Headquartered in New York, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP has extensive experience providing not-for-profits with strategic tax advice within their legal and regulatory framework. The firm represents a diverse range of clients across a wide range of issues and is particularly experienced in private foundations, endowment, investment matters, donor-advised funds, complex gifts, domestic and international grantmaking, and corporate philanthropy. Based in New York and Los Angeles, David Shevlin serves as the head of the Exempt Organizations Practice. Shevlin advises a variety of international and domestic exempt organizations, such as private foundations and public charities, in a wide range of matters. Also in New York, John Bennett is a key partner in the firm’s exempt organizations practice and is also head of the group’s endowment advisory practice. Bennett represents endowed universities, foundations, hospitals, and institutional investors in connection with a broad range of investment activities.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
'Simpson Thacher’s nonprofit and E&F practice demonstrates fluency with governance, investment structures, and operational realities that far surpasses other firms. Their advice is legally sound and immediately actionable.'
'Dave Shevlin is extraordinary on governance matters, providing clear, actionable guidance grounded in a nuanced understanding of how nonprofits operate.'
'John Bennett stands out for his availability, responsiveness, and practical orientation. He articulates our position effectively with external investment managers while protecting our interests.'
'Maura Whelan brings exceptional expertise in private funds, enabling efficient navigation of highly complex transactions.'
'The firm’s wide-ranging practice and collaboration among lawyers greatly enhances our client experience in the nonprofit space.'
'Jennifer Franklin is a recognized expert in governance; her proactive, collaborative, and highly responsive counsel is invaluable.'
Key clients
- The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
- Bowdoin College
- Brandywine Group Advisors
- Bryn Mawr College
- Cambridge University
- Casey Family Programs
- Carnegie Corporation of New York
- The Church Pension Fund
- Conrad N. Hilton Foundation
- The David and Lucile Packard Foundation
- Ford Foundation
- The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation
Work highlights
Representing W.K. Kellogg Foundation Trust in connection with the Ferrero Group's proposed $3.1 billion acquisition of WK Kellogg Co
Representing the David and Lucile Packard Foundation in connection with its $3 million program-related investment into Afaxys, Inc., a leading women’s reproductive health company
Representing the Gray Foundation in connection with the Foundation’s $125 million grant to the American Friends of Tel Aviv University
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.
Practice head
David Shevlin
Other key lawyers
John Bennett; Maura Whelan; Jennifer Franklin; Lynn Neuner