Trade associations have unique business and legal needs. They involve joint efforts by competitors, they are generally tax-exempt entities, they sometimes reflect disparate needs in the same industry, they are involved in political contributions, they lobby the government, they create standards and foster the development of technology, they educate and train, and they hold meetings and conventions around the world. At the same time, they are like many other businesses with employees, real estate, technology, business arrangements and lawsuits - in the U.S. and abroad.

We have advised trade associations and business coalitions on the full range of legal issues that arise across their activities. Because of our experience, we know the business and political context in which they operate and the special rules that apply to their activities. 

Representative Matters: 

• Created and structured alliances, subsidiaries and for-profit ventures, affiliates and mergers and spin-offs
• Handled tax exemption issues and the special rules under which non-profit entities operate, including unrelated business income
• Advised on human relations and personnel issues, including the hiring and firing of employees, personnel handbooks and policies, confidentiality requirements and implementation of various legal and regulatory requirements
• Represented three affiliated nonprofits in a merger
• Structured benefit programs and the special rules applicable to non-profit entities
• Created, protected and licensed technology, including web sites, e-commerce and publications, while handling issues related to ownership, access, links and content
• Represented charities engaged in lobbying activities
• Created the American International Health Alliance (AIHA), a non-profit organization funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development to establish partnerships between U.S. hospitals, medical schools and similar organizations, and their counterparts throughout the former Soviet Union and in Central and Eastern Europe
• Advised on public policy matters, including issues related to lobbying and governmental rule making and related litigation
• Contracted with government entities and obtained grants
• Advised on election law and the special issues related to the solicitation of members and their employees