The attorneys in James Bates’ Churches & Religious Organizations Practice provide quality representation to churches, Christian schools and other ministries throughout Georgia. Our experience and capabilities allow us to provide quality representation to new and existing churches and religious organizations. In addition to the legal skills we bring to all of our clients, our attorneys have the skills and experience to meet the unique needs of churches and religious organizations, including, but not limited to:
- Incorporating and organizing the non-profit legal entity
- Providing tax advice to obtain and maintain tax-exempt status, to avoid unrelated business income tax, and other issues unique to tax-exempt organizations
- Church financing
- Employment issues related to hiring, compensation, severance and separation agreements, employment handbooks and contracts, and discipline and discharge
- Assisting in the drafting of and reviewing the organization’s manuals, policies and procedures
- Protecting intellectual property rights through proper documentation and licensing
- Assisting in the governance of the organization, such as by-laws issues, membership meetings, and actions by trustees
- Internal dispute-resolution activities, such as arbitration among members
- Acquisition and development of real property
- Reviewing existing and proposed programs and making recommendations to reduce potential liability
- Avoiding liability related to playgrounds and church-sponsored trips and activities
- Avoiding liability related to the hiring of children’s workers and volunteers
- Assisting with negligence and other liability issues the church or religious organization may face.
