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.

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Consultation (10) Contracts (6) Corporate Formation (2) Corporate Governance (1) Due Diligence (1) Employment/Labor (5) Finance/Fundraising (2) Intellectual Property (3) Nonprofit Formation (1) Nonprofit Governance (4) Tax (2) Tax Exempt/Nonprofit (6)

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POKET Inc.

Advise on Redlines to a Software Services Agreement

Summary:

Help a social enterprise creating mobile tools to support research by advising on a redlined Software Services Agreement.

Referred by:

Jurisdictions: U.S.
About the Organization: Poket works with organizations and researchers to create a suite of mobile tools that they can use to crowdsource data for projects/programs. Through these efforts, the Poket team empowers citizens, students, research participants and field teams to submit data and receive rewards. Their tools are used around the world from farmers in Nigeria crowdsourcing the price of soybeans in their local markets to citizens in Bangladesh reporting which healthcare clinics offer the COVID-19 vaccine in the last mile.
Legal Entity Type: For-profit
SDG(s):Good Health and Well Being, Partnerships to achieve the Goals, Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, Reduced Inequalities
Legal Issue(s):

The Poket team has been hired by an organization to develop a suite of tools for a federally funded humanitarian program. They are already working together, have a good relationship, and have signed a Letter of Intent. However, the organization hasn’t signed Poket’s template Software Services Agreement and returned a redlined version for consideration. The Poket team is now seeking assistance reviewing the edits and guidance on any changes they should push back against.

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Oasis Family Birthing Center

Consultation on Becoming a Tax-Exempt Hospital

Summary:

Provide a consultation on becoming a tax-exempt hospital to a black-owned birthing center.

Referred by:

Jurisdictions: Alabama
About the Organization: Oasis Family Birthing Center is a black-owned birthing center located in Birmingham, AL. Their mission is to provide evidence-based prenatal care while increasing access to midwifery care within the state of Alabama. Their birth center focuses on principles of shared decision-making, cultural competence, and reproductive justice
Legal Entity Type: For-profit
SDG(s):Good Health and Well Being, Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, Reduced Inequalities
Legal Issue(s):

Oasis Family Birthing Center currently operates as an LLC, registered in AL. At the birthing center, doctors and midwives provide obstetrics and gynecology services ranging from pregnancy care to menopause treatment. The Oasis team would now like to understand what process they must undertake to become licensed as a tax-exempt hospital. Additionally, if the birthing center does obtain this tax-exempt status, can they can forego applying for 501c3 status and continue their charitable practice of donating clothes and other childcare items through the organization.

 

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Haitian Education & Leadership Program

Assistance with Nonprofit Merger

Summary:

Assist a nonprofit serving Haitian students by supporting the organization through a merger.

Referred by:

Jurisdictions: U.S.
About the Organization: Haitian Education & Leadership Program (HELP) is a nonprofit working to create, through merit and needs based scholarships, a community of young professionals and leaders who will promote a more just society in Haiti. In addition to paying students’ college tuition, HELP provides a wide array of programs/services that are typically not offered at higher education institutions in Haiti. These include, without limitation, dormitory housing, academic advising and personal counseling, access to a computer lab and library, a Citizenship & Leadership curriculum, and a Career Services program with internship and job placement services at local institutions.
Legal Entity Type: Nonprofit/Charity
SDG(s):Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, Quality Education, Reduced Inequalities
Legal Issue(s):

Over two years ago, Quisqueya University, a top private Haitian university, approached HELP and opened discussions for a potential merger. Seventy percent of HELP students already attend the school. But, through the merger, HELP would be able to expand their programs/offerings, including their Career Services program, to all students enrolled at Quisqueya University, where the enrollment for the 21/22 school year was over 2,000. HELP’s goal for an eventual merger is to create Haiti’s first liberal arts and sciences university in Haiti. The project has attracted the interest of the Kellogg Foundation and Bard College, among others. Despite having slowed considerably in recent months, due diligence document-sharing and conversations continue. HELP used grant money to pay attorneys for the due diligence process. However, the grant ended in July 2022 and can no longer be used to pay for legal fees. Given the importance of their mission and financial circumstances, the HELP team is seeking pro bono support to assist with the merger.

