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Reduced Inequalities

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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.

You can view all matter summaries on the “Digest” page(s). To view matters by legal need, select the category of interest. See details of individual matters via the “Read More” link in a matter. To view all details of all available matters, choose “View All”.

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Advocacy/Legislation (4) Consultation (9) Contracts (5) Corporate Governance (3) Data Privacy (1) Employment/Labor (4) Finance/Fundraising (4) Intellectual Property (1) Nonprofit Governance (1) Regulatory (5) Research (3) Risk Management (4) Tax Exempt/Nonprofit (11) Visa/Immigration (1) Webinars/Trainings (1)

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DC Justice Lab

Executive Transition and Exit Compensation Agreement

Summary:

Support a criminal justice reform nonprofit with drafting of a reasonable transition and exit compensation agreement.

Referred by:

Jurisdictions: District of Columbia
About the Organization: DC Justice Lab is a team of law and policy experts researching, organizing, and advocating for large-scale changes to the District of Columbia’s criminal legal system. They develop smarter safety solutions that are evidence-driven, community-rooted, and racially just. They aim to fully transform the District’s approach to public safety and make it a national leader in justice reform.
Legal Entity Type: Nonprofit/Charity
SDG(s):Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, Reduced Inequalities
Legal Issue(s):

DC Justice Lab, a nonprofit organization working to transform the criminal legal system in Washington, D.C., is seeking legal support to prepare for the planned departure of its founder and current executive director. The founder is leaving on good terms and expects to co-lead the organization with the new ED for a period of time. The Board is seeking assistance drafting a transition and exit compensation agreement that redefines the founder’s role during the transition period and ensures the proposed compensation aligns with IRS standards for reasonableness. The organization would also appreciate help in drafting appropriate documentation to justify the compensation, both for current decision-making and future compliance.

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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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8B Education Investments

CRA Credit Strategy Memo

Summary:

Draft a legal memo for a fintech serving globally mobile African students analyzing the viability of using CRA credits to support college towns through student lending programs.

Referred by:

Jurisdictions: U.S.
About the Organization: 8B is a social impact fintech enabling African brilliance to have a global impact. ​​They are the first company focused exclusively on providing end-to-end value to global Africans and envision a world where the frictions restricting African talent are eliminated and the continent’s immense well of imagination goes global.
Legal Entity Type: For-profit
SDG(s):Partnerships to achieve the Goals, Quality Education, Reduced Inequalities
Legal Issue(s):

8B Education Investments, a social impact fintech focused on serving globally mobile African students, is seeking assistance exploring how Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) credits can be utilized by financial institutions to support local college towns facing economic decline due to decreased student enrollment. The focus would be on enabling local lending to foreign students, with the proceeds going directly to colleges and universities with an aim to clarify that CRA credit should be based on the use of funds—supporting local institutions and economies—rather than the nationality of the borrower. They would greatly appreciate a memo that provides legal analysis, policy background, and strategic guidance that can be shared with CRA officers at banks to encourage adoption of this approach.

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Buy-In Community Planning

ED Compensation During Budget Shortfall

Summary:

Provide legal advice to a California-based nonprofit on obligations and options related to temporarily reduced compensation for their Executive Director amid financial hardship.

Referred by:

Jurisdictions: California, U.S.
About the Organization: The mission of Buy-In Community Planning is to support the well-being of people whose homes and communities are threatened by natural hazards by assisting them in planning for and relocating to safer areas. Using the power of geospatial data and participatory planning, they help communities design voluntary relocation assistance programs that are transparent, equitable, and environmentally restorative to ensure that no household is left in harm’s way.
Legal Entity Type: Nonprofit/Charity
SDG(s):Climate Action, Good Health and Well Being, Life on Land (sustainability of ecosystems), Partnerships to achieve the Goals, Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, Reduced Inequalities, Sustainable Cities and Communities
Legal Issue(s):

Buy-In Community Planning, a nonprofit organization that supports communities facing climate-driven relocation is seeking advice from an employment/labor lawyer regarding their obligations to fulfill a previously approved salary for their Executive Director (ED). Due to cash flow issues, the ED—who is based in California—is currently receiving only half of their salary. The Board seeks legal counsel on their obligations under California labor law and potential strategies for managing or remedying this shortfall in a way that complies with employment regulations and nonprofit governance best practices.

