Government, Education, & Non-Profits
Jackson Walker’s Government, Education, & Non-Profit Organizations Group thoroughly comprehends the unique needs and tight budget constraints facing mission-driven entities. With broad experience advising colleges, municipalities, religious organizations, foundations and non-profits, we appreciate the complex regulatory environment and heightened public scrutiny these clients face. This multifaceted perspective allows us to provide practical guidance attuned to our clients’ priorities, resources and reputations.
Higher Education
- Advise colleges, universities and affiliated foundations on governance, compliance, fundraising, sponsored research, technology transfer, human resources, real estate, trademarks and strategic matters
- Assist with government audits, Title IX investigations, and disputes with students and faculty
State and Local Government
- Assist municipalities, counties, authorities, school districts and agencies with open records requests, public contracting, bond issuances, referendums, and zoning variances
- Advise on compliance with sunshine laws, public meeting requirements, and procurement regulations
- Represent government entities in disputes with contractors, developers, vendors and suppliers
Religious Institutions
- Counsel churches, synagogues, mosques and affiliated entities on governance, tax exemption, HR issues, facilities use, and constitutional law
- Advise leadership on contracts, conduct policies, and sensitive investigative matters
- Assist religious schools and seminaries on student issues and regulatory compliance
Non-Profits and Charities
- Provide formation, governance, fundraising, lobbying, and tax exemption guidance
- Assist with grant compliance, endowment management, corporate sponsorships, conflicts of interest, executive compensation
- Advise on joint ventures, social enterprises, unrelated business income and complex regulatory areas
Our team delivers practical guidance informed by hands-on experience. We understand our clients’ missions and collaborate to solve legal challenges efficiently.
October 24, 2024
Insights
The Ghosts of Loper Bright | The Texas Lawbook
In this article featured in The Texas Lawbook, Paul Watler reflects on attending the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent oral arguments on the ghost gun case, where justices debated the authority of the ATF’s regulation on gun kits and its implications for federal legislation enforcement.
July 11, 2024
Insights
EPA Advances Major Regulations on Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
By Taylor Holcomb & Travis Wussow
Due to the emerging issues and heightened public attention around PFAS, EPA in 2021 announced a whole-of-government strategic roadmap on addressing PFAS. The roadmap lays out a three-pronged approach: adding new restrictions on air and water emissions of PFAS and new regulations for PFAS disposal; expanding remediation and cleanup of existing PFAS contamination; and funding PFAS research to better understand these compounds and their impact on health and the environment.
July 8, 2024
Mentions
Travis Wussow Quoted in ‘Houston Business Journal’ About Supreme Court’s Reversal of Chevron Deference
Travis Wussow was featured in a Houston Business Journal article discussing the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn its 40-year-old precedent in Chevron U.S.A. v. Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc.
“This is one of the most consequential cases that the Supreme Court has decided in many years,” he said. “If federal agencies have less power, then those who are regulated may take a different footing when engaging with their regulators because there are other options available to them. They can go to court if they feel that the agency has stepped out of line.”
June 6, 2024
Spotlight
Denise Rose and Kate Goodrich Lead Government Relations Team in Chambers USA Guide Rankings
Jackson Walker proudly announces the first-time ranking of Denise Rose, Kate Goodrich, and the Government Relations & Public Policy practice in the Chambers USA Guide released on June 6, 2024.
June 6, 2024
Spotlight
Public Finance Group Ranked in Chambers USA Guide
In its first-ever guide to the top Texas firms for Public Finance, Chambers and Partners ranked Jackson Walker in the 2024 USA Guide. In addition, Public Finance partners Rick Witte, Todd Brewer, Tanya Fischer, and Hoang Vu were ranked among the top Texas attorneys in this area.
June 6, 2024
Spotlight
Women-Led Investigations & White Collar Group Recognized in Chambers USA Guide
Jackson Walker proudly announces the first-time ranking of the Investigations & White Collar practice group in the Chambers USA Guide. This ranking is anchored by the continued recognition of practice group leader Erica Benites Giese and partner Jennifer S. Freel.
April 17, 2024
Insights
Student-Athletes as Employees Spells Legal Stressors for Schools | Bloomberg Tax
The union-aspiring Dartmouth College men’s basketball team has put the full court press on their “employer,” labor agencies, and courts of law — with far-reaching legal and financial implications.