Everyday Legal Needs

Issue-specific legal support to help animal protection organizations navigate the day-to-day legal questions that arise in their work.

Our general areas of practice, and some representative topics:

Corporate matters

  • Name and other corporate changes

  • Registering to do business in another state

Nonprofit compliance

  • Understanding the public support test

  • Managing conflicts of interest

  • Reporting requirements

Corporate governance

  • Bylaws

  • Required and recommended policies

  • Best practices for boards

Obtaining tax-exempt status

  • Guidance in preparation of Form 1023, 1024, or 1024-A

Employment best practices and human resources

  • Guidance on worker classification

  • Employment-related agreements and policies

Contract drafting, review, and negotiation

  • Grants and other funding agreements

  • Agreements with contractors, vendors, service providers, and other organizations

Fundraising compliance and legal issues

  • Donor acknowledgment and privacy rules

  • Gift acceptance policies and issues

Intellectual property

  • Developing and protecting your intellectual property

  • Avoiding possible claims of infringement

Please note that ADP does not provide legal counsel for matters involving:

  • civil or criminal litigation, including veterinary malpractice and animal cruelty claims

  • complex real estate transactions

  • local land use or zoning issues

  • drafting proposed state or federal legislation

Request an everyday legal needs slot:

To apply for a slot, please complete the appropriate application below.

For organizations who have not worked with ADP within the past two years:

Apply Here

For organizations who have worked with ADP within the past two years:

Apply Here

Note for organizations that haven’t worked with ADP in the past two years, including first-time applicants:

The application requests specific background information and documentation, including:

  • Date and state of incorporation

  • Tax status (501(c)(3), intending to seek 501(c)(3), etc.)

  • Names of board members

  • Description of mission

  • Description of activities

  • Copies of governing documents (Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws)

  • Copy of most recent 990 filing

  • Copy of 1023, 1024 or 1024-A application for tax exemption

  • Business plan (for organizations operating less than 3 years - see our guide to creating a basic business plan.

The information submitted with your request is confidential, but requesting a slot does not create an attorney-client relationship or ensure that ADP can assist with your endeavor.