of afterschool programs to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations and decrease liability exposure. This workshop is intended for board members and senior managers.
Instructor: Nicole Cuttino, Staff Attorney |
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Real Estate Webinar for Nonprofits: Leasing Space: Negotiating Lease Agreements and Lease Modifications |
| February 19, 2013 - 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM |
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Securing the right space, at the right price, is key to a nonprofit's success. This webinar will address the ins and outs of negotiating and understanding commercial leases. Board members and nonprofit managers.
Instructor: Hedwig O'Hara, Senior Staff Attorney |
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| Rebuilding After Hurricane Sandy: Coney Island Legal Consultations |
| January 24, 2013 - 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM |
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| Coney Island needs a vibrant nonprofit and faith-based community in order to overcome the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy. In the immediate aftermath of the storm, charitable organizations mobilized to support Coney Island's most vulnerable residents. Now it is time to mobilize in support of Coney Island's nonprofit and faith-based organizations and to examine what these organizations will need to recover from the storm and support long-term rebuilding efforts.
On January 24, 2013 at 5 pm Lawyers Alliance and Alliance for Coney Island will partner to lead a discussion of the legal challenges facing nonprofit and faith-based groups as they recover from Hurricane Sandy. Topics to be discussed include: operating a disaster relief program, FEMA eligibility and grant programs, and real estate and employment law issues. Following the discussion, organizations will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with a volunteer attorney to address their specific legal issues.
Alliance for Coney Island is a nonprofit organization dedicated to continuing the transformation of Coney Island into a year-round, world-class recreational oceanfront destination while improving the quality of life of the entire Coney Island community. Lawyers Alliance for New York is the leading provider of business and transactional legal services for nonprofit organizations that are improving the quality of life in New York City neighborhoods.
The event will be held at ConeyRecovers trailer at 1701 Surf Avenue, a lot right on the corner of West 17th Street and Surf Avenue.
The event is free, although space is limited and pre-registration is required.
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| Rebuilding After Hurricane Sandy: Lower Manhattan Legal Consultations |
| February 1, 2013 - 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM |
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| New York City needs a vibrant nonprofit and faith-based community in order to overcome the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy. In the immediate aftermath of the storm, charitable organizations mobilized to support Lower Manhattan's most vulnerable residents. Now it is time to mobilize in support of nonprofit and faith-based organizations located in Lower Manhattan and to examine what these organizations will need to recover from the storm and support long-term rebuilding efforts.
On February 1, 2013, at 9:30 am Lawyers Alliance will lead a discussion of the legal challenges facing nonprofit and faith-based groups as they recover from Hurricane Sandy. Topics to be discussed include: operating a disaster relief program, FEMA eligibility and grant programs, and real estate and employment law issues. Following the discussion, organizations will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with a volunteer attorney to address their specific legal issues.
Lawyers Alliance for New York is the leading provider of business and transactional legal services for nonprofit organizations that are improving the quality of life in New York City neighborhoods.
The event is free, although space is limited and pre-registration is required.
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| Rebuilding After Hurricane Sandy: Red Hook Neighborhood Consultations |
| March 1, 2013 - 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM |
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| Red Hook needs a vibrant nonprofit and faith-based community in order to overcome the
devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy. In the immediate aftermath of the storm, charitable
organizations mobilized to support Red Hook's most vulnerable residents. Now it is time to
mobilize in support of Red Hook's nonprofit and faith-based organizations and to examine
what these organizations will need to recover from the storm and support long-term
rebuilding efforts.
On March 1, 2013, at 10:00 am Lawyers Alliance and Red Hook Initiative will partner to
lead a discussion of the legal challenges facing nonprofit and faith-based groups as they
recover from Hurricane Sandy. Topics to be discussed include: operating a disaster relief
program, FEMA eligibility and grant programs, and real estate and employment law issues.
Following the discussion, organizations will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with a
volunteer attorney to address their specific legal issues.
The Red Hook Initiative (RHI) works to confront the prevalence of intergenerational poverty
that exists in Red Hook, Brooklyn through programming that addresses health, employment,
education and community development. Lawyers Alliance for New York is the leading
provider of business and transactional legal services for nonprofit organizations that are
improving the quality of life in New York City neighborhoods.
The event will be held in Red Hook Initiative's offices, 767 Hicks Street, Brooklyn, New
York.
The event is free, although space is limited and pre-registration is required.
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| Rebuilding After Hurricane Sandy: Rockaways Neighborhood Consultations |
| January 30, 2013 - 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM |
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| The Rockaways need a vibrant nonprofit and faith-based community in order to overcome the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy. In the immediate aftermath of the storm, charitable organizations mobilized to support the Rockaways' most vulnerable residents. Now it is time to mobilize in support of the Rockaways' nonprofit and faith-based organizations and to examine what these organizations will need to recover from the storm and support long-term rebuilding efforts.
