Dallas Nonprofit Legal Services

Build a Strong Legal
Framework. Unlock More
Grants. Grow Your Impact.

Affordable, proactive legal and business support for nonprofits — from formation to full operations.

Three advantages that set us apart.

Affordable & Proactive Legal Support

Quality legal advice shouldn't be reserved for those with deep pockets. We provide comprehensive support at rates nonprofits can actually afford — no hourly billing surprises.

Comprehensive Legal & Business Services

From 501(c)(3) formation to board governance, employment law to contract review — we cover the full spectrum of legal needs that nonprofits face throughout their lifecycle.

Expertise & Strategic Connections

Our team brings decades of experience in nonprofit, corporate, and social enterprise law — plus connections to funders, partners, and the broader Dallas nonprofit ecosystem.

To create a community of excellence for member nonprofits.

Nonprofits face unique legal challenges — and too often, they can't access the legal help they need. Many operate without proper legal frameworks, putting their missions at risk.

Our Community Law exists to change that. We provide the same caliber of legal counsel that corporations rely on, structured specifically for nonprofit budgets and realities.

87% of nonprofits lack regular legal counsel
$250 starting monthly membership

Challenges Nonprofits Face

01

Legal costs are prohibitive

Traditional law firms charge $300-600/hr — putting quality legal advice out of reach for most nonprofits.

02

Compliance is complex

IRS regulations, state filings, board governance requirements — the legal landscape for nonprofits is vast and changing.

03

Risk goes unmanaged

Without proactive legal review, nonprofits face hidden risks in contracts, employment, and grant compliance.

Comprehensive legal services for every stage of your nonprofit journey.

Formation & Structure

  • 501(c)(3) Incorporation
  • Bylaws & Articles
  • IRS Tax-Exempt Applications
  • State Registrations
  • Public Benefit Corporations

Governance & Compliance

  • Board Governance
  • Annual Compliance Filings
  • Policy Development
  • Conflict of Interest Policies
  • Meeting Minutes & Resolutions

Contracts & Agreements

  • Vendor Agreements
  • Grant Compliance
  • Partnership Agreements
  • Licensing & IP
  • Lease Negotiations

Employment & HR

  • Employment Agreements
  • Employee Handbooks
  • Volunteer Agreements
  • Independent Contractors
  • HR Policy Review

Fundraising & Grants

  • Charitable Solicitation Registration
  • Grant Agreement Review
  • Donor Advised Funds
  • Planned Giving Programs
  • Fiscal Sponsorship

Risk & Dispute Resolution

  • Insurance Review
  • Liability Assessment
  • Mediation & Negotiation
  • Regulatory Inquiries
  • Crisis Management

Affordable legal support, when you need it.

We provide comprehensive support. We do not charge hourly.

Formation
$1,500flat fee

For new nonprofits that need to get started right.

  • 501(c)(3) Incorporation
  • Certificate of Formation
  • Bylaws Drafting
  • EIN Application
  • IRS Form 1023/1023-EZ
  • Initial Board Resolutions
Get Started
Growth
$500/month

For organizations with annual revenue under $200K.

  • Everything in Emerging
  • Grant Agreement Review
  • HR Policy Development
  • Risk Assessment
  • Strategic Planning Support
  • Quarterly Check-ins
Get Started
Impact
Custom

For large or complex organizations needing tailored support.

  • Everything in Growth
  • Dedicated Attorney
  • Complex Transactions
  • Merger & Restructuring
  • Litigation Management
  • Monthly Strategy Sessions
Contact Us

Proactive

We identify legal issues before they become problems, keeping your organization ahead of risk.

No Hourly Billing

Predictable costs let you budget with confidence. No surprise invoices or ticking clocks.

Peace of Mind

Focus on your mission knowing your legal framework is solid and professionally managed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of nonprofits do you serve?

We serve all types of 501(c)(3) organizations, public benefit corporations, social enterprises, and organizations in the process of formation. Our members range from grassroots community organizations to established nonprofits with multimillion-dollar budgets.

How is your pricing different from traditional law firms?

Traditional firms charge $300-600/hour. We use a flat monthly membership model — you get ongoing legal support for a predictable cost. No billable hours, no surprise invoices. This lets nonprofits budget confidently and access help whenever they need it.

Can I cancel my membership?

Yes, memberships can be cancelled with 30 days notice. We believe in earning your trust every month. There are no long-term contracts or cancellation penalties.

Do you handle litigation?

Yes. Our Impact tier includes litigation management, and we can refer members to trusted litigators in our network at preferred rates. We also handle dispute resolution, mediation, and regulatory inquiries at all tiers.

What if my nonprofit isn't formed yet?

That's exactly what our Formation package is for. We'll guide you through the entire process — from incorporation to IRS tax-exempt status — so you start with a strong legal foundation.

Trusted by organizations making a difference.

"Our Community Law has been an invaluable partner. They understand the unique challenges nonprofits face and provide counsel that's both strategic and affordable."

Susan Hoff United Way of Metropolitan Dallas

"Having reliable legal support means we can focus on building homes instead of worrying about compliance. The membership model is exactly what nonprofits need."

Ashley Brundage Habitat for Humanity

"From formation to ongoing governance, OCL has been with us every step. Their team genuinely cares about our mission and gives us the confidence to grow."

Glen Collins Autside Play Foundation

Nonprofits. Corporations. Foundations.

Meadows Foundation Philanthropy United Way OneStar Foundation SVP Dallas Citizen

Experienced professionals committed to nonprofit success.

Bob Wright

Bob Wright

Attorney

Enterprise strategist, educator, and attorney. Former Jenkens & Gilchrist. GC for three software companies. Senior Lecturer at UT Dallas. Founded Social Venture Partners Dallas.

Robin Minick

Robin Minick

Attorney

30+ years in Dallas legal, business, and nonprofit communities. Practicing lawyer, in-house counsel, executive, and client. Board of Directors, Housing Forward.

Patrick Tickner

Patrick Tickner

Attorney

Expert in structuring businesses and transactions for both for-profit and nonprofit organizations. Partner, Social Venture Partners Dallas. Drake University Law School.

Cathleen Cox

Cathleen Cox

Paralegal

Paralegal support across all practice areas, ensuring smooth operations and client communication throughout every engagement.

Community Partner — UNT Dallas College of Law

Through the Volunteer Lawyers Program, law students and faculty provide pro bono legal assistance to our member nonprofits, strengthening our community's legal infrastructure.

Tools and knowledge to strengthen your organization.

Legal Forms Library

Access essential legal documents — incorporation templates, bylaws, contracts, employment forms, and IP licenses — all tailored for nonprofits.

Members Only

Blog & Insights

Expert articles on nonprofit law, compliance updates, grant strategies, and governance best practices from our team of attorneys.

Read Latest Posts →

Community Forum

Connect with fellow nonprofits, ask questions, share resources, and learn from others navigating the same challenges.

Coming Soon

Legal Health Check-Up

Take our free assessment to identify gaps in your nonprofit's legal framework and get personalized recommendations.

Start Assessment →

Let's talk about what your nonprofit needs.

Tell us a little about your organization and how we can help. We'll review your inquiry and get back to you promptly.

Call us 214-695-3747
Visit us Wilson District, 3003 Swiss Ave, Dallas, TX 75204

Our Community Law is a nonprofit sister organization of Our Community Tech — nonprofits building tools for nonprofits.

Schedule a Consultation

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