Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

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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”.

View by Legal Need
Advocacy/Legislation (3) Consultation (9) Contracts (4) Corporate Formation (1) Corporate Governance (1) Employment/Labor (5) Finance/Fundraising (1) Nonprofit Formation (2) Nonprofit Governance (5) Real Estate (1) Regulatory (6) Research (4) Risk Management (2) Tax (2) Tax Exempt/Nonprofit (15) Webinars/Trainings (1)

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Sozo Impact Inc.

Review Template Engagement Contract

Summary:

Assist an international contemporary arts agency and incubator by reviewing a template Engagement Contract used with artists.

Referred by:

  • Anonymous Collaborator
Jurisdictions: U.S.
About the Organization: Sozo Impact Inc. (SOZO) is an international contemporary arts agency and incubator at the intersection of social impact, innovation, and culture. Their portfolio of trailblazing artistic productions, experiences, and educational initiatives implements holistic approaches that cultivate equitable and liberatory creative ecosystems.
Legal Entity Type: Nonprofit/Charity
SDG(s):Climate Action, Partnerships to achieve the Goals, Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, Reduced Inequalities
Legal Issue(s):

The SOZO team is seeking assistance reviewing the template Engagement Contract that they use with artists, which details creative services provided over a specified time. This was last reviewed by an attorney 2-3 years ago, and the organization has grown and shifted practices since then. Importantly, SOZO advocates for equitable payment for their artists. They want to ensure the terms are equitable and transparent, while also balancing the risks and protecting the organization. If possible, they would appreciate working with an attorney who has experience in the entertainment space, particularly those who wish to support independent artists.

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Sozo Impact Inc.

Employment/Labor Law Consultation Involving Independent Contractors

Summary:

Assist an international contemporary arts agency and incubator by providing a consultation on their employment practices and treatment of artists as independent contractors.

Referred by:

  • Anonymous Collaborator
Jurisdictions: CA
About the Organization: Sozo Impact Inc. (SOZO) is an international contemporary arts agency and incubator at the intersection of social impact, innovation, and culture. Their portfolio of trailblazing artistic productions, experiences, and educational initiatives implements holistic approaches that cultivate equitable and liberatory creative ecosystems.
Legal Entity Type: Nonprofit/Charity
SDG(s):Climate Action, Partnerships to achieve the Goals, Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, Reduced Inequalities
Legal Issue(s):

SOZO is registered as a nonprofit in California and works with artists both in the state and around the world. In many instances, they are serving as general managers for artists, and other times, as creative producers for artists to develop new work across mediums including music, dance, mixed reality technologies and installations. They treat many of these artists as independent contractors. The SOZO team is seeking a consultation with an employment/labor law attorney familiar with performing arts industry to: (i) review their current practices; (ii) help identify any risks (particularly under CA Assembly Bill 5 (AB 5)); (iii) and provide guidance on  when they need workers compensation and other insurance coverages that covers these artists.

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Platform for Labour Action International

Conduct Nonprofit Health Check and/or Draft Affiliation Agreement

Summary:

Assist organizations working to provide legal aid to marginalized workers in Uganda by conducting a nonprofit health check and/or drafting an affiliation agreement.

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.

If a volunteer is unable to assist with both projects, help with either one would be greatly appreciated.

 

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The Bail Project, Inc.

Draft Grant Agreement

Summary:

Assist a nonprofit that pays bail for low-income individuals by drafting a grant agreement tailored for grassroots/advocacy efforts.

