We help professional associations, trade groups, chambers of commerce, real estate boards, and business leagues to form and operate with success.

Whether you are starting a new association or managing tax-exempt compliance, we guide you every step of the way. 

Professional Association Legal Services

We help associations with their day-to-day legal issues, from corporate governance to tax matters.  We help with

• Start-up of new 501(c)(6) trade associations and business leagues, from state formation to federal tax-exemption
• Governing documents – review and update bylaws, conflict of interest policies
• Agreements between 501(c)(6) professional association and affiliated 501(c)(3) charity, including office sharing and staff sharing arrangements
• Manage relationships between affiliated membership group, charity, and/or PAC
• Board Training
• Lobbying issues
• Membership voting on business association decisions
• Conducting for-profit business activity
• Liability and risk management
• Setting up affiliated 501(c)(3) foundations that can support the work of the 501(c)(6) business league
• Governance matters – members vs. board vs. staff

Why Choose Cullinane Law Group for your Association? 

• Specialization in 501(c)(6) Law. We’ve successfully helped hundreds of professional associations gain their tax-exempt status. 
• Custom Solutions. Each association has its own unique mission, memberships, and goals. 
• Full Support. We handle formation, governance, and ongoing compliance, so you can focus on your members and mission. 

Common Legal Concerns for Associations

Membership-based professional associations and business leagues have many legal issues to consider.

• Understanding member versus management rights
• Membership voting
• Following IRS tax-exempt rules 
• Working with an affiliated 501(c)(3) Foundation
• Handling state tax exemptions, licenses, and permits

Our firm helps associations with these legal matters and more.