Legal Resources

CSI is partnering with the law firm Whiteford, Taylor & Preston LLP (Whiteford) to connect you to essential legal resources in the event that your chapter or region does not have access to experienced non-profit legal resources. As part of CSI’s commitment to good governance, it encourages each chapter and region to ensure its governing documents and yearly processes are up-to-date and compliant with applicable laws. Compliant governance documentation and practices minimize risks of liability to the chapter or region, its leaders and to CSI.

A legal review conducted by a Whiteford attorney with association governance and nonprofit law experience.

The law firm will conduct the review for any chapter or region (hereafter, component) that is interested. A review consists of:

• Checking component corporate status.
• Reviewing the component’s Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws for compliance with applicable state nonprofit law.
• Redlining the documents to show suggested changes to help ensure legal compliance.
• Discussion of any suggested changes and follow-up questions via conference call with a Whiteford attorney.

The review is offered for a maximum fee of up to $1,950. This service is available beginning on November 5th, 2020.

If further assistance is needed (such as advice on how to implement governance changes, requests to analyze additional documents such as contracts, or other matters), this would be negotiated on a per project basis directly between the component and Whiteford.  

The law firm is also available to assist chapters with other needs outside of Governing Document Compliance Review. CSI has negotiated a special discounted rate of $370 per hour for all chapters for additional compliance work or general consulting or representation. 

To begin a review or get additional information about services from Whiteford, Taylor & Preston LLP, please contact Mark Franco or reach out to the CSI component team.

The law firm represents CSI as well as numerous other nonprofit entities and associations. The firm has a dedicated nonprofit practice group, and has extensive experience in advising nonprofit corporations and associations on corporate governance matters and state nonprofit law. Contact the CSI component team with any questions.