On January 30, 2013, at 10 am Lawyers Alliance and Safe Space partner to will lead a discussion of the legal challenges facing nonprofit and faith-based groups as they recover from Hurricane Sandy. Topics to be discussed include: operating a disaster relief program, FEMA eligibility and grant programs, and real estate and employment law issues. Following the discussion, organizations will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with a volunteer attorney to address their specific legal issues.
Safe Space offers a wide range of integrated family support and youth focused programs, including community and mental health services, designed to help families build a more hopeful future for themselves and their children. Lawyers Alliance for New York is the leading provider of business and transactional legal services for nonprofit organizations that are improving the quality of life in New York City neighborhoods.
The event will be held at Safe Space's offices 1600 Central Ave, first floor, Far Rockaway, New York.
The event is free, although space is limited and pre-registration is required.
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| Rebuilding After Hurricane Sandy: Staten Island Neighborhood Consultations |
| January 22, 2013 - 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM |
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| Staten Island needs a vibrant nonprofit and faith-based community in order to overcome the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy. In the immediate aftermath of the storm, charitable organizations mobilized to support Staten Island's most vulnerable residents. Now it is time to mobilize in support of Staten Island's nonprofit and faith-based organizations and to examine what these organizations will need to recover from the storm and support long-term rebuilding efforts.
On January 22, 2013 at 10 am The Staten Island Foundation will host Lawyers Alliance to lead a discussion of the legal challenges facing nonprofit and faith-based groups as they recover from Hurricane Sandy. Topics to be discussed include: operating a disaster relief program, FEMA eligibility and grant programs, and real estate and employment law issues. Following the discussion, organizations will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with a volunteer attorney to address their specific legal issues.
The Staten Island Foundation, an independent, private foundation serving the borough of Staten Island, New York, is interested in education, health, arts and culture, and strengthening community services. The Foundation funds direct services, capacity building, and a limited number of capital projects and is supporting Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. Lawyers Alliance for New York is the leading provider of business and transactional legal services for nonprofit organizations that are improving the quality of life in New York City neighborhoods.
The event will be held at the offices of the Staten Island Foundation, 260 Christopher Lane, Suite 3B Staten Island, NY.
The event is free, although space is limited and pre-registration is required.
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| Replicating Charter Schools: State Law, Authorizer Rules, and Best Practices |
| May 21, 2013 - 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM |
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Charter schools may be replicated in a number of different ways: the addition of a new school to an existing charter, the merger or consolidation of existing charter schools, the initial grant of a charter for a multi-school network, or the initial grant of a charter for multiple sites for existing or new schools. This webinar will provide information for New York charter schools that seek to replicate by (i) explaining various methods of charter school replication, (ii) summarizing the relevant provisions of the New York Charter Schools Act, as amended, Article 9 of the New York Not for Profit Corporation Law and other related laws, (iii) discussing authorizer requirements and procedures with respect to replication, and (iv) providing insight into legal and practical considerations prior to charter school replication and best practices during the charter school replication process. This webinar is intended for charter school management professionals and board members.
Instructor: Nicole Cuttino, Staff Attorney |
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| Role of the Board in Corporate Governance |
| Not Currently Scheduled |
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| The public expectations of accountability of nonprofit organizations are great, and nonprofit organizations must pay attention to their corporate governance procedures and structure to be effective. This workshop addresses the role of the Board of Directors in ensuring that a not-for-profit corporation's corporate governance is not only legally adequate, but also consistent with best practices. Specific topics will include fiduciary duties and obligations of directors under federal and state laws; measures that executive managers of nonprofits and their Boards can implement to ensure adequate corporate accountability, including compliance with the Better Business Bureau standards for charitable accountability; procedural aspects of running a Board of Directors; and the penalties that can be imposed by the IRS on nonprofit organizations and their managers for engaging in "excess benefit transactions." For nonprofit board members, executive directors, and senior managers. |
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| Special Events: What Are the Legal Issues Your Nonprofit Needs to Know? |
| April 3, 2013 - 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM |
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| Registration is closed.
Gala dinners, walk-a-thons, local and national service days, concerts, conferences
and other special events can raise funds and increase awareness and excitement
for your organization's work. They are also helpful strategy to recognize existing
donors and reach additional supporters. Hosting a successful special event - one
that meets your participation and financial goals - requires significant time, energy
and planning, as well as a careful consideration of relevant legal issues.
This Strategic Legal Thinking seminar will review the legal issues that your organization
may face in connection with its next special events. Your organization will
need to know the state requirements that apply to organizations that solicit donations
in connection with the event or hold gaming activities such as raffles and casino
nights. It should understand the IRS rules for when participants may claim a
tax deduction for cash or in-kind gifts made in connection with the event, and
when and how you can recognize event sponsors without running afoul of IRS rules.
It will discuss the compensation, contract and other legal questions your organization
may encounter when dealing with employees, contractors or special event volunteers.
The seminar will cover these topics and present information about how to
help ensure that nothing happens that could cause liability for your organization.
We also will hear from an experienced nonprofit executive about some of the
practical issues that arise in connection with planning and hosting special events.
