This week Lex Mundi Pro Bono Foundation launchedLawForChange.org, a unique and innovative online legal resource designed for people and organizations in the social sector dedicated to improving lives and bringing about positive social change.
LawForChange features state-specific information – designed for laypersons, not lawyers – from law firms throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico on key legal subjects for social entrepreneurs, charities, hybrids, social enterprises, faith-based organizations and community organizations. This includes laws on Forms of Organization (e.g., nonprofit and for-profit corporations, LLCs), Nonprofit Tax, Employment, Intellectual Property, Fundraising, Governance and Lobbying.
Among the site features:
- Legal Resources – information that addresses key legal topics associated with starting and running a social sector organization, including a start-up kit, legal audit check list, frequently asked questions and guides
- Discussion Forum and Blogs – organizations and thought leaders can share and discuss legal topics and developments affecting the social sector
- News and Events – hot topics and legal news and events relevant to the social sector
About Lex Mundi Pro Bono Foundation
The Lex Mundi Pro Bono Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit affiliate of Lex Mundi, the world’s leading association of independent law firms. The Foundation calls upon Lex Mundi’s unique global network of 160 top-tier commercial law firms to provide legal assistance to select “social entrepreneurs” on a pro bono basis. By providing social entrepreneurs with access to critically needed legal assistance, the Foundation joins the global social entrepreneur movement for positive social change. For more information, visit: http://www.lexmundiprobono.org
In December 2008, The Lemelson Foundation provided a grant to Lex Mundi Pro Bono Foundation to increase and strengthen their delivery of free legal services to social inventor-entrepreneurs, including support for LawForChange.