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Tatum Robotics

Terms and Privacy Policies for DeafBlind Comms Platform

Summary:

Assist a social enterprise serving the DeafBlind community by reviewing and finalizing their Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy ahead of a digital platform launch.

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: For-profit
SDG(s):Decent Work and Economic Growth, Good Health and Well Being, Quality Education, Reduced Inequalities
Legal Issue(s):

Tatum Robotics, a social enterprise developing a telecommunication and educational tool for the DeafBlind community is seeking legal assistance to review and finalize its Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy ahead of or near to a planned product launch in July. Draft versions of both documents are already in place, and they would appreciate a legal review to ensure the documents are enforceable, accessible, and compliant with relevant data privacy regulations. If an attorney is unable to assist with both policies, support with either one would still be greatly appreciated.

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Fresh Approach

H-1B Visa Application Support for DACA Recipient Employee

Summary:

Assist a California-based nonprofit with the H-1B visa application process for a DACA recipient employee.

Referred by:

  • Anonymous Collaborator
Jurisdictions: U.S.
About the Organization: Fresh Approach is a nonprofit organization that connects California communities and farmers through locally-grown food, nutrition education, and climate-resilient urban agriculture.
Legal Entity Type: Nonprofit/Charity
SDG(s):Good Health and Well Being, Life on Land (sustainability of ecosystems), Partnerships to achieve the Goals, Reduced Inequalities, Responsible Consumption and Production, Zero Hunger
Legal Issue(s):

Fresh Approach is seeking legal support for filing an H-1B visa application on behalf of a DACA recipient employee. The organization entered the H-1B lottery and was selected to move forward in the process this year. They are required to complete the application process by the end of June 2025 and want assistance ensuring that all filings are accurate and submitted on time.

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Education Trust

Asset Protection and Risk Mitigation for a 501(c)(3)

Summary:

Provide legal consultation on asset protection, risk mitigation, and financial security strategies for a nonprofit facing potential legal and political scrutiny.

Referred by:

  • Anonymous Collaborator
Jurisdictions: U.S.
About the Organization: The Education Trust is a nonprofit committed to advancing policies and practices to dismantle the racial and economic barriers embedded in the American education system.
Legal Entity Type: Nonprofit/Charity
SDG(s):Quality Education, Reduced Inequalities
Legal Issue(s):

Education Trust, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to dismantling racial and economic barriers in the American education system, is seeks legal guidance on protecting its resources and assets from potential legal, financial, and political instability. Given increasing scrutiny of nonprofits, the organization is exploring strategies to mitigate risks, including:

  • Legal structures to safeguard assets, such as creating a separate LLC or alternative entities. (A suggestion outlined in Philanthropy Today)
  • Financial security measures, including diversifying banking options, moving off-shore, and exploring alternative funding mechanisms.
  • Strategies for maintaining operational continuity in case of audits, lawsuits, or asset freezes.

The organization would appreciate a consultation to discuss what measures are realistically viable given their operations and mission and the most effective strategies for asset protection and risk mitigation.

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Advance Native Political Leadership

Nonprofit Spinoff Consultation

Summary:

Provide a consultation on creating an independent entity for a nonprofit under fiscal sponsorship designed to support newly elected Native officials.

Referred by:

  • Anonymous Collaborator
Jurisdictions: U.S.
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):

Advance Native Political Leadership is currently under fiscal sponsorship. They have both a 501(c)(3) and a 501(c)(4) project. They are now seeking a consultation with a tax-exempt attorney to discuss the possibility of spinning out and becoming an independent non-profit. The team would like to better understand what this process would entail, and whether it makes sense to move forward at this time.

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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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Maria’s Literary Foundation

Review Employee and Volunteer Handbooks

Summary:

Assist an organization expanding access to books and literary programming by reviewing their Employee and Volunteer handbooks

Referred by:

  • Anonymous Collaborator
Jurisdictions: CO
About the Organization: Maria’s Literary Foundation’s mission is to build community by expanding access to books and literary programming in the Four Corners Region. They achieve this by hosting literary events that are accessible to a broad range of community interests and donating books to schools, families, educators, and community service organizations.
Legal Entity Type: Nonprofit/Charity
SDG(s):Good Health and Well Being, Partnerships to achieve the Goals, Quality Education, Reduced Inequalities
Legal Issue(s):

The team at Maria’s Literary Foundation is seeking assistance reviewing their Employee Handbook (17 pages) and Volunteer Handbook (12 pages). They would like to ensure they comply with both federal and Colorado law.