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SmartGov

Advise on SPC and/or PBC

Summary:

Assist a government reform think-tank by advising on whether an SPC or PBC fits their needs.

Referred by:

Jurisdictions: CA/DE
About the Organization: SmartGov is a think-and-do tank founded to enhance and support government reform and efficiency by leveraging cutting-edge research and catalyzing tech-powered innovations – bringing a more rigorous approach to the challenges facing governance and governments today.
Legal Entity Type: Nonprofit/Charity
SDG(s):Industry Innovation and Infrastructure, Partnerships to achieve the Goals, Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, Sustainable Cities and Communities
Legal Issue(s):

The SmartGov team is considering forming either a Social Purpose Corporation or a Public Benefit Corporation. They are seeking guidance on which of these structures best fits their needs and, if possible, assistance with registration down the line.

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Pathos Labs

Review Contract/Advise on Potential Refund

Summary:

Assist a nonprofit working with tv show writers by advising of the possibility of receiving a refund under certain contract terms.

Referred by:

Jurisdictions: U.S.
About the Organization: Pathos Labs is a nonprofit laboratory focused on finding ways in which media and entertainment can accelerate compassion and dismantle hatred. Their largest current initiative is Popshift, which brings together some of Hollywood’s leading television writers and some of the world’s most insightful experts, to find ways in which their television shows can have a positive impact.
Legal Entity Type: Nonprofit/Charity
SDG(s):Good Health and Well Being, Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
Legal Issue(s):

Due to the pandemic, Pathos Labs spent a substantial amount of money on a subscription for a virtual event platform. The platform was created by a relatively new startup and unfortunately has serious bugs that have made it unusable. Pathos Labs requested, but did not receive, a refund. They are now seeking assistance from an attorney to review the contract and consider if there is a case for them to get their money back.

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The Education Trust

Consultation on Employee Unionization

Summary:

Advise nonprofit working to improve education opportunities for low income students on considerations in the event employees unionize.

Referred by:

  • Anonymous Collaborator
Jurisdictions: U.S.
About the Organization: The Education Trust (Ed Trust) advocates for the high academic achievement of all students, particularly those of color or living in poverty. They work with educators, policymakers, parents, and community leaders across the country to transform schools into institutions that serve all students well.
Legal Entity Type: Nonprofit/Charity
SDG(s):Partnerships to achieve the Goals, Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, Quality Education, Reduced Inequalities
Legal Issue(s):

Ed Trust is seeking a consultation to discuss factors to consider if their employees decide to unionize.

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Alaska Fellows Program

Tax Consultation

Summary:

Provide a tax consultation to an organization that connects young Alaskans with high-impact opportunities in the state.

Referred by:

  • Anonymous Collaborator
Jurisdictions: U.S. (Alaska)
About the Organization: Alaska Fellows Program (AFP) is a fall-to-spring residential program that nurtures the next generation of Alaska-based leaders by pairing them with professional mentors and connecting them with non-profit or public-sector organizations for fellowships.
Legal Entity Type: Nonprofit/Charity
SDG(s):Decent Work and Economic Growth, Industry Innovation and Infrastructure, Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, Reduced Inequalities
Legal Issue(s):

Alaska Fellows Program is a fiscally sponsored organization, currently in the process of establishing a 501c3. Their program participants are paired with non-profit and public-sector organizations and paid a modest living stiped. Because the program is not tied with an academic institution and geared towards young professionals/recent graduates (rather than current students), participants are currently paid as private contractors. However, the AFP team is seeking a consultation to discuss avenues/the possibility of making the stipend tax-free. In that same consultation, if possible, they would also appreciate assistance with a few discrete questions about the tax implications of purchasing cars/properties for use in connection with the program.

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