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.
April 17, 2024
Insights
Student-Athletes as Employees Spells Legal Stressors for Schools | Bloomberg Tax
The union-aspiring Dartmouth College men’s basketball team has put the full court press on their “employer,” labor agencies, and courts of law — with far-reaching legal and financial implications.
February 1, 2024
Attorney News
Tyler Wallach Joins Trial & Appellate Litigation Practice in Fort Worth
Jackson Walker is pleased to welcome Tyler Wallach as senior counsel in the Trial & Appellate Litigation practice of the Fort Worth office.
December 15, 2023
Mentions
Tré Fischer Quoted on Winter Storm Uri MDL Ruling
Tré Fischer spoke with The Texas Lawbook and Houston Chronicle about the Texas First District Court of Appeals decision issued on December 14, 2023, in the Winter Storm Uri multi-district litigation. Tré serves as liaison counsel for the hundreds of defendants in the MDL.
November 30, 2023
Attorney News
Alisha Adams Named Fellow of Texas Bar Foundation
Jackson Walker is pleased to congratulate Alisha Mehta Adams on her election as a fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation.
October 27, 2023
Speaking Engagements
Mike Nasi, Meghan Griffiths, and Brandon Durrett Present on ERCOT and EPA at 2023 Gas and Power Institute
October 26, 2023
Attorney News
Chris Rourk Appointed to External Advisory Board of University of Florida Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering
The University of Florida Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering has appointed Chris Rourk (B.S., Electrical Engineering, 1985) to serve on the External Advisory Board. In his role on the board, Chris will help provide feedback on ECE Florida’s program, direction, and future.
October 17, 2023
Insights
Texas Attorney General Opinion Finds That Governor’s Emergency Executive Orders Have “The Force and Effect of Law,” Including Criminal Penalties
On September 10, 2021, Williamson County Attorney Dee Hobbs requested an “expedited” ruling from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in response to his question of whether executive orders issued by Abbott in response to the COVID-19 pandemic should be “criminally enforceable,” including against public servants who violate the orders. Just over two years later – on September 14, 2023 – he received this reply.
By Kate Goodrich
October 3, 2023
Insights
5th Circ. Ruling Reminds Attys That CBP Can Search Devices | Law360 (Subscription Required)
In this article contributed to Law360, Jennifer Freel discusses Fourth Amendment protections at international borders and the importance of attorneys understanding that privileged communications are vulnerable when re-entering the country.
September 19, 2023
Speaking Engagements
Jennifer Freel and Edwin Buffmire to Speak at UT Law CLE’s Government Enforcement Institute
At the 9th Annual Government Enforcement Institute, Jennifer S. Freel and Edwin Buffmire will present on recent enforcement trends by the U.S. Department of Justice and the expansion of criminal antitrust enforcement.
September 8, 2023
Attorney News
TrĂ© Fischer to Discuss Winter Storm Uri Litigation During ‘The Texas Lawbook’ CLE Webcast
Two-and-a-half years after Winter Storm Uri caused widespread power outages, The Texas Lawbook will host a 90-minute CLE webcast at 12 p.m. on Monday, September 11, 2023, featuring some of the top lawyers involved in the litigation, including Tré Fischer, partner at Jackson Walker; Matt Henry, senior vice president, general counsel and secretary for Oncor; Andy Wright, chief administrative officer at Talen Energy; and Barry Barnett, partner at Susman Godfrey.