Since its founding in 2020, Tenenbaum Law Group PLLC has become a nationally recognized boutique devoted exclusively to advising nonprofit organizations across the US. Based in Washington DC, the firm serves as outside general counsel to a range of clients, delivering practical, business-minded guidance grounded in a deep understanding of nonprofit operations and regulatory complexity. Managing Partner Jeffrey Tenenbaum brings more than 30 years of exclusive nonprofit experience, advising boards and executives on high-stakes regulatory, governance, and enforcement matters. Co-Founder Nisha Thakker complements this strength with incisive, pragmatic counsel informed by extensive in-house experience, particularly in governance, ethics enforcement, and complex contracting for associations and mission-driven organizations. Additionally, Holly Peterson brings significant experience advising nonprofit and association clients at the intersection of employment, governance, and risk management. Drawing on her litigation and in-house background, she has expanded the firm’s nonprofit-focused employment practice, counseling on employee policies, workplace investigations, discrimination and accommodation matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Nisha Thakker is an exceptional attorney who consistently delivers excellent, timely, and highly practical legal advice.'
- 'I have recommended Nisha to others in the nonprofit sector and will continue to do so without hesitation.'
- 'The focus on non-profits, especially governance and board work has been vital to our success. Tenenbaum is part of our Board continuity.'
- 'Top-tier attorneys with personalized attention and fair rates.'
- 'Jeff Tenenbaum has taken the time to fully explore our issues with us and provided excellent counsel.'
- 'The strength of the practice is in the diversity and intellect of the attorneys and staff. I have respect for every member of the team I have met, from Jeff at the top to our attorney to a paralegal.'
Key clients
- World Coffee Research
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society
- Foundation for America’s Public Lands
- Cure Blindness Project
- National Club Association
- Rice University
- Curry College
- American Association of Tissue Banks
- Endocrine Society
- TikTok
- Plastics Industry Association
- AcademyHealth
Work highlights
Prepared an amicus curiae brief for the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society addressing litigation over revised federal childhood vaccine recommendations.
Advised the Plastics Industry Association on a complex merger with a major professional society in the sector, guiding the organizations through structuring a transaction involving multiple asset classes spread across entities with different tax-exempt statuses, the treatment of roughly 40 nonprofit affiliates, and a substantial interest in a for-profit subsidiary.
Advised the Association of Research Libraries on developing a customized artificial intelligence (AI) usage policy for its employees and volunteer leaders.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Jeffrey Tenenbaum
Other key lawyers
Nisha Thakker; Holly Peterson