Note: This program is part of the Pfizer Strategic Legal Thinking Series. It will be held live in New York City and simultaneously broadcast at sixteen DLA Piper law firm sites outside of New York.
Admission is free but New York registration is required by email no later than March 25th.
Click here for the full brochure.
This seminar is designed for executive directors, fundraising professionals, board
members, and other nonprofit staff and volunteers responsible for planning special
events. |
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| THE ABCs OF THE LAW: What Are the Legal Issues Your Nonprofit Needs to Know? |
| June 6, 2013 - 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM |
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Do contracts sometimes confuse you? Do you have difficulties managing your workforce and concerns about your obligations as an employer? Do you wonder about best practices for governing your organization? You are not
alone. Not-for-profits are faced with myriad responsibilities, obligations,and liabilities arising from federal, state, and local sources.
This seminar will focus on three main topics: running your organization by the books, learning what is included in a contract and why, and the basics of employment law. We will explore basic provisions such as articles of incorporation and by-laws, membership voting, proxy voting, and how to conduct board meetings. We will also give practical advice on what to look out for in everyday contracts, such as a vendor’s contract or consulting agreement. Finally, we will discuss employment issues including determining whether
someone is an employee or an independent contractor, exempt vs. nonexempt status, complying with wage and hour laws, best practices for hiring and firing employees, and preventing discrimination and harassment.
This seminar is designed for executive directors, directors of finance or operations,
board members, and other nonprofit staff and volunteers responsible for the administration of nonprofits.
Note: This program is part of the Pfizer Strategic Legal Thinking Series. It will be held live in New York City and simultaneously broadcast at sixteen DLA Piper law firm sites outside of New York.
REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED.
Click here for the full brochure.
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Webinar for Wise Nonprofits: Maximizing Value: New York's Rules for Institutional and Endowment Funds |
| February 26, 2013 - 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM |
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Now more than ever, nonprofit organizations need to smartly manage their cash reserves and endowments. The recently enacted New York Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act (NYPMIFA) changes the rules regarding investment of endowment funds and cash reserves as well as withdrawals from endowment funds and cash reserves. This webinar will address investment policies, withdrawals from cash reserves, and the new rules affecting endowment funds. This webinar is for board members, senior managers and finance professionals.
Instructor: Sean Delany, Executive Director |
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Webinars for Wise Nonprofits Developing a Conflicts of Interest Policy |
| April 10, 2013 - 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM |
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A functional and up-to-date conflict of interest policy helps to protect your organization from unnecessary risk resulting from conflicts or the appearance of conflicts. Plus, the IRS Form 990 asks whether the filing organization has a written conflict of interest policy. Join us as we discuss what should be included in your organization's conflict of interest policy, how to apply your conflict of interest policy to real-life situations, and what to do if you realize correct conflict of interest procedures have not been used. This webinar is intended for nonprofit managers and board members.
Instructor: Linda S. Manley, Legal Director |
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| Webinars for Wise Nonprofits: Making Bylaws Useful |
| January 15, 2013 - 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM |
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| Bylaws are the documents that guide an organization's decision-making processes. Too often, however, bylaws are overly complicated and hinder rather than encourage Board participation and oversight. Using case studies, hypotheticals, and form documents, this webinar will help participants to revise their organization's bylaws to promote good governance practices.
For board members and senior managers.
Instructor: Linda S. Manley, Legal Director |
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| Webinars for Wise Nonprofits: Making Your Organization's Voice Heard: Are You, Legally Speaking, a Lobbyist? |
| March 12, 2013 - 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM |
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Nonprofit organizations have an important role to play in legislative advocacy, but should be aware of regulations governing when advocacy activity must be reported. New York State and New York City have complex rules governing lobbying activity, and can be a trap for the unwary. This webinar will focus on what kinds of advocacy must be reported to New York State and/or New York City and on the registration and reporting process. For board members, senior management, and finance professionals.
Instructor: Elizabeth Perez, Senior Staff Attorney |
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| Webinars for Wise Nonprofits: Understanding How Social Media Impacts HR Management |
| February 13, 2013 - 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM |
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Employment law is rapidly evolving to regulate an employer's use of social media communications both on and off the job. This workshop will review an employer's rights - and restrictions on those rights - to access and monitor applicants' and employees' social media communications for use in making employment decisions. For Board members, Senior Management, and Human Resources Professionals.
Instructor: Judith Moldover, Senior Staff Attorney |
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| Working with Partners: How to Create Successful Legal Collaborations |
| February 6, 2013 - 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM |
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Nonprofit organizations rely upon collaborations to enable them to deliver services they cannot deliver alone. By collaborating, groups are able to draw upon outside expertise, expand geographic reach, and tap otherwise unavailable resources. This workshop will address the legal issues associated with collaborations and back office consolidations including: different options for structuring collaborative relationships, the process of selecting a collaborative partner, and memorializing the agreement among collaborators. This workshop is intended for board members and senior managers.
Instructor: Linda S. Manley, Legal Director
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