June 27, 2019

SCOTUS First Amendment Duo: Of Crosses and Cable Access

Rounding out its current term, the U.S. Supreme Court recently issued two First Amendment rulings affecting the government’s intersection with private interests such as religion and freedom of expression. These rulings reflect the Court’s tensions on First Amendment issues, with a demonstrated willingness to abandon the long-questioned Lemon test for Establishment Clause religion cases as well as divergent views on when a private party becomes a “state actor” and therefore subject to First Amendment constraints. We address each decision in turn.

Religious Organizations
June 26, 2019

OFAC Releases New Guidance on International Sanctions Compliance

Many U.S. nonprofits provide vitally needed humanitarian assistance internationally, particularly against the backdrop of pressing medical needs, refugee crises in war-affected countries, and extensive poverty.  In connection with any foreign grantmaking, foreign payments, or other overseas operations, nonprofits need to be mindful of their obligations to comply with United States sanctions programs, which are often more extensive and applicable than many nonprofit organizations understand.

International Philanthropy
June 11, 2019

Cartoon Contracts: But What About the Fine Print?

According to the Wall Street Journal, some lawyers are turning to cartoon frames and comic strips to illustrate (pardon the pun) key contract terms.  Illustrations may be helpful in certain legal contexts in assisting both sides of the contract in understanding the concrete implications of otherwise abstract verbiage. But to achieve the proverbial “meeting of the minds” and for optimal legal enforceability, words matter most. But which words? Our firm lists about ten contract essentials, best communicated through words (but a cartoon frame or two might not hurt either).

Governance/Nonprofit Corporate Law

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