What Does a Non-Profit Lawyer Do?

hunters-race-MYbhN8KaaEc-unsplash
Non-profit lawyers work on cases that serve the public good, such as prisoner rights or environmental issues. They are engaged in pro bono law and can take on anything from animal cruelty to large-scale environmental disasters. Non-profit lawyers often take on cases for people who would otherwise not have access to representation, including international refugees. Many non-profit law firms are public interest law firms; the more traditional public interest law firms may be more narrowly focused on a particular issue, such as civil rights, environmental and public health issues, or employment and labor law. Working for a non-profit organization that is focused on one issue rather than fundraising can make it easier to advance an issue in court. Non-profit lawyers may also work for government agencies or for private corporations that have a legal mission, such as providing disaster relief services or defending business lawsuits.

Non-Profit Business Lawyers are engaged in pro bono law and can take on anything from animal cruelty to large-scale environmental disasters. Non-profit lawyers often take on cases for people who would otherwise not have access to representation, including international refugees. Many non-profit law firms are public interest law firms; the more traditional public interest law firms may be more narrowly focused on a particular issue, such as civil rights, environmental and public health issues, or employment and labor law. Working for a non-profit organization that is focused on one issue rather than fundraising can make it easier to advance an issue in court. Non-profit lawyers may also work for government agencies or for private corporations that have a legal mission, such as providing disaster relief services or defending business lawsuits.

 

How Do I Know If I Need a Non-Profit Lawyer?

Not all non-profit lawyers work for the government or a traditional non-profit organization. Many are employed by businesses that have a social agenda and have decided to use their financial resources to benefit the public. If you need help with starting a business or resolving a minor dispute, you can probably find an attorney who is happy to represent you and your business. He or she will charge a reasonable fee, and you can likely pay by the hour, but the attorney’s primary interest will be in furthering his or her practice. If your legal issue is one that serves a social good, however, you may want to consider working with a non-profit lawyer. A non-profit lawyer will probably take a case that benefits the public but charges a lower hourly fee. If, for example, you wish to create a program to deliver health care or financial aid to low-income families or housing to low-income families, then you might seek out a lawyer who believes in your cause and can work on it at little cost to you.

 

How Much Does a Non-Profit Lawyer Cost?

Non-profit lawyers work on cases that serve the public good and will charge a lower hourly rate because they do not have to charge their clients high fees in order to make money. In some cases, non-profit lawyers may work for free or for a reduced fee. If you need a lawyer who is willing to work on your case for free, you are most likely dealing with a pro bono case. This can be done through attorneys that work on a pro bono basis or through programs that have been set up to help people in need. Many non-profit lawyers will have a sliding scale of fees based on the complexity of your claim. A non-profit lawyer may charge you a percentage of the amount recovered regardless of whether he or she has won your case or not.

 

What Kinds of Cases Does a Non-Profit Lawyer Handle?

Often, non-profit lawyers work for government agencies or private corporations that have a legal mission, such as providing disaster relief services or defending business lawsuits. Many non-profit law firms are public interest law firms. If you need help with starting a business or resolving a minor dispute, you can probably find an attorney who is happy to represent you and your business. He or she will charge a reasonable fee, and you can likely pay by the hour, but the attorney’s primary interest will be in furthering his or her practice. If your legal problem involves an issue that serves the public good, however, you may want to work with a non-profit lawyer. A non-profit lawyer will probably take a case that benefits the public but charges a lower hourly fee. If you are interested in creating a program to provide health care or financial aid to low-income families or housing to low-income families, then you might consider working with a non-profit lawyer.

 

Conclusion:

Laws that govern non-profit organizations are often complicated, and a lawyer who is familiar with the nuances of these laws can make a big difference in your case. Many people need pro bono legal help; if you work for a non-profit organization, you may want to consider retaining a non-profit lawyer to represent you. Non-profit lawyers generally charge less than traditional lawyers because they do not have to charge their clients high fees in order to make money. If you need help with starting a business or resolving a minor dispute, you can probably find an attorney who is happy to represent you and your business.

 

You don't have permission to register