Referred by:

  • Anonymous Collaborator
Jurisdictions: U.S.
About the Organization: The Bail Project (TBP) pays bail for low-income people at no cost to them. They also help these individuals return to court and navigate voluntary supportive services while they wait for their trial. Using the data and stories TBP gathers every day, they provide evidence that informs better policies at the local, state, and federal levels.
Legal Entity Type: Nonprofit/Charity
SDG(s):Partnerships to achieve the Goals, Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, Reduced Inequalities
Legal Issue(s):

The Bail Project (“TBP”) seeks pro bono legal assistance to draft a template for a grant agreement specifically tailored for grassroots organizations. The primary objective is to ensure the agreement fully complies with TBP’s 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, particularly concerning regulations around grassroots lobbying. The legal expertise is crucial to navigate and incorporate the necessary language and provisions to maintain compliance while effectively supporting grassroots initiatives.

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Edovo Foundation

Update Content Guidelines

Summary:

Assist a nonprofit providing a free digital learning platform to incarcerated individuals by updating their content guidelines and advising on their ability to reject objectionable content.

Referred by:

  • Anonymous Collaborator
Jurisdictions: U.S.
About the Organization: Edovo is a tech nonprofit that delivers a free digital learning platform to over 1 million incarcerated people each day. With educational, vocational, legal, and treatment/wellness resources they ensure that opportunity is available to all, not just the 18% that traditionally had access to programming inside.
Legal Entity Type: Nonprofit/Charity
SDG(s):Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, Quality Education, Reduced Inequalities
Legal Issue(s):

Edovo seeks legal assistance to develop clear internal guidelines and external messaging regarding the acceptance and rejection of faith-based digital content submissions. They currently receive numerous content partnership requests from religious organizations, ranging from sermons to faith-based educational programs. While they continue to support a diversity of religious and non-religious content, they routinely encounter submissions that promote discriminatory views, including anti-LGBTQ and anti-women rhetoric, which violate their content policies and potentially state anti-discrimination laws.

They are looking for legal guidance to:

  • Refine or redraft their current Content guidelines;
  • Draft language that affirms their commitment to inclusivity and compliance with anti-discrimination standards;
  • Define their rights and discretion as a private nonprofit platform in moderating or declining objectionable content;
  • Reduce the risk of legal exposure or reputational harm in response to potential claims of religious discrimination or bias, particularly given their platform’s prominence in the carceral education space.

The ideal partner will help Edovo balance their content moderation principles with First Amendment considerations and applicable anti-discrimination laws, providing practical, legally sound documentation for internal and external use.

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Edovo Foundation

Review Independent Contractor Agreement/Advise on 501c3 Implications

Summary:

Assist a nonprofit providing a free digital learning platform to incarcerated individuals by reviewing an Independent Contractor agreement and advising on considerations when hiring a former employee as an independent contractor.

Referred by:

  • Anonymous Collaborator
Jurisdictions: U.S. (UT)
About the Organization: Edovo is a tech nonprofit that delivers a free digital learning platform to over 1 million incarcerated people each day. With educational, vocational, legal, and treatment/wellness resources they ensure that opportunity is available to all, not just the 18% that traditionally had access to programming inside.
Legal Entity Type: Nonprofit/Charity
SDG(s):Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, Quality Education, Reduced Inequalities
Legal Issue(s):

Edovo is seeking legal assistance to review and advise on an Independent Contractor Agreement involving a former full-time employee who previously served as their Director of Business Development. As this individual transitions to a new full-time role elsewhere, they hope to retain their support on several high-value, long-lead fundraising opportunities that originated during their tenure with Edovo.

The Edovo team has drafted a proposed contractor agreement that outlines a success-based compensation model, limited use of Foundation materials, and clear boundaries regarding representation and confidentiality. They would like legal counsel to review the draft to ensure:

  • Compliance with IRS regulations governing 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, particularly rules related to private benefit and independent contractor classifications;
  • Alignment with relevant federal and Utah state labor laws, especially around worker classification and compensation structures;
  • That the agreement adequately protects the Foundation from legal or reputational risk and supports a clear and ethical transition from employment to contract status.

If an attorney cannot speak to both the 501(c)(3) regulations/implications and Utah state labor laws, assistance with either piece would be greatly appreciated.

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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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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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