Back Row: Rich Scudellari, Thayer Mullins, Christopher Beaudro, David Priebe, Harpreet Singh and Jim Anderson
For their dedication to nonprofit organizations serving low-income communities, DLA Piper and its transactional attorneys are our Volunteers of the Month. The Justice & Diversity Center (JDC) provides nonprofits with free business and transactional legal services through its Community Organization Representation Project (CORP). In the last two years, DLA Piper—already a steady CORP supporter—has expanded its CORP involvement; 18 attorneys have taken on 14 matters for nonprofits in the past 18 months.
DLA Piper attorneys volunteer for issues that interest them based on their practices and backgrounds, while also helping deserving groups. The firm doesn’t shy away from more involved transactional work: A real estate associate and a partner are preparing to negotiate a master lease for a nonprofit that provides housing and other support services. Preparations include assessing prior leases and the landlord’s potential breaches.
Other DLA Piper real estate attorneys have reviewed leases for nonprofits that advocate for workers’ rights, and provide employment and educational opportunities to low-income San Franciscans. DLA Piper’s labor lawyers have revised employee handbooks, created cell phone policies for temporary employees, and advised on wage issues. Corporate attorneys helped a nonprofit change its name and sever a fiscal sponsorship, allowing the group to focus its limited resources to giving low-income Oakland students educational opportunities.
Nonprofits deeply appreciate these pro bono services, and DLA Piper feels fortunate to be involved. Says the firm’s Pro Bono Counsel, Renee Chantler, “DLA Piper is privileged to have opportunities to support the nonprofit sector through CORP, and we look forward to continuing our work for organizations on the front lines of providing service to the community.”
JDC deeply appreciates DLA Piper’s commitment to nonprofits that help underserved communities, its markedly increased CORP engagement, and willingness to take on more involved issues. Thank you!
CORP’s success relies on dedicated volunteers. If you’re looking for a way to contribute your business and transactional legal experience, please email Staff Attorney Doan Nguyen at dnguyen@sfbar.org, or visit www.sfbar.org/corp for more information.
