We serve nonprofits of all types and sizes, offering creative legal advice grounded in over 20 years of specialized experience in nonprofit law. In addition to serving a wide variety of nonprofit organizations, our clients also include donors making significant or complex gifts, businesses forming foundations for cause-marketing campaigns, and nonprofit founders considering the best philanthropic vehicle to meet their needs.
Our newest team member, Jennifer Ward, Esq., SPHR, SHRM-SCP, brings over 15 years of experience with a strong focus on nonprofit and employment law. Compliance with federal and state employment laws, including paid sick leave, wage and hour, and discrimination laws. Specifically, our team of nonprofit lawyers provides advice and counsel with respect to the following:.
Our newest team member, Jennifer Ward, Esq., SPHR, SHRM-SCP, brings over 15 years of experience with a strong focus on nonprofit and employment law. Compliance with federal and state employment laws, including paid sick leave, wage and hour, and discrimination laws. Specifically, our team of nonprofit lawyers provides advice and counsel with respect to the following:.
Services
Caritas Law Group exclusively represents tax-exempt, non-profit, and mission-based businesses, as well as major donors and companies engaged in cause marketing. With offices in Tempe, Arizona, our attorneys are licensed to practice in Arizona and Washington and represent clients with regard to federal tax matters nationwide.
Ellis was extremely knowledgable in her work for "For Thine is the Glory, Inc" regarding obtaining 501c3 designation. She was exceptionally responsive, quick to do her research and work, was clear in her writing, and just a pleasure to work with. Ms. Carter is a knowledgeable, experienced attorney in the area of non-profit organizations.
Jen Ward has been practicing law since 2006. She is licensed to practice in Arizona and advises tax-exempt organizations on federal tax and employment matters nationwide. Over the course of her career, Jen has practiced with a large regional law firm, a nonprofit membership-based employers' association and as a solo practitioner.
Cynthia is a paralegal with over 25 years of experience in nonprofit law. Cynthia has worked with hundreds of charitable organizations, professional fundraisers (Fundraising Counsel, Professional Solicitor, and Commercial Co-venturer), and socially responsible companies in various capacities including assisting them to determine where they need to register based on their solicitation activities and managing the registration process.
Before you form a legal entity and apply for tax-exempt status, you need a strong, well-researched plan for your organization. Download our free guide to learn about the many elements needed to run a successful nonprofit organization, as well as how to avoid common pitfalls and mistakes. Most states require you to register your organization if you solicit donations from their residents.
Reviews (10)
Marion Kelly
Dec 12, 2019
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Caritas Law Group is lead by an outstanding not for profit lawyer Ellis Carter. Ellis provided leadership and oversight for our 18 year old organization. Both her not for profit knowledge, her understanding of boards, her sincerity and her charm provided the Diversity Leadership Alliance 10 years of an award winning organization. If you are in need of a not for profit expert legal team strongly xonsider Caritas Law Group. You can only get stronger as a result!
Michael Payne
Oct 04, 2019
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I have worked with Ms. Carter on mutual clients and couldn't recommend her more highly as one of the premier nonprofit lawyers in the state. She is extremely knowledgeable and even more practical in her approach (not to mention very affordable given her specialized expertise). Each client that she has referred to me has wonderful things to say about her law practice and about her personally. If you are looking for creative solutions, and not just a recitation of the law, Ms. Carter is your lawyer!
Hildy Gottlieb
Oct 02, 2019
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Caritas Law Group - and specifically, attorney Ellis Carter - have been Creating the Future's attorneys since our founding almost 10 years ago. Having worked with attorneys in the nonprofit sector for going on 30 years, I feel lucky to have found Ellis, as she is one of the most knowledgeable of them all. Beyond just knowledge, Ellis has the experience that creates sharp instincts for what will work and what won't. I can't say enough about how I appreciate her insights. As for work style, Ellis is generous, curious, a good listener, and importantly, she is a straight-shooter - all of which have
James Fassold
Aug 09, 2019
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Herb Paine
Jul 31, 2019
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Caritas Law Group exemplifies the highest standards of professionalism and quality service ~ a totally reliable and trusted source of legal advice. Ellis Carter, the firm's Founder, is a consummate professional with whom, over the course of nearly two decades, I have had the privilege of working on a significant number of complex issues related to nonprofit governance, organizational crisis management, and mergers. Whenever I confronted organizational challenges that required the best legal expertise, I invariably turned to Ellis Carter and was never disappointed ~ always benefiting from her expertise
Katherine Cecala
Jul 12, 2019
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I have worked with Ellis Carter for over ten years with a few different nonprofit organizations seeking assistance on issues including 501c3 formation, charter schools, Open Meeting Law, fiscal sponsorships, donor advised funds, revenue recognition, etc. I have highly recommended her services to many people. There is no one more knowledgeable about nonprofit law. Service is consistently exceptional.
Stu Turgel
Jul 06, 2019
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I cant think of another attorney more qualified and capable of handling issues of nonprofit organizations than Ellis Carter. As a career nonprofit professional I have come to rely on the sound advice and wisdom that Ellis offers. Now that I have retired I am a certified volunteer mentor with SCORE and I prvide coaching, counselling and mentoring to dozens of individuals and organizations in the nonprofit sector. Whenever I am asked for a referral to an attorney to help with nonprofit related questions I never hesitate to suggest Ellis Carter and the Caritas Law Group. They are responsive, thorough
James Comisar
Jun 24, 2019
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Wayne Rainey
Jun 20, 2019
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Ellis is one of the most thoughtful and soundly strategic counselors I have ever employed. Her associates and staff all work diligently in sync to ensure they can serve their clients interest effectively and efficiently as possible. Not unimportantly, Ellis is also a warm and caring human being and I’m better for having met her.
Deanna Rader
May 09, 2019
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I have known Ellis Carter for more than 15 years and she has provided exceptional legal services to our mutual clients. She is, by far, one of the most knowledgeable attorneys for charitable organizations, providing sound, practical advice. She is the go-to person for all non-profit corporate issues.
