Description:

Job Description:
The Company:
This is an opportunity to work with the Best. We are Michael Best & Friedrich, LLP. We are a full-service law firm with more than 350 lawyers and technical professionals who work in collaborative, interdisciplinary practices to serve clients around the world. We work with companies in all kinds of industries, as well as trade associations, churches, schools, nonprofits, educational institutions, governments, health systems, family trusts, and high-net-worth individuals. Since our firm's founding in 1848, we've continuously evolved to meet our clients' changing needs and expectations. One thing remains the same: for generations, clients have relied on Michael Best for exceptional legal service and business acumen.

The Location:
This role can be based in any of our firm's locations. We have offices in Wisconsin (Green Bay, Milwaukee, Madison, Waukesha), Illinois (Chicago); Utah (Salt Lake City) California (Los Angeles); Colorado (Denver, Broomfield); Nebraska (Lincoln); Texas (Austin); and North Carolina (Charlotte, Raleigh, Wilmington); and Washington D.C.

The Position:
Michael Best & Friedrich LLP is seeking a senior exempt organizations attorney to serve the firm's nonprofit and tax-exempt clients.

Qualified candidates should have at least five years of experience working with tax-exempt organizations. This role may be filled at the Senior Associate, Senior Counsel, or Junior Partner level, depending on a candidate's experience, expertise, and client development capabilities.

The ideal candidate will have experience in areas including:

Formation of Section 501(c) organizations
Nonprofit governance and tax compliance
Charitable registration and fundraising compliance
Taxable and for-profit related business formations

The ideal candidate will also have experience advising clients on a variety of matters including corporate structuring, advising foundations, working with religious organizations and donor management.

Core Responsibilities:

Nonprofit Tax Advisory & Compliance
Advise nonprofit and tax-exempt clients on 501(c) status and ongoing compliance
Provide guidance on IRS filings, including Form 1023 and Form 990
Counsel on UBTI, private foundation rules, and intermediate sanctions
Advise on governance and regulatory requirements

Transactional & General Tax Matters

Support mergers, acquisitions, restructurings, financings, and joint ventures
Structure nonprofit entities and affiliated organizations
Support nonprofit entities that have religious commitments and associated ecclesiastical governance requirements

IRS Audits, Controversy & Risk Management

Assist clients in IRS audits and disputes
Assist with tax controversy matters
Develop strategies to manage and mitigate risk

Governance & Client Counseling

Advise boards and leadership on governance and fiduciary duties
Draft and review policies and agreements
Serve as a trusted advisor to clients

Job Requirements:
Bring Your Best

Knowledge Base & Education
J.D. from an ABA accredited law school
Excellent academic credentials
Relevant experience

Adaptability

Ability to learn and embrace new skills as the position evolves
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines

Collaboration
Ability to build relationships and work effectively across teams

Communication:

Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work with diverse clients and stakeholders
Ability to handle confidential information with discretion

Problem Solving Skills

Ability to analyze issues and develop solutions
Ability to respond to challenges and provide innovative approaches

Professionalism
Strong judgment and professional demeanor

Other:
Valid authorization to work in the U.S.

Why You Should Apply

Michael Best offers a competitive Total Rewards package, including:
Opportunities to work with impactful mission-focused clients
Mentorship and training programs
Health and wellness benefits
Compensation and bonus opportunities
Retirement and financial planning benefits
Flexible work arrangements and a collaborative culture

Why You Should Apply
At Michael Best, we are proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that provides a variety of resources designed to enhance its employees' overall well-being, both at work and at home. Competitive base pay, outstanding benefits, opportunities for learning and growth, programs designed to help you plan for the future, and perks that inspire your downtime are all part of our total compensation package.