Miami Nonprofit Lawyer for Boards
A nonprofit has to satisfy its mission and the law at the same time. Aaron Resnick, a Miami nonprofit attorney with Law Offices of Aaron Resnick, advises nonprofit boards and founders on formation, tax-exempt status, governance, employment and fundraising compliance in Miami Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Aaron knows the law. He knows both sides. And he knows Miami.
What Does a Nonprofit Attorney Do in Miami?
A nonprofit attorney helps an organization form correctly, qualify for tax-exempt status, govern itself within the law and stay compliant as it grows. The work covers formation documents, IRS filings, board and governance policies, employment questions, fundraising rules and protection of the organization's name and materials.
Aaron Resnick starts with the organization's mission and who controls it, because the legal structure should follow both.
Intellectual Property Protection: Securing trademarks and copyrights for a nonprofit's name, brand and creative works.
How Do You Form a Nonprofit in Florida?
Forming a Florida nonprofit starts with choosing the right type of entity, then filing articles of incorporation with the Florida Division of Corporations under chapter 617, adopting bylaws and applying to the IRS for tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) or another provision that fits the purpose. Each step depends on how the organization will raise and spend money.
Aaron Resnick drafts the formation and governance documents so the board knows who decides what from the first meeting.
- Choosing the appropriate type of nonprofit entity
- Drafting and filing Articles of Incorporation
- Obtaining IRS tax-exempt status under 501(c)(3) or other applicable sections
- Drafting bylaws and other governance documents
What Does a Nonprofit Have to Do to Keep Its Tax-Exempt Status?
A nonprofit keeps its tax-exempt status by operating for its exempt purpose and keeping private benefit out of its finances. Most tax-exempt organizations must file an annual Form 990 series return or notice. An organization that is required to file and misses the required filing for three consecutive years automatically loses federal tax-exempt status.
Aaron Resnick reviews the filings, the money flow and the purpose language together before he advises the board.
Tax Compliance and Exemption: Helping the organization meet IRS requirements, including annual returns and the regulations on fundraising and income sources.
What Do Nonprofit Boards Need to Know About Governance?
Board members owe duties of care and loyalty to the organization. In practice that means understanding the finances, avoiding and disclosing conflicts of interest, keeping minutes and following the bylaws, so that decisions can be shown to have been made for the organization and not for any one person.
Aaron Resnick advises boards and executive teams on board structure, fiduciary duties and conflict of interest policies.
Governance and Operational Advice: Ongoing counsel for nonprofit boards and executive teams on compliance with federal and state law, board structure, fiduciary duties, conflict of interest policies and governance practices.
What Employment and Fundraising Rules Apply to a Nonprofit?
A nonprofit that hires staff or uses volunteers must follow employment law. A nonprofit that solicits contributions in Florida must follow chapter 496, including registration unless an exemption applies. Federal contribution substantiation and disclosure rules require written acknowledgments or disclosures in specified circumstances.
Aaron Resnick reviews employee handbooks, employment contracts, volunteer arrangements and fundraising practices against those rules.
Employment Law Compliance: Drafting employee handbooks, creating employment contracts and advising on volunteer-related legal issues.
Fundraising and Grant Compliance: Helping ensure fundraising activities comply with state and federal law, including registration requirements and guidelines for acknowledging contributions.
When Should a Nonprofit Call an Attorney?
Call before you file formation documents, before you apply for tax-exempt status, before a board adopts a conflict of interest policy or a major contract, and as soon as the organization receives an IRS notice or a complaint. Early review keeps those decisions with the board.
Aaron Resnick reviews the documents, the dates and the board's role so the next step is clear.
When a nonprofit's issue is a contract, a lease or a dispute, Aaron Resnick handles it as a business attorneys matter.
Send the parties, the organization and the next date; the firm reviews every inquiry and tells you whether it can help.
We Don't Make Promises. We Have Results to Prove It.
Aaron Resnick has handled business disputes in Miami since 1998 and is a fourth generation Miami resident. He works hands-on on every case; the client gets Aaron on every major litigation issue, not a junior partner. The Law Offices of Aaron Resnick represents nonprofit organizations, boards and founders in Miami Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties and across Florida in formation, tax-exempt status, governance and compliance matters. Call 305-672-7495 or request a consultation.
This page provides general information and is not legal advice. Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome.
