The Grant Doctors - Van der Mei Law Firm

THE VAN DER MEI LAW FIRM

Our firm is a leader in representation of nonprofit organizations, including trade associations, community groups, member associations, charities and school groups. Legal expertise in nonprofit/association area is a hallmark of the firm. Founder William G. Van der Mei was active in the effort to adopt the Nonprofit Corporation Law in 1979, and co-authored the first publications issued to the California bar explaining the new legislation. The firm has continued to be active in the field of nonprofit corporate law since that time, representing nonprofits of all kinds.

As a member of the Professional Service Alliance, an alliance of professionals serving such organizations (see below), the firm maintains a depth of knowledge of the needs of nonprofit organizations that goes well beyond our comprehensive legal expertise.

Examples of professional services

A membership organization with over 80,000 members was divided into four operating divisions. One division felt that it had different needs and priorities, and needed to incorporate separately, while remaining affiliated with the parent organization. We advised the division and guided it successfully through the process. It is now separately incorporated, with its own tax exemption, while remaining part of the original organization.
We incorporated a U.S. student-exchange program for a French operator of such programs. We obtained their tax exemption and they are now operating as a tax-exempt organization across the U.S.
A long-established lodge organization had fallen into disarray over the years. We represented the grand lodge in developing a reorganization plan.
A member organization was sued by a faction of a few members, who alleged violations of corporate law. We successfully defended the organization in court.
We organized a corporation for a group of California chapters of a national trade association, giving them unified representation at the state level.
A nonprofit school was being torn apart by a dispute between the two founders, each claiming the sole right to continue operating the school. We advised the board of directors how to handle the dispute. Litigation was avoided, and the school now operates successfully.
A tax-exempt parent-teacher organization wanted to provide a swimming pool for their school. We showed them how to do it without violating the terms of their tax exemption.

Use your browser's "back" button to return to the previous page or continue reading. . .

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE ALLIANCE

Value-added services from professionals who know and understand nonprofit and association operations, needs and expectations

Professional Service Alliance was formed by a group of experienced professionals who are committed to serving the varied needs of nonprofit organizations, and trade and professional associations.

PSA covers a wide range of needed services... from legal services and accounting to information systems and marketing... from fund development and management to PR and strategic planning. PSA structures its services in two ways: either individually depending on your specific need or collectively for total resource support. PSA members have more than 100 years of experience serving organizations like yours.

PSA members bring you new ideas, procedures and management practices that will strengthen your organization and foster growth in a changing environment.

We offer a powerful and dynamic force for planning and implementation of key programs that most nonprofit organizations need at some point during their existence. These key programs include Revenue and Fund Development, Start-ups, Mergers and Consolidations, Crisis Response and Strategic Planning. Our comprehensive approach to solving these and other issues is more effective than a traditional "shotgun" approach.

Nonprofit management is a dynamic and volatile endeavor. Experienced professionals can make the difference between mere survival and future success. Call PSA for more information about our scope of services, experience, and philosophy of service and support of your specialized needs.

Professional Service Alliance
Serving associations and nonprofit organizations

(916) 444-1147 or (800) 987-8313

Use your browser's "back" button to return to the previous page.