As both a reflection of and outgrowth of our law firm’s strong ties to the community, Cuddy & Feder has developed a significant Non-Profit law practice representing universities and secondary schools, hospitals, cultural institutions and other leading non-profit organizations throughout the Hudson River Valley.
Our Non-Profit lawyers assist these institutions in a broad range of ways; our Land Use attorneys help with the development and implementation of long-range and master plan development, often resolving key issues and disputes with local municipalities and neighborhood residents, sometimes litigating on their behalf, and ultimately paving the way for permitting and growth. And once permits are issued, our Transactional lawyers work with our non-profit clients to secure appropriate low cost financing, including acting as borrower’s counsel in the issuance of tax-exempt bonds. We also help our not-for-profit clients with more routine matters, such as handling employment issues, by-law and charter amendments as well as the implementation of guidelines and policies generally accepted as best practices.
In addition to our work with non-profit institutional clients, leaving a lasting legacy is important to many of the individuals and families we represent. The firm’s charitable planning team has the experience to help clients meet philanthropic goals, from the preparation of a charitable trust to creating a family foundation, public charity or industry association. Arranging for family members to discuss the importance of charitable giving and to address why the family chose to create the foundation is part of the caring approach we bring to our practice. Our attorneys can also advise clients regarding the tax benefits of planned-giving vehicles and the merits of creating both lifetime and testamentary charitable trusts. Assisting charitable institutions in developing planned giving vehicles, such as endowments and annuities, enables us to help charities further their philanthropic goals.
SERVICES
For Institutional Clients:
Real estate purchases and sales
Land use approvals
Tax-exempt bond financings; commercial loans
By-law and charter amendments
Personnel matters, including CEO employment and exit agreements
“Best practices” guidance on management and governance issues
“Impact fee” negotiation in lieu of property taxes
Leases and subleases
Attorney General and/or Court approvals as required by state law
For Individuals and Families:
Charitable trusts
Charitable gift annuity agreements
Endowments
Ethical wills