Row-by-Row Summer 2011
- The Stoop
- The Front Steps
- The Foundation
- The Ground Floor
- The Second Story
- A Window on the Rules
- The Guest Room
- The View From Our Rooftop
- In Our Backyard
The Stoop: News from the Executive Director’s Office
I am thrilled to return as Executive Director of Community Law Center after a six month sabbatical. For the first half of 2011, I served as Acting Director of the University of Baltimore School of Law’s Community Development Clinic. There, I was able to work with law students as they represented their first clients. Community Law Center’s great relationship with the University of Baltimore School of Law meant that many of the students’ first clients were referred by the Community Law Center’s Pro Bono Program. Not only did the students have the opportunity to work with wonderful Community Law Center clients, but also to start on what will hopefully be a long career that includes providing pro bono services to nonprofit and community-based organizations.
Speaking of our Pro Bono Program, Community Law Center has had an amazing group of volunteer attorneys in the first half of 2011. Valued at over $260,000 so far this year, attorneys are volunteering more time than ever. I would like to take this time to thank a few lawyers that have really put in many free hours on behalf of our clients:
- Tim DeKeyser and Andy Kawel of Venable LLP
- Gerald I. Katz of Katz & Stone, L.L.P
- Chris Madaio of Miles & Stockbridge PC
- Brooke Lierman of Brown Goldstein Levy LLP
- Mark Rufkahr of Dechert LLP
Community Law Center could not provide nearly as many legal services as we do without our volunteers. If you have thought about volunteering, but do not currently have a case, please go to our website and register (http://communitylaw.org/volunteer/attorney-registration-form) to receive our listing of case offerings. Whether the issue is tax, real estate, nuisance, contracts, corporate, or any other legal issue faced by a nonprofit organization, you are sure to be matched with a group of inspiring volunteers working to make Maryland a better place for everyone.
I also need to thank Kelly Pfeifer who did a tremendous job as Acting Executive Director in my absence. Community Law Center is very fortunate to have such a dedicated and flexible staff. Kelly is now transitioning back to her role as Supervising Attorney and heading up Community Law Center’s Equitable Development work through the Community Legal Services Program.
Thank you all for your continued support. I look forward to seeing you in the neighborhood.
Kristine Dunkerton, Esq.
Executive Director
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The Front Steps: Staff Attorneys in the Community
Professor Audrey McFarlane and Christina Schoppert, Esq. presented a panel at MICA’s Open City exhibit.
This summer, Staff Attorneys have been very busy out in the community. Community Law Center employs an active community outreach effort to raise awareness about the services Community Law Center offers. Community Law Center staff are always looking for new opportunities to explain the legal assistance available to promote stronger nonprofits and more vibrant neighborhoods.
Over the past several months, Community Law Center has been happy to partner with several fantastic nonprofits. Staff Attorneys Robin Jacobs and Christina Shoppert spoke at Citizens Planning and Housing Association’s Activate your Inner Citizen event. In their session, Addressing Neighborhood Nuisances: Legal Tools for Your Community, Robin and Christina discussed how neighborhoods could utilize the law, including the Community Bill of Rights, to address neighborhood nuisance concerns. Christina participated in the Community Greening Workshop at the Neighborhood Design Center to educate community groups and nonprofit organizations about creating greener and sustainable neighborhoods. Robin and Ingrid Hitchens, Senior Paralegal at Community Law Center, provided a brief overview about Community Law Center’s services at the Parks & People Foundation’s community greening grant seekers’ meeting. In addition to these events, Community Law Center staff presented at the Open Society Institute of Baltimore’s regular Community Fellows meeting and the Western District Police-Community Relations Council.
In addition to reaching out to the community, Community Law Center collaborates and communicates with other potential partners and fellow legal service providers. Christina participated in the University of Maryland School of Law Career Panel, hosted by the American Constitution Society, and discussed her involvement as an attorney working with community development issues. She also participated in “Open City and the Law” panel with Audrey McFarlane, Professor at the University of Baltimore School of Law, at North Avenue Market as part of Maryland Institute College of Art’s Open City Exhibit, discussing the struggles communities face and ways to make Baltimore more open. Robin participated in an American Bar Association panel about young attorneys and their involvement in affordable housing /community development at the Forum on Affordable Housing & Community Development – Legal Educator’s Meeting and a Pro Bono Programs: The Best of the Best Practices panel at the Pro Bono Resource Center’s Partners for Justice Conference.
Community Law Center looks forward to continuing its successful community outreach activities this fall. If you would like to schedule a presentation for your organization like the ones above, please contact Community Law Center at mail@communitylaw.org or 410-366-0922 ext. 13.
