Government, Education, & Non-Profits
Jackson Walker’s Government, Education, & Non-Profit Organizations Group thoroughly comprehends the unique needs and tight budget constraints facing mission-driven entities. With broad experience advising colleges, municipalities, religious organizations, foundations and non-profits, we appreciate the complex regulatory environment and heightened public scrutiny these clients face. This multifaceted perspective allows us to provide practical guidance attuned to our clients’ priorities, resources and reputations.
Higher Education
- Advise colleges, universities and affiliated foundations on governance, compliance, fundraising, sponsored research, technology transfer, human resources, real estate, trademarks and strategic matters
- Assist with government audits, Title IX investigations, and disputes with students and faculty
State and Local Government
- Assist municipalities, counties, authorities, school districts and agencies with open records requests, public contracting, bond issuances, referendums, and zoning variances
- Advise on compliance with sunshine laws, public meeting requirements, and procurement regulations
- Represent government entities in disputes with contractors, developers, vendors and suppliers
Religious Institutions
- Counsel churches, synagogues, mosques and affiliated entities on governance, tax exemption, HR issues, facilities use, and constitutional law
- Advise leadership on contracts, conduct policies, and sensitive investigative matters
- Assist religious schools and seminaries on student issues and regulatory compliance
Non-Profits and Charities
- Provide formation, governance, fundraising, lobbying, and tax exemption guidance
- Assist with grant compliance, endowment management, corporate sponsorships, conflicts of interest, executive compensation
- Advise on joint ventures, social enterprises, unrelated business income and complex regulatory areas
Our team delivers practical guidance informed by hands-on experience. We understand our clients’ missions and collaborate to solve legal challenges efficiently.
March 12, 2026
Insights
How Companies can Protect their Rights to IEEPA-based Tariff Refunds
By Dyana Mardon, Cameron A. Secord, and Robert L. Soza
On February 20, 2026, the Supreme Court ruled (6-3) that IEEPA does not allow the President to impose tariffs. See our prior publication on this decision here: Supreme Court Rules IEEPA Does Not Authorize Tariffs. The majority explained that imposing tariffs is a core power reserved for Congress, and while IEEPA allows the President to “regulate…importation,” it does not include the power to tax or impose tariffs.
February 27, 2026
Insights
EPA Rescinds Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding, Repeals All Vehicle GHG Standards
By Mike Nasi and Travis Wussow
On February 12, 2026, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin signed a final rule rescinding the 2009 Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding and repealing all motor vehicle greenhouse gas emission standards under the Clean Air Act.
February 24, 2026
Insights
SEC Division of Corporation Finance Updates Compliance & Disclosure Interpretations
By Alex Frutos and Noah Speck
On January 23, 2026 and on February 11, 2026, the SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance updated its Compliance and Disclosure Interpretations (“C&DIs”) by adding new questions and responses, revising some responses and withdrawing others.
February 20, 2026
Speaking Engagements
Sang M. Shin to Speak at 37th Annual UT Health Law Conference
Jackson Walker partner Sang M. Shin will be a speaker at the 37th Annual Health Law Conference. The event will take place at the Hilton Post Oak Galleria in Houston on April 16-17, 2026. The CLE event is hosted by The University of Texas School of Law.
February 18, 2026
Insights
FTC Announces Hart-Scott-Rodino Thresholds for 2026
By Ann Leafstedt and Shari Mao
On January 20, 2026, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced the adjusted jurisdictional and filing fee thresholds under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (HSR Act). The HSR Act requires persons considering certain transactions which exceed the applicable size thresholds to file a premerger notice with the FTC and the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), pay the required filing fee, and observe a designated waiting period before consummating the transaction.
February 11, 2026
Insights
A Call for Texas Legislative and Agency Action to Restore Fairness in Public Contract Award Challenges
By John K. Edwards
Texas is commonly portrayed as business-friendly, offering many tax advantages and other economic benefits to incentivize companies to do business in the Lone Star State. Yet, when it comes to protecting businesses from arbitrary and capricious decisions by state agencies when public contracts are awarded, Texas stumbles.
January 23, 2026
Mentions
Tim Davis and Bethany Pickett Shah Featured as “Litigator of the Week” Runners-Up
Jackson Walker partners Tim Davis and Bethany Pickett Shah were featured in Litigation Daily’s “Litigators of the Week” as runners-up for their work representing the Keller Independent School District. Â
January 22, 2026
Insights
White House, Governors, and PJM Respond to Grid Capacity Shortfall
By Mike Nasi and Travis Wussow
Data centers, domestic manufacturing, and other drivers of economic growth are generating significant new demand for electricity across the country. Mike Nasi and Travis Wussow discuss recent proposals to answer a question facing grid operators nationwide: how can we most efficiently and effectively build out generation capacity to meet growing demand from data centers and other large loads?
January 13, 2026
Attorney News
Brittani Rollen Named Chair of Tarrant County Bar Foundation
Jackson Walker proudly congratulates Brittani Rollen on being named Chair of the Tarrant County Bar Foundation (TCBF) for 2026-2027.
December 16, 2025
Attorney News
Allison Allman Appointed to Texas State Bar Professional Ethics Committee
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Allison Allman has been appointed by the Texas Supreme Court to a three-year term on the Professional Ethics Committee for the State Bar of Texas.