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Joseph F. Rice School of Law

Nonprofit Organizations Clinic

The Nonprofit Organizations Clinic provides third-year law students the opportunity to represent charitable nonprofit organizations as student attorneys in various transactional law matters.

Through this clinic and the legal representation being provided, students experience many facets of practice, including interviewing and counseling. Representation includes local, state, national and international clients including, Vertical Communities, Soda City Youth Slam, Potters Water Action Group, and Youthbridge Foundation.

Student attorneys have provided legal assistance to hundreds of clients since the clinic’s inception in 2009 in such matters as incorporation, preparation of by-laws, preparation and filing of IRC 501(c)(3) applications, contract review, drafting and negotiation, and real estate, intellectual property and land use issues. Students may attend board or board committee meetings, provide legal assistance to start up organizations or organizations that are merging, converting or spinning off new ventures and provide advice as to corporate structure and board governance.

The nature of the clinic and the legal services provided allows for the stabilization of these organizations so that they are better able to carry out their missions and serve their communities.


I have thoroughly enjoyed the types of work we have done for our clients. I also enjoy the intrapersonal side of helping construct Bylaws that reflect what an organization actually does. Mostly, I like that at the end of the day, we are working with people who want to make a difference and help the public. I have been very inspired by many of the clients and their missions. It feels great to combine what I think my talents are with being able to help organizations make a difference.

Emma Higgins ’23
Emma Higgins


Challenge the conventional. Create the exceptional. No Limits.

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