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Consultation Corral

Draft Template MOU for Volunteers

Summary:

Assist a team that has developed an online platform where tribal leaders and Native advocates can access Tribal Consultation opportunity information in real time by drafting a template MOU for use with volunteers.

Referred by:

Jurisdictions: U.S.
About the Organization: Corral is an online platform where tribal leaders and Native advocates can access Tribal Consultation opportunity information in real time. Their process automates the work of tribal governments and Native-led advocacy organizations to pull together Tribal Consultation opportunities. Corral is an open-government project geared at making Tribal Consultation communication and existing data work for tribal communities. Corral is available to staff and elected officials of Tribal Nations at no cost.
Legal Entity Type: Unregistered
SDG(s):Affordable and Clean Energy, Clean Water and Sanitation, Climate Action, Decent Work and Economic Growth, End Poverty, Gender Equality, Good Health and Well Being, Industry Innovation and Infrastructure, Life Below Water (conservation and sustainability), Life on Land (sustainability of ecosystems), Partnerships to achieve the Goals, Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, Reduced Inequalities, Responsible Consumption and Production, Sustainable Cities and Communities, Zero Hunger
Legal Issue(s):

The Consultation Corral team works with volunteers and advisors to develop the Corral platform. They are seeking assistance drafting a template MOU to use with future volunteers that set forth the terms of the relationship. Importantly, they’d like the agreement to address IP/data ownership and privacy concerns (e.g., certain information the volunteers access is confidential).

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SXD Inc.

Consultation on Fundraising Round

Summary:

Assist a social impact organization reducing waste in the fashion industry by providing a consultation on their next fundraising round.

Referred by:

Jurisdictions: U.S.
About the Organization: SXD is a New York design-tech startup charting a radical new standard: eliminate material waste with great design and bleeding-edge technology. The fashion and apparel industry wastes 92 million tons of fabric material every year. SXD’s mission is to bring such material waste down to zero while reducing CO2 emissions, preserving water, reducing material consumption, and empowering workers.
Legal Entity Type: For-profit
SDG(s):Clean Water and Sanitation, Climate Action, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Good Health and Well Being, Partnerships to achieve the Goals, Reduced Inequalities, Responsible Consumption and Production, Sustainable Cities and Communities
Legal Issue(s):

The SXD team plans to engage in a fundraising round for the first time since 2022. They are seeking a comprehensive consultation with an attorney to discuss what steps they need to take/what documentation they need to have in place before engaging in this fundraising round.

They still have the contracts/documentation from the last fundraising round (including the SAFE agreement) and plan to pull the information together themselves. Afterwards, they would greatly appreciate assistance reviewing the contracts/documentation to ensure that it complies with applicable law and covers their needs. However, this is a secondary request.

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Land Use Atlas, Inc.

Research on Zoning Laws

Summary:

Assist a nonprofit democratizing information hidden within zoning codes by conducting research on zoning laws.

Referred by:

Jurisdictions: All States Except (CT, GA, HI, ME, NH, PA, RI)
About the Organization: Land Use Atlas is a nonprofit working to digitize, demystify, and democratize information currently hidden within zoning codes. Their flagship project, the National Zoning Atlas (NZA), is a multi-institutional research collaboration centralizing data about zoning – the most important power of American local government, and the little-understood force shaping our lives. Their online interactive map exposes how thousands of communities use zoning – long a tool for racial and economic segregation – to shape housing choices, health outcomes, transportation patterns, environmental degradation, and climate response, among other things.
Legal Entity Type: Nonprofit/Charity
SDG(s):Climate Action, Life on Land (sustainability of ecosystems), Reduced Inequalities, Sustainable Cities and Communities
Legal Issue(s):

The Land Use Atlas team is seeking volunteers to research/contribute information about whether jurisdictions have zoning. The volunteers will review jurisdictions’ websites and ordinances, contact jurisdictions when needed (including submitting public information requests), identify the existence of zoning codes, and extract zoning codes. The President of Land Use Atlas is an attorney and a professor at Cornell Law School. The Land Use Atlas team will provide detailed written instructions and guidance. They are also available to facilitate webinar trainings for groups of volunteers.

 

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