Partnerships to achieve the Goals

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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 (4) Contracts (2) Corporate Formation (1) Corporate Governance (1) Employment/Labor (1) Intellectual Property (1) Nonprofit Formation (1) Nonprofit Governance (2) Regulatory (2) Research (1) Tax Exempt/Nonprofit (1) Visa/Immigration (1)

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Anonymous Client

Advise on Possible Merger/Acquisition

Summary:

Assist an organization that connects social entrepreneurs with pro bono support by advising on a possible merger/acquisition.

Referred by:

  • Anonymous Collaborator
Jurisdictions: US (this is a Washington state Social Purpose Corporation)
About the Organization: This anonymous client (the “Company”) is a social impact organization that connects social entrepreneurs with pro bono support from skilled professionals across sectors.
Legal Entity Type: For-profit
  • Visit Anonymous Client
SDG(s):Decent Work and Economic Growth, Industry Innovation and Infrastructure, Partnerships to achieve the Goals, Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, Reduced Inequalities, Sustainable Cities and Communities
Legal Issue(s):

The Company, a Washington state Social Purpose Corporation, received initial inbound acquisition interest in fall 2025. Following internal discussions, they elected to pursue a structured sell‑side process. In November 2025, the Company began deeper discussions with several potential acquirers and is now evaluating non‑binding Expressions of Interest from a select group of buyers to determine which, if any, meet the Company’s sale criteria.

The Company is seeking assistance from qualified counsel to:

  • Provide a high‑level assessment of existing NDAs and recommend any updates to govern materials shared with prospective buyers going forward
  • Develop a roadmap outlining key legal and commercial terms to surface as diligence progresses in advance of a formal, binding LOI
  • Support review and negotiation of the LOI, addressing any legal or regulatory requirements, and manage definitive documentation and closing

If an attorney cannot help with all aspects of their needs, assistance with any portion would still be incredibly valuable and appreciated!

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Project Row Houses

Consultation/Creation of Joint Venture

Summary:

Assist a nonprofit supporting artists and preserving historic Black neighborhoods in Houston by advising on the implications of establishing a joint venture for a construction project.

Referred by:

  • Anonymous Collaborator
Jurisdictions: U.S. (incorporated in Texas)
About the Organization: Project Row Houses is a community-based arts and culture organization in Houston, Texas recognized internationally as a pioneer in creative placekeeping. They provide a platform for artists, creative entrepreneurs, legacy residents of their historic Black neighborhood, civic leaders, activists, and others committed to engaging in collective creative action to address problems and create opportunities. Through their work, they have helped launch the careers of a generation of Black artists and brought stability to a neighborhood undergoing rapid socio-economic and demographic change.
Legal Entity Type: Nonprofit/Charity
SDG(s):Decent Work and Economic Growth, Partnerships to achieve the Goals, Reduced Inequalities, Sustainable Cities and Communities
Legal Issue(s):

Project Row Houses has a close relationship with an individual who started a for-profit entity (Artist Operations LLC) that trains artists in skilled trades. The aim is to increase their participation in public art projects while providing long-term career opportunities.  Artist Operations has already served as a subcontractor to Tellepsen on a project for Buffalo Bayou Partnership’s Buffalo Bayou East project, and they are hoping to bid on a much larger project in April.

Artist Operations does not have the capital for the payment and performance bond required for the bid. They have expressed a strong preference for working with Project Row Houses rather than obtaining a bank loan or identifying venture funding.

Project Row Houses has the requisite funds believes this could be a mutually beneficial arrangement that aligns with their values/work and could potentially provide an additional revenue stream.

They are now seeking assistance from an attorney to better understand: (i) whether this project is appropriate under their tax-exempt status/if the revenue generated would be subject to UBIT; (ii) whether a joint venture is the appropriate structure for the relationship/project (with Project Row Houses having at least 51% interest); and (iii) whether there are any red flags/major considerations they should take into account.

Should they move forward, they would also appreciate assistance setting up the joint venture. Because the bid is due in April, the work must be completed before then.

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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

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 labor. In 2023, PLA International was established in the United States to support PLA’s mission through research, future fundraising, and expanded operations, specifically as a U.S. 501(c)(3) entity.

The PLA team is seeking 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. This agreement is crucial for ensuring PLA International maintains its 501(c)(3) status, particularly regarding IRS compliance, fundraising regulations, international grantmaking protocols, and organizational governance, including proper documentation of fund transfers, OFAC compliance, and intellectual property provisions.

 

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