Business Details
Legal Support for Nonprofits and Community Organizations
Community Law Center serves as a dedicated legal partner to neighborhoods and nonprofit organizations committed to building more just and vibrant communities. Our work spans the state of Maryland, with a primary focus on Baltimore City, where we collaborate with resident-led organizations in historically marginalized Black neighborhoods. We provide comprehensive legal representation, from helping groups achieve 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status to engaging in long-term litigation that protects community interests. Our team of staff attorneys and a network of over 600 pro bono attorneys deliver free or low-cost services, including workshops on nonprofit governance, employment law, and advocacy strategies. We prioritize capacity-building through educational programs and policy reform efforts that address systemic inequities.By partnering with community leaders rather than simply providing transactional services, we help organizations navigate complex legal challenges while fostering sustainable change. Our advocacy extends beyond individual cases to include systemic reforms targeting issues like housing insecurity and police accountability. With decades of collective experience, our attorneys bring specialized expertise in nonprofit law, community development, and social justice litigation. We maintain rigorous professional standards through continuous engagement with evolving legal frameworks and community needs. Our commitment to transparency and ethical practice ensures clients receive reliable, client-centered representation that aligns with their mission-driven goals.
Services
Nonprofit Formation
Legal Representation
Workshops Training
Policy Advocacy
Pro Bono Program
Highlights and features
- We maintain a network of 600+ experienced Maryland attorneys providing pro bono services
- Our staff specializes in nonprofit law and community development legal frameworks
- We offer tailored workshops on nonprofit governance and compliance requirements
- Our advocacy extends to policy reform addressing systemic community challenges
- We combine direct legal representation with capacity-building educational programs
What people say
There for me
Vibrant community center
Counseling for programming ideas
Fostering justice through design
Tireless advocacy support
Services
Nonprofit Formation
We guide organizations through nonprofit incorporation and tax-exempt status applications. Our attorneys help draft bylaws, complete IRS Form 1023, and establish governance structures. This service enables community groups to legally operate while maintaining compliance with Maryland nonprofit regulations.
Legal Representation
Our staff and pro bono attorneys provide comprehensive legal representation for nonprofit organizations. This includes contract negotiations, property transactions, and litigation support for community advocacy efforts. We handle cases ranging from brief consultations to multi-year litigation on neighborhood issues.
Workshops Training
We conduct specialized training sessions covering nonprofit governance, financial oversight, and employment law. These workshops help community leaders understand legal requirements and best practices. Topics include board responsibilities, tax compliance, and effective community advocacy strategies.
Policy Advocacy
Our advocacy efforts target systemic issues affecting Baltimore communities. We work on housing policy reform, police accountability initiatives, and tax sale system improvements. This service helps clients address root causes of community challenges through regulatory and legislative changes.
Pro Bono Program
We coordinate a network of 600+ Maryland attorneys providing free legal services to nonprofits. This program connects community organizations with experienced lawyers for specialized legal assistance. Services include intellectual property matters, employment law guidance, and zoning regulation compliance.
People
Amy Petkovsek
Executive Director
Amy leads our strategic direction while maintaining active client representation. With extensive nonprofit legal experience, she focuses on organizational governance and community development law. She oversees our pro bono network expansion and policy advocacy initiatives.
Shana Roth-Gormley
Senior Staff Attorney
Shana manages complex litigation cases involving community rights and housing issues. She specializes in neighborhood advocacy and has represented multiple resident associations in landmark cases. Her work focuses on combating systemic housing discrimination and displacement.
Denice Ko
Deputy Director
Denice handles nonprofit formation and governance matters while leading our training programs. She has helped over 100 organizations achieve tax-exempt status and regularly conducts workshops on board responsibilities and compliance requirements for nonprofit leaders.
Amy Yontef-McGrath
Pro Bono Coordinator
Amy manages our volunteer attorney network and case placement system. She connects community organizations with legal professionals matching their specific needs. She also coordinates training programs for attorneys participating in our pro bono initiatives.
Ingrid Hitchens-Hall
Resource Manager
Ingrid oversees client intake processes and provides paralegal support for nonprofit formation cases. She manages document processing and client communications, serving as primary contact for initial legal service applications and information requests.
Questions
What types of organizations do you work with?
We primarily serve neighborhood associations, community-based nonprofits, and grassroots organizations in Maryland, especially Baltimore City.
How can my nonprofit obtain legal services?
Organizations must complete our application process. We prioritize groups focused on community development, social justice, and neighborhood improvement initiatives.
Do you offer legal workshops for nonprofits?
Yes, we provide regular training sessions covering nonprofit governance, tax compliance, and advocacy strategies tailored to Maryland organizations.
Can out-of-state attorneys volunteer with your program?
Yes, but they must complete specific qualifications to participate in our Maryland-focused legal services delivery model.
What policy reform initiatives are you currently pursuing?
Our current advocacy focuses on housing policy improvements, police accountability measures, and reforms to Baltimore's tax sale system.
