Full-Service Law Firm solving complex challenges through bold thinking, precise execution, and shared purpose.

Full Service Law Firm | Michael Best & Friedrich LLP

Specializing in the Intersection of Business &#038; Government

Meet our team of trusted advisors, strategic thinkers, and community builders dedicated to client success.

Learn about our full-service legal and business solutions, designed to address complex challenges for leading organizations across industries.

Access thought leadership, news, and resources to stay informed about the latest trends, legal developments, and industry innovations.

Discover how partnership, bold thinking, and precise execution drive results for clients nationwide.

Explore how our national reach and local expertise support clients across the United States and beyond.

Grow at a firm designed to bring out your best.

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Religious institutions and faith-based organizations like yours are valued, long-standing contributors to our society. And you face a unique blend of spiritual calling and legal responsibility, often navigating complex governance structures, evolving regulations, and sensitive risk areas. By partnering with Michael Best, you can be fully prepared to address legal challenges and mitigate risks.

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Our team has served as general counsel to hundreds of religious and faith-based organizations across the country, including churches, church-affiliated hospitals and senior living facilities, religious nonprofits, denominations, religious and educational camps, schools and universities, synagogues, missionary foundations and conferences, and social services entities. We’re ready to help you navigate the complex waters of faith-based law so you can get back to serving the people in your community and beyond.

Our Approach: Counsel That Honors Your Calling

We combine legal rigor with an understanding of faith-based governance and culture to deliver clear roadmaps and actionable risk management protocols.

Mission &amp; Risk Discovery

We begin by listening—learning your mission, governance model, and areas of legal exposure. This foundational step ensures our counsel is aligned with your faith identity and operational realities.

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Compliance &amp; Policy Audit

Our proprietary 50-point checklist evaluates your current policies, procedures, and legal posture. Together, we identify gaps, risks, and opportunities for alignment with legal standards and your statement of faith.

Customized Legal Strategy

We craft a tailored legal roadmap that addresses areas such as child protection protocols, employment policies, tax planning, governance updates, or other mission-critical needs. Every recommendation is grounded in legal rigor and theological sensitivity. And our predictable pricing means you can focus on implementing the best plan for your organization.

Implementation &amp; Training

We don’t just hand over documents—we walk with you through implementation. From policy drafting and regulatory filings to staff training and board education, we ensure your team is equipped and confident.

Ongoing Support &amp; Refresh

Laws change. So do ministry needs. We provide long-term support, regular policy refreshes, and proactive alerts to keep your organization compliant, protected, and mission-focused.

Mission-Focused Legal Guidance

Our tailored solutions are designed to align with your values and help your organization thrive. Whether you need periodic support or full-service outside general counsel.

Strategic Partner in Daily Operations &amp; Growth Opportunities 

Get support for all legal aspects of running a nonprofit business and a religious organization.

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Counsel on Non-Profit Finance &amp; Tax 

Ensuring the safeguarding of your invaluable tax-exempt privileges.

Endowment fund and restricted gifting issues

501(3)(c) status, group tax exemption, and reclassification requests

Property tax exemption filings and appeals

Comprehensive Guidance for Child Protection and Response to Harm or Abuse  

Enhance the safety and well-being of children in your care.

Development of child protection policies and best practices.

Training in abuse identification, preventative measures, and reporting requirements.

Investigations of harm and abuse and recommendations for reporting to authorities, improving policies, and caring for those involved.

Create &amp; Update Policies 

Set clear expectations and establish alignment within your organization around policies, laws, regulations, and best practices.

Risk Mitigation 

Proactively identify and mitigate potential issues before they arise, reducing liability and ensuring that your attention remains undivided to focus on your faith-based mission.

Waivers of liability/terms and conditions

Develop and Protect Intellectual Property 

Strategically manage and protect your intellectual assets.

Establish Human Resource Compliance 

Leverage our counsel’s deep experience to navigate the intersection of federal and state employment laws and their applications, ensure compliance, and proactively implement HR best practices.

Internal investigations involving leader/staff wrongdoing

Clergy considerations such as the ministerial housing allowance, church autonomy, the ministerial exception, and faith-based protections

Manage Litigation &amp; Disputes 

Receive precise and insightful management of your case.

Litigation involving defamation, abuse, internal member conflict, and internal leadership/governing board conflict

Get connected to specialized expertise in religious governance, nonprofit law, employment, child protection, and tax-exempt compliance, tailored to the unique needs of your ministry.

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Photos and Videos in Church: Legal and Practical Considerations for Church Leaders

What Your Church Needs to Know About Facility Use Agreements

Navigating Conflicts of Interest Within the Non-Profit World

Terms and Conditions Matter More Than You Think

Your Church/Non-Profit’s Employee Handbook Is More Than Just Paperwork

Merging Missions: What Religious Non-Profits Need to Know Before Joining Forces

Children’s Policies: Protection, Accountability, and Compassion

Why Bylaws Matter More than You Think

Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Enhance Client Service at Michael Best

More Lawsuits… Thanks AI

Beyond the Bank: Two New Funding Tools for Christian Schools

Lessons from the Tax Court: Contemporaneous Written Acknowledgments from Nonprofits to Donors – Strict Compliance Required, Substantial Compliance Not Enough.

Faith Based

Key Contacts

Trending Conversations for Faith Based

Creating a Sabbatical Policy for Churches

Protecting Faith-Based Programs & the Church Autonomy Doctrine

Lessons from the Tax Court: Contemporaneous Written Acknowledgments from Nonprofits to Donors – Strict Compliance Required, Substantial Compliance Not Enough.

Key Contacts

Trending Conversations for Faith Based

Creating a Sabbatical Policy for Churches

Protecting Faith-Based Programs & the Church Autonomy Doctrine

Lessons from the Tax Court: Contemporaneous Written Acknowledgments from Nonprofits to Donors – Strict Compliance Required, Substantial Compliance Not Enough.

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