Nonprofit Legal Services
Amy offers a focused range of legal services designed specifically for Connecticut’s nonprofit sector. Whether you’re just getting started or managing an established organization, Amy will help you build a strong legal foundation and stay in compliance year after year.
How Amy Charges
Amy offers flat-fee arrangements for common projects (formation, 1023 applications, bylaw reviews) and hourly billing for ongoing advisory work at $350/hour. Amy will always be upfront about fees before you begin so there are no surprises.
Nonprofit Formation and IRS Tax-Exempt Status
Charitable Solicitation & Fundraising Law
Governance, Bylaws & Board Policy
Contracts & Vendor Agreements
Annual Compliance & State Registration
Pro Bono Work
Nonprofit Formation & IRS Tax-Exempt Status
Starting a nonprofit is exciting—but the formation process involves a series of important legal steps. Amy guides new organizations through:
Choosing the right entity type and structure
Drafting a Certificate of Incorporation and initial bylaws
Filing with the Connecticut Secretary of State
Obtaining an EIN number
Preparing and filing IRS Form 1023 or 1023-EZ for 501(c)(3) recognition
Obtaining Connecticut state tax-exempt status
Governance, Bylaws & Board Policy
Strong governance is the backbone of a well-run nonprofit. Amy works with boards and leadership teams to:
Review and update bylaws to reflect current law and best practices
Draft or revise board policies (conflicts of interest, whistleblower, document retention, gift acceptance)
Advise on fiduciary duties and board member responsibilities
Conduct board training sessions on governance and legal compliance
Assist with officer transitions, board restructuring, and bylaw amendments
Annual Compliance & State Registration
Staying compliant is an ongoing responsibility. I help organizations:
Prepare and file Connecticut’s Annual Report with the Secretary of State’s office
Register and renew charitable solicitation registrations in Connecticut and other states
Review IRS Form 990 for legal and compliance issues before filing
Advise on public support tests and private foundation rules
Respond to inquiries from the IRS or Connecticut’s Secretary of State office
Charitable Solicitation & Fundraising Law
Fundraising is mission-critical—and legally regulated. Amy helps nonprofits:
Understand Connecticut’s charitable solicitation registration requirements
Review professional fundraiser and fundraising counsel agreements
Ensure donor disclosures and gift acknowledgment letters are compliant
Navigate quid pro quo contribution rules and substantiation requirements
Advise on online fundraising and multi-state registration
Contracts & Vendor Agreements
Nonprofits enter contracts every day. Amy reviews, drafts, and negotiates:
Service agreements and independent contractor contracts
Grant agreements and grant-making terms
Fiscal sponsorship agreements
Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with partner organizations
Lease and real property agreements
Pro Bono Work
Seeking asylum is a complex and often overwhelming legal process. Amy provides pro bono legal assistance to help asylum seekers prepare their applications and navigate key stages of the process. Amy assists clients with:
Preparing and completing Form I-589 (Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal)
Drafting detailed personal narrative statements to support asylum claims
Organizing supporting documentation and evidence for immigration filings
Assisting with research and preparation for Habeas Corpus petition litigation
Providing compassionate guidance throughout the asylum application process