Decent Work and Economic Growth

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If you are interested in a matter, please let us know as soon as possible by emailing Isis Bous and Allison Laubach through the “Ask About This Matter” button on the details page or directly (ibous@lexmundiprobono.org; alaubach@lexmundiprobono.org) and let us know which project(s) interests you. We will place matches with Lex Mundi member firms on a first-come, first-served basis.

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Advocacy/Legislation (3) Consultation (5) Contracts (2) Employment/Labor (4) Finance/Fundraising (1) Intellectual Property (2) Nonprofit Formation (2) Nonprofit Governance (2) Real Estate (1) Regulatory (5) Research (3) Risk Management (2) Tax Exempt/Nonprofit (9) Visa/Immigration (1) Webinars/Trainings (1)

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The Global Artisan Inc. (LIKHA)

Consultation on Establishing 501(c)(3)

Summary:

Assist a social enterprise supporting artisans in the Philippines by providing a consultation on establishing a nonprofit.

Referred by:

Jurisdictions: U.S.
About the Organization: LIKHA is an emerging lifestyle brand that’s redefining the way we think about handmade goods. They partner with master artisans across the Philippines, blending centuries-old craftsmanship with modern, joyful design to create home decor and fashion accessories that feel both fresh and meaningful. At the heart of LIKHA is their mission: to empower artisan families to overcome poverty by providing sustainable livelihoods through their craft. They ensure fair wages, safe working conditions, and long-term growth opportunities, allowing artisans to thrive while preserving their cultural heritage.
Legal Entity Type: For-profit
SDG(s):Decent Work and Economic Growth, End Poverty, Reduced Inequalities, Responsible Consumption and Production, Sustainable Cities and Communities
Legal Issue(s):

LIKHA is a for-profit business, but the team is now considering establishing a new 501(c)(3) entity. The nonprofit would support the programmatic work LIKHA does on the ground in the Philippines, including investing in artisan communities through financial literacy and other training programs.

The LIKHA team is now seeking a consultation with an attorney to discuss whether it makes sense to set up a 501(c)(3) at this time. Ultimately, they would like to better understand the benefits, risks, and ongoing responsibilities and to discuss whether establishing a nonprofit is the best path forward given their work and mission.

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Platform for Labour Action International

Draft Affiliation Agreement

Summary:

Assist an organization working to provide legal aid to marginalized workers in Uganda by drafting an affiliation agreement between their U.S. and Ugandan entities.

Referred by:

Jurisdictions: United States (Ugandan review will be addressed separately)
About the Organization: Platform for Labor Action (PLA) is a well-established Ugandan organization dedicated to providing legal aid to marginalized workers earning under $160/month and stopping child labour. In 2023, Platform for Labour Action International was established in the United States to support PLA’s mission through research, future fundraising, and expanded operations.
Legal Entity Type: Nonprofit/Charity
SDG(s):Decent Work and Economic Growth, End Poverty, Gender Equality, Partnerships to achieve the Goals, Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, Quality Education
Legal Issue(s):

Platform for Labor Action (PLA) is a well-established Ugandan organization dedicated to providing legal aid to marginalized workers earning under $160/month and stopping child labour. In 2023, PLA International was established in the United States to support PLA’s mission through research, future fundraising, and expanded operations. PLA International is seeking legal guidance and support to ensure alignment, compliance and sustainability across their operations.

First, they would benefit from a high-level legal health check of PLA International, a 501(c)(3), to confirm that the organization is appropriately structured, registered, and compliant with applicable law and aligned with their goals. Second, they seek assistance drafting an affiliation agreement between the U.S. and Ugandan entities to formalize the relationship, clarify roles, and establish proper governance and funding protocols, ensuring that PLA International maintains its 501(c)(3) status.

 

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Tatum Robotics

Advise on Becoming a Video Relay Service Provider

Summary:

Assist a social enterprise supporting the DeafBlind community by advising on how to become a Video Relay Service (VRS) provider.

Referred by:

Jurisdictions: U.S.
About the Organization: Tatum Robotics is a social enterprise with a focus on supporting the DeafBlind with access to news, educational pathways, messaging and more. To this end, they are developing a telecommunication and educational tool prioritizing their primary language, tactile sign.
Legal Entity Type: Hybrid (nonprofit + for-profit affiliates)
SDG(s):Decent Work and Economic Growth, Good Health and Well Being, Quality Education, Reduced Inequalities
Legal Issue(s):

Tatum Robotics is considering becoming a Video Relay Service (VRS) provider. The team has reviewed what they believe are the relevant regulations (47 CFR § 64.606, 47 CFR § 64.615, 47 CFR § 64.611, 47 CFR § 64.613, and 47 CFR § 64.604). However, they would appreciate assistance from a telecommunications attorney to ensure they understand the regulations, and to discuss the process/requirements to receive funding through the Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) Fund. Should they qualify for the program, they would appreciate assistance with the application itself. However, this is a secondary request.

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Inkomoko

Compliance and Legal Review for Organizational Transition

Summary:

Assist a nonprofit supporting entrepreneurs (primarily refugees) by ensuring their registrations, name changes, and required filings were correctly handled when moving from CA to WA.