The Foundation: News from our Development Office
- Board Member Inez Robb
The Community Law Center is pleased to welcome Inez Robb as the newest addition to the Board of Directors. Inez is a long-time friend of Community Law Center, having been active in many community organizations and consortia over the years. She is currently involved with the Fulton Community Association, the Western District Community Affairs Council, and the Coalition to End Childhood Lead Paint Poisoning, where she serves as Secretary. Inez is also an actively involved community participant in the development of Baltimore’s Red Line. She knows the work of Community Law Center, and has come on board with the intention of getting the word out to potential clients of the good work we can do with them. Welcome, Inez!
In celebration of Community Law Center’s 25th anniversary this year, the Board of Directors plans to reach out to our individual donors to thank them for their past support. Donations from individuals are essential to Community Law Center’s ability to provide legal services to groups and organizations that need us most. If you would like to be added to our list of supporters, please go to our website (http://communitylaw.org/support/donate/). Thank you very much!
The Community Law Center’s 2010 Annual Report, 2010 IRS Form 990, and 2010 Audited Financial Statement are available on the web at www.communitylaw.org. Community Law Center’s success would not be possible without the generosity of our supporters and the careful stewardship of our board and staff. While visiting our website, take a look around! The website has a new look and many new features.
Finally, a big thank you once again to our volunteer newsletter reporter, Leah Reppert! Leah is a terrific asset, and assures that we are able to share the latest news and events with our friends and supporters. Thank you again, Leah!
The Ground Floor: UB Community Development Clinic Students Collaborate with Community Law Center
The Community Development Clinic (“Clinic”) at University of Baltimore School of Law offers free non-litigation legal services to nonprofit organizations and small businesses. Recognizing the similarities in mission with Community Law Center, upper level law students from the clinic contributed to the Community Law Center’s Pro Bono Program this semester by taking a wide range of Community Law Center cases. The law students advised clients on corporate, tax, and real property law as well as legislative matters. In addition, the students provided legal training for groups and advocated for changes in the law.
During the spring 2011 term, Clinic students were supervised byKristine Dunkerton, Esq., while she was on sabbatical from Community Law Center in the Spring of 2011. As Acting Director of the Clinic, Kristine and Chelsea Ferrette, Esq., the Clinic’s Fellow, taught law students the essential legal tools to handle the types of cases Community Law Center handles. Over the course of the semester, the Clinic donated over 317 hours to Community Law Center’s Pro Bono Program valued at over $25,000. Community Law Center is looking forward to continuing a close partnership with the clinic this fall. We are happy to note that Professor Ferrette and the new Director of the Clinic, Jamie Lee, Esq., have already begun representation of several new clients through Community Law Center’s Pro Bono Program. Thank you University of Baltimore School of Law!
Second Story: Our Fall 2011 Workshop Series
How to Start and Maintain a Nonprofit Organization
WEDNESDAY, October 19, 2011 / 6:30 – 8:30 PM
MONDAY, November 14, 2011 / 6:30 – 8:30 PM
THURSDAY, January 19, 2012 / 6:30 – 8:30 PM
Understand the legal and practical considerations of running a nonprofit.
TARGET AUDIENCE
• Community leaders who are currently members of – or plan to start – a small nonprofit
KEY TOPICS
• Starting a nonprofit organization
• Maintaining your organization’s legal status
• Writing and revising articles of incorporation and bylaws; applying for tax exemption
Note: Attorneys interested in representing nonprofits in obtaining 501(c)(3) status should consider joining Community Law Center’s Pro Bono Program by registering as a volunteer attorney. For more information about our Pro Bono Program, please click here.
Basic Budgeting and Financial Statements for Nonprofits
THURSDAY, October 6, 2011 / 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Learn budgeting basics for your nonprofit and how to understand financial statements. This workshop is being offered by Ernest Paszkiewicz, CPA. Ernie is a Partner at the accounting firm of Gross, Mendelsohn & Associates, P.A. Ernie works with financial institutions, nonprofit organizations, contractors, restaurants and law firms. He is also the Secretary of Community Law Center’s Board of Directors.
TARGET AUDIENCE
• Executive and administrative staff and Board members of nonprofit organizations.
KEY TOPICS
• Importance of budgeting for your nonprofit
• How to create a budget
• Understanding financial statements
Community Benefits Agreements
MONDAY, October 24, 2011 / 6:30 – 8:00 PM
Learn about legal tools available to communities affected by development.
TARGET AUDIENCE
• Community leaders concerned about development in their neighborhood.
KEY TOPICS
• Basics of CBAs
• Developing an effective coalition
• Negotiating with developers
Making City Hall Work For You
THURSDAY, November 3, 2011 / 6:30 – 8:30 PM
Most people have a general idea as to how a bill becomes a law but not everyone understands exactly what happens at each point in the process. Michelle Wirzberger, Esq., a former CLC Attorney, is currently Director of Legislative Affairs for Baltimore City Council President Bernard C. “Jack” Young. She will give workshop attendees an insider’s perspective on how communities can get what they want from City Hall.
