Ashford Deborah T

In the bustling legal landscape of Washington D.C., where a multitude of organizations operate under various complex regulations, the need for highly specialized legal counsel is paramount. For non-profit entities, charitable organizations, educational institutions, healthcare providers, and trade associations, navigating the intricate world of tax and corporate law requires an attorney with deep expertise and a proven track record. This is where Deborah T. Ashford truly shines. With a distinguished career dedicated to serving tax-exempt organizations, Ms. Ashford offers an invaluable resource to the District of Columbia community. Her comprehensive understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities facing these organizations makes her a pivotal figure for those seeking robust legal guidance and strategic compliance.

Deborah T. Ashford's practice is primarily focused on providing tax and corporate representation to a wide array of non-profit entities. This includes charitable organizations, educational institutions, healthcare entities, hospitals, private foundations, and trade and professional associations, as well as their related non-profit and for-profit subsidiaries. Her extensive experience encompasses critical areas such as organizing and restructuring non-profit corporations, securing federal and state tax exemptions, advising on corporate governance, and guiding organizations through complex lobbying activities and unrelated business income tax matters. She also possesses significant experience in representing international non-profits based in the United States with respect to their activities in other countries, an increasingly important aspect in the globally connected D.C. environment.

Beyond her direct legal practice, Ms. Ashford has held significant roles that underscore her expertise and influence. She was appointed by President Clinton as the U.S. nominee and subsequently elected by the General Assembly of the United Nations (UN) to serve as a judge on the UN Administrative Tribunal for two consecutive three-year terms (1996 and 1999). This prestigious appointment highlights her profound understanding of international legal frameworks and her commitment to judicial service. Furthermore, her background includes serving as special assistant to the director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, and as assistant to the commissioner of the U.S. Office of Education. This blend of public service and private practice provides her with a unique and invaluable perspective on the regulatory and policy environments that impact her clients. She has also been a frequent speaker at conferences on tax-exempt issues and co-authored "Lobbying and the Law," a key guide for non-profits.

Location and Accessibility

Deborah T. Ashford's office is conveniently located in the heart of Washington D.C. at 555 13th St NW #800e, Washington, DC 20004, USA. This address places her within a prominent business district, making it highly accessible for clients across the District of Columbia. The building is situated in an area well-served by D.C.'s extensive public transportation network, including multiple Metro lines (e.g., Metro Center station, which serves the Red, Orange, Blue, and Silver lines, is within very close walking distance). For those arriving by car, various parking garages are available in the immediate vicinity. The central and well-connected location ensures that clients can easily reach her office for consultations, meetings, and collaborative efforts. This accessibility is a significant advantage for local non-profits and other organizations needing expert legal counsel without extensive travel. While Ms. Ashford has been associated with Hogan Lovells US LLP, her individual practice maintains a strong and accessible presence at this key D.C. address.

Services Offered

• Tax Law for Non-Profit Organizations: Specializing in the unique tax considerations for charitable, educational, and healthcare entities, ensuring compliance with federal and state tax laws.
• Corporate Representation for Tax-Exempt Entities: Providing comprehensive legal advice on corporate structure, governance, and operational matters tailored for non-profit and tax-exempt organizations.
• Obtaining Tax Exemptions: Assisting organizations in securing their federal and state tax-exempt status, including IRS recognition under Section 501(c)(3) and other relevant sections.
• Corporate Governance for Non-Profits: Advising boards and management on best practices for corporate governance, fiduciary duties, and compliance with organizational bylaws and applicable laws.
• Lobbying Activities & Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT): Guiding non-profits on the legal limitations and compliance requirements for lobbying activities and managing unrelated business income to avoid adverse tax consequences.
• Organizing & Restructuring Non-Profit Corporations: Providing legal support for the formation of new non-profits, as well as the restructuring or reorganization of existing entities.
• Healthcare Law for Non-Profits: Offering specialized legal counsel to hospitals and other healthcare providers on tax and corporate issues relevant to their non-profit status.
• Higher Education Law for Non-Profits: Advising colleges and universities on tax-exempt status, governance, and other corporate matters specific to educational institutions.
• Private Foundations & Trade/Professional Associations: Dedicated legal services for the unique tax and corporate needs of private foundations and trade and professional organizations.
• International Non-Profits: Representing U.S.-based international non-profits concerning their activities and legal compliance in other countries.