Referred by:

Jurisdictions: US (WA state)
About the Organization: Inkomoko provides training, consulting, and access to finance to support entrepreneurs – mostly refugees – to start and grow small businesses. Having served more than 100,000 clients with staff in offices in Chad, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Kenya, and South Sudan, they are the largest lender to refugees and displaced persons in Africa.
Legal Entity Type: Hybrid (nonprofit + for-profit affiliates)
SDG(s):Decent Work and Economic Growth, End Poverty, Reduced Inequalities
Legal Issue(s):

Inkomoko was originally registered in California but has since rebranded and moved its headquarters to Washington State; however, the organization has no US based staff. They are seeking a compliance “health check” to confirm that their registrations, name changes, and required filings were correctly handled during the transition. They would also love legal support to review their organization to ensure continued compliance and risk mitigation in light of possible scrutiny by the current administration.

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Miller Center for Global Impact

Webinar on Navigating US Executive Actions

Summary:

Deliver a webinar on how social ventures and nonprofits can prepare for possible executive actions that may disrupt funding, international partnerships, and compliance for organizations working in climate, migration, or global justice.

Referred by:

Jurisdictions: U.S.
About the Organization: The Miller Center accelerates global, innovation-based entrepreneurship in service to humanity. Its strategic focus is on poverty eradication through its three areas of work: The Global Social Benefit Institute, Impact Capital, and Education and Action Research.
Legal Entity Type: Nonprofit/Charity
SDG(s):Affordable and Clean Energy, Clean Water and Sanitation, Decent Work and Economic Growth, End Poverty, Gender Equality, Good Health and Well Being, Industry Innovation and Infrastructure, Life on Land (sustainability of ecosystems), Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, Quality Education, Reduced Inequalities, Zero Hunger
Legal Issue(s):

We are seeking a volunteer to lead a webinar for social impact leaders on the potential legal and financial risks posed by anticipated U.S. executive actions. While none of the proposed measures are law yet, developments in U.S. policy circles indicate serious discussions around: (1) revoking tax-exempt status from organizations supporting or funding specified work; (2) banning cross-border donations; (3) labeling migrant aid groups as terror-affiliated; and (4) increasing IRS scrutiny on progressive or foreign-aligned donors. The webinar should help mission-driven organizations understand the legal implications and offer proactive steps to mitigate potential threats.

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NaTakallam

Independent Contractor Classification Review for Refugee-Led Language Services

Summary:

Help a social enterprise that hires refugees to assess the legal appropriateness of classifying workers as independent contractors and provide guidance on restructuring if needed.

Referred by:

Jurisdictions: New York, United States
About the Organization: NaTakallam (“We Speak” in Arabic) is an award-winning, social enterprise that offers high-quality, curated language services delivered by refugees and conflict-affected communities through the digital economy.
Legal Entity Type: For-profit
SDG(s):Decent Work and Economic Growth, Gender Equality, Quality Education
Legal Issue(s):

A New York-based social enterprise that hires refugees as independent contractors to teach languages and provide translation services is seeking legal guidance on worker classification. The organization is currently registered as an LLC and classifies all workers as independent contractors. They are seeking assistance in assessing whether this classification is legally appropriate under federal and New York state law. If it is not, they would appreciate strategic advice and guidance on how to shift their operations to ensure compliance, including potential reclassification, liability mitigation, and structural adjustments.

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Advance Native Political Leadership

Ethics Matrix for Politician Participation

Summary:

Assist a nonprofit designed to support newly elected Native officials by creating an ethics matrix to help them assess eligibility for participation.

Referred by:

  • Anonymous Collaborator
Jurisdictions: AZ, NM, MN, MT, WA, AK
About the Organization: Advance Native Political Leadership (Advance) is the first and only national Native-led organization working to build a complete ecosystem of political power building in Native communities – leadership recruitment and support, civic engagement, research and data, leadership endorsements, and national and state coordination. Through their Native Leadership Institute, strategic partnerships, and research and data initiatives, they are building a powerful movement of Indigenous leadership to meet these challenges head-on.
Legal Entity Type: Nonprofit/Charity
SDG(s):Decent Work and Economic Growth, Gender Equality, Good Health and Well Being, Life on Land (sustainability of ecosystems), Partnerships to achieve the Goals, Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, Reduced Inequalities
Legal Issue(s):

The Advance Native Political Leadership team is seeking assistance developing an ethics matrix to help them assess elected officials’ eligibility for participation in their Native Elected Leaders Network. This matrix should provide a top-level ethics review of elected officials based on state and office, ensuring alignment with ethics standards for public service. This matrix will help the Advance Native Political Leadership team identify which leaders they might be able to invite to upcoming trainings, convenings or gatherings, to ensure they can cover travel, accommodation, and meals for participants and, in some instances, provide small honorariums. They are seeking assistance in the following priority states: AZ, NM, MN, MT, WA, AK.

If an attorney cannot assist with every state, the Advance Native Political Leadership team would appreciate assistance with as many states as the attorney is comfortable handling.

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