TARGET AUDIENCE
• Community leaders, neighborhood activists, and concerned citizens
KEY TOPICS
• Strategies for effective communication with City Council members and staff
• Identification of key points in the City’s legislative process
• Importance of coalition building; understanding your opponents; and utilizing media partners and online networking
Dos & Don’ts of Buying, Selling, Leasing, and Rehabilitating Property For Your Nonprofit
WEDNESDAY, December 7, 2011 / 6:30 – 8:00 PM
Avoid costly mistakes when entering into real estate transactions for your organization. This workshop is being offered by Danielle Howarth, Esq., an attorney at Gallagher, Evelius & Jones, LLP. Ms. Howarth’s practice concentrates primarily on commercial real estate transactions. She represents clients in all facets of the acquisition, development, construction, financing and disposition of real property. Danielle also works on general corporate, partnership and business law issues, including the negotiation of construction-related contracts, and in low-income housing tax credit and rehabilitation tax credit projects. She is also Chair of Community Law Center’s Board of Directors.
TARGET AUDIENCE
• Nonprofit staff and Board members.
KEY TOPICS
• Legal responsibilities of property ownership
• Understanding common commercial lease provisions
• Legal issues that arise with the purchase, sale, lease, and rehabilitation of property for your nonprofit
All workshops are held in the Community Law Center conference room at 3355 Keswick Road, Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21211. Participants must register and pay in advance, either by calling 410.366.0922 or by clicking here.
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A Window on the Rules: Reinstating 501(c)(3) Tax-Exemption
Earlier this summer, the IRS announced that over 275,000 nonprofit organizations lost their tax-exempt status, including over 7,000 nonprofits inMaryland. In 2008, the IRS began requiring a 990-N tax return for small organizations, including organizations that previously did not need to file because their gross receipts did not exceed $25,000. Organizations that failed to file the required 990-N tax return or other 990 returns lost their 501(c)(3) status.
Without 501(c)(3) status, nonprofits can not offer tax deductions to donors, may lose eligibility for certain grant funding, will be responsible for any future income tax liabilities that accumulate as a result of the revocation, and may lose local and state tax exemptions.
The IRS is currently offering some relief for organizations with annual gross receipts of less than $50,000. The transitional relief program offers a reduced application fee of $100, as opposed to the standard $400 fee, and retroactive reinstatement of 501(c)(3) status. In order to request retroactive reinstatement under this relief, the nonprofits must meet certain criteria and must submit a new Form 1023 to the IRS. More information, including FAQs and a Fact Sheet, can be found on the IRS website.
Organizations that would like our assistance in applying for reinstatement of 501(c)(3) status should fill out and submit CLC’s Application for Legal Services. For organizations requesting legal assistance with re-applying for 501(c)(3) status, one member of the board of directors must attend a “How to Start and Maintain a Nonprofit” workshop. Details about upcoming workshops are included on page 3 of the Application for Legal Services and at www.communitylaw.org/training-events/workshops. Additionally, when submitting the Application for Legal Services to Community Law Center, please email or attach either a copy of the Form 1023 originally submitted to the IRS along with updated financial information or a newly completed draft of the Form 1023.
Community Law Center encourages attorneys interested in helping these small nonprofits to enlist in the Pro Bono Program by signing up here. The Pro Bono Program connects volunteer attorneys with small nonprofits in need of legal services.
The Guest Room: Law Student Interns at Community Law Center
Community Law Center has always enjoyed the benefit of sponsoring law student summer interns. Summer interns help to deliver vital services and aid in researching legal issues. When they leave Community Law Center, they go with a better understanding of the important role that pro bono attorneys have in the community.
Community Law Center had two wonderful volunteer law student interns this summer: Lacey Douthat, a rising third-year student at University of Maryland School of Law, and Dana-Marie Williams, a rising second-year student at University of the District of Columbia School of Law. Both interns gained valuable knowledge of the firm and experience with pro bono work, neighborhood groups, nonprofits, and community development issues. The interns helped in a wide range of different tasks including drafting letters to clients, observing client meetings and hearings, and conducting legal research. Lacey interned at Community Law Center from March through July, and said, “Throughout my legal education I have never been fulfilled by just taking classes, and so I have sought out organizations that do pro bono work. Community Law Center has been, by far, the best experience. I particularly enjoyed working with groups because the work reaches more of the community than by representing individuals.”
