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Ep 9 - Working with a Nonprofit Attorney

“Having expertise is one thing, but you have to like your attorney. So, having that first conversation: is this a good fit for you? Is this a good fit for me? Do I have the experience that you need? If not, I'm not going to take on that client. When I hear what you need, I can connect you to other people who can help.” - Jacob Zerkle

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Today, on the Nonprofit Counsel Podcast, May is joined by Jacob Zerkle, a dedicated attorney in the nonprofit sector employed at Michael Best and Friedrich. He is also the brains behind Nonprofit Office Wisdom, a noteworthy feature on his LinkedIn profile. May and Jacob discuss the evolving landscape of nonprofit funding in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. They delve into the crucial topic of how nonprofit boards should navigate the process of selecting and hiring an attorney. Tune in today to gain insights into the potential drawbacks of choosing an attorney without nonprofit expertise.

IN THIS EPISODE:
 

[1:17] Jacob explains what led him to represent nonprofit organizations
[4:07] Jacob describes his role at Michael Best and Friedrich 
[7:23] The changes in the nonprofit atmosphere post-Covid
11:07] Advise regarding what a nonprofit should look for in legal counsel and how to obtain those services 
[13:38] Jacob explains how the Nonprofit Office Wisdom series on LinkedIn came to be  
[16:46] Jacob describes the differences between a nonprofit and a regular attorney

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 


  • The regular attorney on your nonprofit board is different from the person who should be advising your board on issues. You need the advice of a nonprofit attorney.
  • ​Nonprofits have been struggling since COVID-19 because they have lost some government funding.
  • ​You need a nonprofit attorney to advise you on compensation for founders or directors.