Features / Highlights

• Highly Specialized Expertise: Deborah T. Ashford offers deep, concentrated expertise in tax and corporate law specifically for tax-exempt organizations, a niche area requiring extensive knowledge.
• Distinguished Public Service Background: Her experience as a judge for the UN Administrative Tribunal and her roles within the U.S. Office of Education and Office for Civil Rights provide a unique and valuable perspective on public policy and regulatory environments.
• Authoritative Voice in the Field: Co-author of "Lobbying and the Law" and a frequent speaker at national conferences on tax-exempt issues, demonstrating her thought leadership and influence.
• Comprehensive Service Portfolio: She provides end-to-end legal support, from initial organization and tax exemption to ongoing corporate governance and compliance for complex activities like lobbying.
• Experienced in Diverse Non-Profit Sectors: Her practice covers a broad range of non-profit entities, including charitable, educational, healthcare, and trade associations, showcasing her versatility.
• Commitment to Ethical Practice: Ms. Ashford is known for her meticulous attention to detail and dedication to ensuring her clients operate within legal and ethical boundaries, minimizing risks.
• Strong Academic Credentials: A graduate of Yale Law School (JD, 1981) and the University of Alabama (Master's and BA in English language and literature), reflecting a robust educational foundation.
• Local Accessibility with National Acumen: While based in D.C., her expertise has a national and international scope, bringing a high level of sophistication to local clients.

Promotions or Special Offers

In the realm of highly specialized legal services, particularly those focusing on tax and corporate law for non-profit organizations, it is customary for attorneys like Deborah T. Ashford not to offer general "promotions" or "special offers" in the consumer sense. Her value proposition lies in her extensive expertise, her highly specialized knowledge base, and her proven track record of guiding complex non-profit entities through intricate legal and regulatory landscapes.

Clients engaging with Ms. Ashford are seeking sophisticated legal solutions, meticulous compliance, and strategic advice that can safeguard their tax-exempt status, ensure proper corporate governance, and navigate complex issues like lobbying or unrelated business income. The investment in her services is seen as a strategic imperative for organizations aiming to achieve their mission effectively and lawfully. While direct discounts are not typical, the long-term value provided by avoiding costly legal missteps, ensuring compliance, and optimizing organizational structure far outweighs the initial legal fees. Prospective clients can expect a professional consultation to discuss their specific needs and how her expertise can best serve their organization's objectives.

Contact Information

For non-profit organizations, educational institutions, healthcare entities, or trade associations in the District of Columbia seeking highly specialized legal counsel in tax and corporate matters, Deborah T. Ashford is available for consultation.

Address: 555 13th St NW #800e, Washington, DC 20004, USA

Phone: (202) 637-8646

Mobile Phone: +1 202-637-8646

Connecting with her office will allow you to explore how her extensive experience and focused practice can provide the essential legal guidance for your organization’s unique needs.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For the vibrant and diverse community of non-profit organizations, educational institutions, healthcare providers, and trade associations in the District of Columbia, Deborah T. Ashford is an exceptionally suitable and invaluable legal resource. Her practice is uniquely tailored to address the highly specific tax and corporate challenges that these entities face in D.C. and beyond.

The District of Columbia is home to a vast number of non-profits, ranging from international advocacy groups to local community services. Each of these organizations operates under a strict set of regulations, and the penalties for non-compliance can be severe. Ms. Ashford’s deep expertise in securing and maintaining tax-exempt status, navigating corporate governance issues, and advising on complex areas like lobbying activities and unrelated business income tax, directly addresses the core legal needs of these local entities. Her ability to translate complex legal requirements into practical, actionable advice is a significant advantage for D.C.-based organizations striving for both mission fulfillment and regulatory adherence.

Furthermore, her distinguished background, including her roles with the United Nations and various U.S. government agencies, provides her with a unique and insightful perspective on the policy and regulatory environment that is so central to operations in Washington D.C. This specialized understanding means that D.C. locals do not just get a lawyer, but a strategic partner who can anticipate challenges and provide proactive solutions. For any non-profit or tax-exempt entity in the District of Columbia, engaging Deborah T. Ashford means securing a legal advocate who is not only a recognized expert in her field but also deeply understands the particular nuances of operating within the nation's capital. This makes her an ideal choice for ensuring the legal health and longevity of your organization.