Both interns ended their summer at Community Law Center with exciting plans – Dana-Marie got married and Lacey headed off for a semester abroad to study in Beijing, China. Lacey said, “I hope to continue to volunteer after I get back from China. The page is still unwritten as to what happens after I graduate, but I do know that will be on Community Law Center’s list to take pro bono cases!” Lacey said she looks forward to maintaining a positive and enriching relationship with the organization into the future, as Community Law Center staff hopes both interns do. Community Law Center congratulates Dana-Marie and Lacey on their recent plans and wishes them much success with future endeavors.
The View from our Rooftop: A Client Story
Fells Prospect, Inc. is a nonprofit community association that works to advocate, plan, and implement projects that improve the safety, quality of life, and cleanliness of the Fells Prospect community. The community is bordered by Broadway to the west, Patterson Park to the east, Pratt Streetto the north and Eastern Avenue to the south. A portion of the community extends to the water’s edge from Washington Street to Montford Avenue. Fells Prospect holds monthly community meetings, and has committees focusing on development and land use, beautification/gardening, social activities, marketing and communications, crime, and traffic and parking. They produce a newsletter that is delivered to 3,000 households, and are on Facebook and Twitter. Victor Corbin, president of the association, says, “Keeping the community active and informed is my biggest goal, and to make sure people have the right information and get involved.”
Fells Prospect is involved with many projects, including planting 7,000 bulbs in Patterson Park, planting over 30 trees in the community, and adopting two City-owned lots for a public garden on South Chester Street. The group helped seniors and residents who needed help digging out from the 2010 blizzards and sponsors community cleanups and dumpster days. They also advocate for code enforcement sweeps by the City. “Cleanliness in a community is very important,” Victor notes. “If a neighborhood is clean, less crime comes around.” They also advocate for City and State officials to be held accountable to voters in the community, and have forged alliances with other community organizations to advocate for a betterBaltimore.
Community Law Center has assisted Fells Prospect with a number of projects. Community Law Center provided legal representation to help Fells Prospect obtain 501(c)(3) status, to install several alley gates, and to negotiate good neighbor agreements with problem bars in the area. In addition, during the last legislative session, Staff Attorney, Christina Schoppert, partnered with Victor to testify in Annapolis for Senate Bill 613 – Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City – Ethics, Open Meetings, and Performance Audit, a bill that prohibits the involvement of special interests with the Liquor Board in the distribution of alcohol, enforces open meetings, and requires performance audits of Liquor Board commissioners and inspectors. This bill is another step toward holding the Liquor Board’s employees accountable to the residents of Baltimore City. The bill was passed on June 10, 2011.
Victor Corbin says Community Law Center is a helpful and important organization because it allows a voice for members of the community and provides more transparency and affordability. “Going against the Liquor Board and addressing legal issues can be intimidating,” says Victor. “Community Law Center provides protection and knowledge of legal issues that need to be addressed.” Victor mentions that “[t]he residents are at times at their wits’ ends with developers and bar owners in the area and a lot of community organizations don’t have a lot of money. Providing attorneys for nonprofits protects the best interests of neighborhoods and the quality of life of City residents,” says Victor. “Community Law Center allows organizations to have a legal voice in the system, and I recommend them highly to other groups.”
In Our Backyard: Legal Briefs
On November 9, 2011 from 5:30pm to 8:30pm at Westminster Hall, Community Law Center will celebrate 25 years of serving neighborhoods and nonprofits. We will come together with the pro bono attorneys and law firms that have made our work possible; the community organizations and nonprofits we have served; founders and friends; and our generous funders to commemorate this tremendous milestone in our history.
Attorney General Doug Gansler
Our honoree this year is Attorney General Doug Gansler, who will join our Honorary Board. Three “celebrities” will follow in the footsteps of previous event honorees like Chief Judge Robert Bell, Police Commissioner Frederick Bealefeld, Judge Katie O’Malley, former Attorney General Joseph Curran, and former US Attorney General Ben Civiletti in decorating an artistic briefcase for auction. Other highlights include a silent auction of specialty items, a signature birthday cake by Charm City Cakes, fabulous foods donated by area restaurants and caterers like Sofi’s Crepes and Classic Catering, a martini bar stocked by Ketel One vodka, craft beer from Red Brick Station, and live music by Magic Ray Jazz.
Tickets will be $65 for general admission and $25 for community organization representatives and active CLC pro bono attorneys. Tickets must be purchased in advance by mail with a check to Community Law Center, credit card at www.communitylawcenter.org , or by calling (410)366-0922.
How you can help make Community Law Center’s 25th Anniversary special:
- Become an event sponsor
- Buy tickets
- Donate an appetizer or entree
- Donate a silent auction item
Please contact Fran Gunther Minges via email: franm@communitylaw.org for more information about Legal Briefs.
