ArentFox Schiff’s Nonprofits & Associations practice, led in Washington DC by Brian Schneider, Sean Glynn, and Shira Helstrom, is a longstanding adviser to tax-exempt organizations nationwide. With more than 70 years in the sector and one of the largest nonprofit teams in the US, the group counsels trade associations, private foundations, research institutions, cultural organizations, healthcare entities, and advocacy groups across their full lifecycle - from formation and tax-exempt qualification to complex operational, financing, and governance matters. The team is particularly noted for its strength in tax-exempt bond financing and nonprofit real estate transactions, handling approximately 80% of such financings in Washington DC. Sean co-leads the group, focusing on complex financings, restructurings, and regulatory matters; Shira advises on tax compliance, governance, and IRS and attorney general investigations; and Brian serves as outside general counsel to numerous trade associations, advising on governance, antitrust, transactions, and strategic restructuring initiatives.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The practice provide targeted advice in a friendly and succinct manner.”
- 'Shira Helstrom is practical, wise and provides clear and succinct advice. She is a pleasure to with with.”
- 'We have worked with Shira Helstrom for many years now, and she has become such an integral part of our extended team.”
- 'We rely on them regularly for advice about private foundation and nonprofit advocacy and lobbying rules, contract support, and nonprofit formation and governance.
- 'Their expertise is clear and ensures that complex matters are handled with precision, and their ability to respond quickly makes collaboration seamless and effective.'
- 'They bring a remarkable combination of skill, pragmatism, strategic thinking and responsiveness to every interaction.'
Key clients
- Specialty Food Association
- Shakespeare Theatre Co.
- Friends of Legal Services Corporation
- Trinity University of Washington
- National Public Radio (NPR)
- Opportunity Finance Network
- Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone (UMEZ)
Work highlights
Assisted Friends of Legal Services Corporation in analyzing its headquarters facility and assessing sale and rent options, culminating in a sale of the building. Advised on potential uses of endowment, modifications to those uses, and how to implement and manage these modifications.
Assisted National Public Radio (NPR) in analyzing and managing issues related to changes in Federal government funding in the broadcasting sector, including ramifications on financing, licensing, and tax status.
Representing Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone (UMEZ) on the extension of the construction loan financing for the National Urban League (NUL), whose mission is to serve underserved urban communities. This was a multi-use project, in an aggregate amount of $240,000,000 (with UMEZ portion at $10,000,000), including NUL’s headquarters, affordable housing, retail, parking, and NYC’s first civil rights museum, all on land ground leased from New York State.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Brian Schneider; Sean Glynn; Shira Helstrom
Other key lawyers
Rick Krainin; Les Jacobowitz