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.
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.
December 12, 2025
Insights
5th Circuit Upholds Dismissal of Lawsuit Challenging S.B. 17 Prohibiting Certain Foreign Buyers from Owning Land in Texas
By Jenny Roan Forgey and Robert L. Soza
The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals recently ruled on a case filed in federal court challenging the constitutionality of Senate Bill 17, a bill passed during the 2025 legislative session that bans certain persons, entities, and governments from purchasing or otherwise acquiring real property in the State of Texas.
December 11, 2025
Insights
Planning International Travel on a U.S. Work Visa – What You Need to Know
By Kelly Cobb, Sang M. Shin, and Christian Triantaphyllis
As year-end travel approaches, employers and visa holders should take note of important considerations before leaving the United States. Heightened visa processing times and evolving consular requirements can create unexpected delays that impact business operations.
October 24, 2025
Attorney News
Denise Rose Appointed to Texas Woman’s University Speakers Bureau
Jackson Walker is proud to announce that partner Denise Rose has been appointed to the Texas Woman’s University Center for Women in Government (CWG) Speakers Bureau, housed within the Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership.
October 21, 2025
Attorney News
USLege Names Denise Rose Among “Top Hired Gun Lobbyists of the Year”
Jackson Walker announces that Denise Rose, Chair of the Government Relations & Public Policy practice group, has been named to USLege’s Top Hired Gun Lobbyists of the Year as part of its 2025 Best in Government Affairs Awards.
October 20, 2025
Insights
Second Circuit Clarifies When DEI/Implicit Bias Training Can Create a Hostile Work Environment—And What Texas Employers Should Do
By Jamila M. Brinson, Dawn S. Holiday, and Ariel Perez
On September 25, 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit issued a significant decision in Chislett v. New York City Department of Education et al, partially reversing summary judgment and allowing a hostile work environment claim to proceed to trial.
August 1, 2025
Insights
One Big Beautiful Bill Act Preserves Federal Tax Exemption for Municipal Bonds
By Russell A. Miller
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (the “OBBBA”) preserves the federal tax exemption for all municipal bonds, including both governmental purpose and qualified private activity bonds, which state and local governments rely on to finance various transportation, housing, energy, and water projects.
June 6, 2025
Insights
Presidential Proclamation Halts Foreign Student Visas at Harvard University
By Sang M. Shin and Yenmi Tang
On June 4, 2025, President Trump issued a Presidential Proclamation that restricts the issuance of foreign student visas at Harvard University. Following this action, Secretary of State Marco Rubio directed U.S. embassies and consulates to halt the scheduling of new interview appointments for F, M, and J visas.
June 6, 2025
Insights
U.S. Implements Sweeping Travel Bans Affecting 19 Countries: Key Details and Exemptions
By Sang M. Shin and Yenmi Tang
The United States has announced a new set of travel restrictions targeting nationals from 19 countries, with full entry bans imposed on 12 nations and partial restrictions on 7 others. The policy, set to take effect on June 9, 2025, is part of a broader initiative to tighten immigration controls.
June 5, 2025
Spotlight
Chambers and Partners Releases 2025 USA Guide Featuring 79 Jackson Walker Attorneys and 28 Ranked Departments
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has selected 79 attorneys and 28 departments for inclusion in the 2025 edition of the Global and USA guides. Attorneys were ranked across 29 departments, with 4 attorneys listed among multiple areas, 9 ranked nationwide in their respective areas, and 12 recognized for the first time.