TACS Legal Assistance Project
Pro Bono Legal Assistance for Nonprofits
Through TACS' Legal Assistance Project, 501(c)(3) organizations receive pro bono legal advice on a variety of issues related to nonprofit governance and management. In partnership with the Young Lawyers Section of the Multnomah Bar Association, the project supports tax-exempt Oregon nonprofit corporations that serve a broad public interest and whose budgets do not exceed $300,000 per year.
The Legal Assistance Project can help with:
- Employment issues (personnel policies, human resources, contracts)
- Real Estate (leases, property taxes)
- Business contracts and transactions
- Organization structures (partners, mergers)
- Intellectual Property (trademark, copyright, technology licenses)
- Review of Bylaws & Articles
- Taxation (advice regarding state and local taxes and exemption status)
- Advice regarding potential fraud or extortion
- Insurance and risk management
- Board liability issues
The Legal Assistance Project does not help groups prepare or file tax-exempt status documents. For more information about becoming a nonprofit, including guidelines and steps, visit TACS' Helpline Online and read the frequently asked questions on tax-exempt status.
Eligible organizations will:
- Be located and registered in Oregon
- Have a budget of under $300,000
- Be a community-based nonprofit serving a broad public interest
- Have 501(c)(3) tax exempt status
Need legal assistance?
The Legal Assistance Project supports charitable organizations that address issues of concern to the entire community such as social service, environmental, health, mental health, arts and culture, civil rights, and educational groups. Due to limited resources, the project is not able to provide assistance to organizations that have a narrow focus such as sports teams, clubs, pet groups that support a specific breed, churches, etc.
The Legal Assistance Project gives priority to small nonprofits located in Multnomah County with budgets under $300,000. The attorneys working with the Legal Assistance Project cannot represent your organization in a lawsuit or dispute, but may be able to provide legal advice regarding your options.
