Transactional Attorney - Nonprofit, Tax and Corporate Law

Transactional Attorney – Nonprofit & Tax-Exempt Organizations

Tovella Dowling, PC is a full-service law firm dedicated exclusively to the nonprofit and philanthropic sector. As pioneers in nonprofit law, we are passionate about advancing the missions of the organizations we serve. We combine deep subject-matter expertise with an innovative, client-centered approach—adapting best practices to meet the unique needs of cause-driven organizations and ensuring their work results in measurable impact.

We are seeking experienced Transactional Attorneys with nonprofit and tax-exempt organization expertise to join our growing team. This role includes serving as outside general counsel to a diverse portfolio of public charities, private foundations, and other mission-driven entities on a wide range of legal and tax matters.

Our physical office is located in downtown San Diego; however, remote and hybrid candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Required Qualifications

The ideal applicant has between 3-8 years of transactional experience, with a strong focus on nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations. Additional qualifications include:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school
• Admission to at least one state bar in good standing
• Demonstrated ability to provide strategic, practical legal advice to nonprofit executives and Boards of Directors
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distill complex legal concepts for non-legal audiences
• Superior drafting skills, including contracts, memoranda, and governance documents
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to multi-task and use critical thinkings to quickly meet the needs of our clients;
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive, solution-oriented, client-focused approach
• Ability to manage multiple clients, deadlines, and projects with exceptional attention to detail
• Ability to anticipate legal next steps and future client needs
• Understanding of corporate law, entity structures, and nonprofit governance principles
• Familiarity with legal billing platforms and the ability to meet monthly billable-hour requirements
• Proficiency with legal and tax research software

Required Subject Matter Expertise:

• Nonprofit formation, tax-exemption application process (IRS Form 1023 and 1024), nonprofit dissolution, ongoing compliance requirements, and other nonprofit regulatory issues
• Guiding clients through all aspects of forming new nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations, including entity formation and preparation of IRS filings.
• Familiarity with federal tax forms and reporting obligations applicable to nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations, including IRS Form 990 and IRS Form 990-T
• Unrelated business income and excise taxes applicable to public charities and private foundations
• Drafting and negotiating contracts, agreements, and other legal documents
• Charitable solicitation laws, fundraising regulations, multi-jurisdictional operations, audit requirements, raffles, and other nonprofit-specific legal issues
• Advising clients on domestic and international grantmaking activities and regulations relevant to grantmaking activities
• Researching, analyzing, and preparing written and oral legal opinions on a broad array of issues affecting nonprofit organizations.
• Advising clients on fiduciary duties and best governance practices
• Advising nonprofit Board of Directors on nonprofit governance policies and best practices
• Advising and guiding clients through applicable nonprofit regulations and reporting obligations related to nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations engaging in lobbying and political activities

About the Salary:

Salary will range between $110,000 - $165,000 commensurate with experience, with opportunities for bonuses.

About the Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life Insurance
• FSA
• HSA
• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Flexible billing requirements
• In office and remote options available

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $110,000.00 - $165,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• What is your salary requirement?
• Why are you the best candidate for this position?
• Describe your specific subject matter expertise in nonprofit law

Experience:

• nonprofit law: 3 years (Preferred)

Work Location: Remote