Copilevitz & Canter

For the vast and vital non-profit sector, charitable organizations, and the professional fundraisers who support them, navigating the complex web of federal and state regulations is a continuous and critical challenge. In Washington, D.C., a city synonymous with non-profit advocacy and philanthropic endeavors, having highly specialized legal counsel is not just an advantage, but a necessity. Copilevitz & Canter, LLC stands as a nationally recognized firm dedicated to providing comprehensive legal services in the niche areas of non-profit law, charitable fundraising, and telemarketing regulations. This article will offer a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Copilevitz & Canter, LLC, detailing its specialized services, accessible location for local clients, and why it is a highly suitable choice for those in the District of Columbia seeking expert guidance in this unique field.

Copilevitz & Canter, LLC, originally founded in Kansas City, Missouri in 1977 by Errol Copilevitz, has grown to become a leading national firm. While their primary office is in Kansas City, their Washington D.C. presence underscores their commitment to serving clients who operate within the nation's capital and are affected by federal regulations. The firm is widely recognized for its deep expertise in all legal issues faced by non-profit organizations, including charitable solicitation registration, compliance with reporting requirements across various jurisdictions, and navigating complex tax-exempt status matters, particularly for 501(c)(3) and other non-profit entities.

What sets Copilevitz & Canter apart is their long-standing experience and unique focus on the intersection of the First Amendment and fundraising. Errol Copilevitz, in particular, has been involved in landmark Supreme Court cases that have shaped the legal landscape for charitable solicitation. This expertise is crucial for charities, professional fundraisers, commercial telemarketers, and political calling organizations seeking to remain compliant while effectively engaging the public. The firm helps clients understand and adhere to the "maze of regulatory requirements" from federal, state, and local governments. They offer comprehensive assistance, from developing gift-acceptance policies and structuring complex donations like charitable remainder trusts to drafting compliant fundraising contracts and managing state investigations by attorneys general and other agencies. With a reputation for vigilance in monitoring charitable fundraising laws in all 50 states, Copilevitz & Canter aims to protect its clients' missions and reputations, providing both expert legal analysis and practical, straightforward advice in a rapidly evolving regulatory environment.

It is important to note that while the firm has a Washington D.C. office and serves clients nationally, public records indicate that the firm sometimes operates under the name "Copilevitz Lam & Raney" as of recent years, particularly after some consolidation. However, the contact information provided remains associated with the original firm's D.C. presence and its core specialties.

Copilevitz & Canter, LLC is conveniently located in the central business district of Washington, D.C., at 1900 L St NW #504, Washington, DC 20036, USA. This address places the firm in a prime, accessible location for non-profit organizations, trade associations, and businesses that work with them throughout the District of Columbia and the wider metropolitan area. The "L Street" corridor is well-known for its concentration of professional services and is easily reachable from various parts of the city.

For those utilizing public transportation, the office is within easy walking distance of several Metro stations. The Farragut North (Red Line) and Farragut West (Orange, Blue, and Silver Lines) Metro stations are both nearby, providing seamless and direct connections from across D.C. and its surrounding suburbs in Maryland and Virginia. Additionally, numerous bus routes operate along L Street, offering further convenient public transport options directly to the firm's doorstep.

For clients who prefer to drive, the firm’s central location ensures good access from major D.C. roadways. While on-street parking in downtown D.C. can sometimes be limited, there are several commercial parking garages available in the immediate vicinity of 1900 L Street NW, providing practical solutions for visitors. The surrounding area also offers a variety of amenities, including dining establishments and other business services, which can add to the convenience for clients visiting the firm’s office. This prominent and accessible location underscores Copilevitz & Canter, LLC's commitment to effectively serving its local and national clientele.

Copilevitz & Canter, LLC offers a highly specialized range of legal services primarily focused on non-profit organizations, charitable fundraising, and related regulatory compliance. Their expertise extends to various entities involved in the philanthropic and telemarketing sectors.

• Nonprofit & Charity Law: Providing full-service representation to nonprofit organizations, assisting with legal issues they might face from formation to ongoing compliance. This includes advising on achieving and maintaining 501(c)(3) and other tax-exempt statuses.
• Charitable Fundraising Registration & Compliance: Assisting over 250 charitable organizations nationwide with legal services to register and comply with the complex reporting requirements of federal, state, and local governments that regulate charitable solicitation.
• Professional Fundraiser Representation: Representing for-profit entities that work with charities in conducting charitable solicitations, including professional fundraising consultants, professional solicitors, commercial co-venturers, and vending machine operators.
• Commercial Telemarketing Compliance: Working with commercial telemarketing professionals, businesses, and their clients to ensure compliance with all 50 states' laws as well as federal laws and regulations, particularly regarding the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and "Do Not Call" lists.
• Political Calling Organizations: Providing legal assistance to political organizations involved in political calling, including prerecorded robocalls, ensuring compliance with relevant campaign finance and telemarketing laws.
• IRS Audit Defense: Defending IRS audits in cases where the IRS is considering revoking tax-exempt status, or in audits concerning "excess" benefit/compensation, "private inurement," or unrelated business taxable income.
• Planned Giving & Charitable Contributions: Assisting nonprofits with structuring gifts, including setting up charitable remainder trusts and charitable gift annuities for long-term benefits.
• Governance Issues for Nonprofits: Advising on proper governance practices for various nonprofit structures, including churches and religious organizations.
• First Amendment Law: Leveraging extensive experience in First Amendment law as it applies to charitable solicitation and commercial speech, often engaging in landmark cases that define these rights.
• Data Privacy: Assisting businesses, including those in the non-profit sector, in identifying applicable laws regulating the data they control or process and how to comply with those laws.

Copilevitz & Canter, LLC stands out in its specialized field due to several key features and highlights:

• Unparalleled Specialization: The firm's exclusive focus on nonprofit law, charitable fundraising, and telemarketing regulations makes them a recognized national leader in these complex and highly regulated areas.
• Landmark First Amendment Expertise: Founder Errol Copilevitz has argued before the U.S. Supreme Court on issues related to charitable solicitation and free speech, significantly shaping the legal landscape for non-profits and fundraisers. This unparalleled experience is a major highlight.
• National Compliance Reach: The firm assists over 250 charitable organizations nationwide, demonstrating comprehensive knowledge of regulatory requirements across all 50 states, which is crucial for organizations with broad operational reach.
• Proactive Regulatory Monitoring: They constantly monitor charitable fundraising laws across the country, providing clients with up-to-date expert legal analysis of shifting requirements rather than just generic templates.
• Strategic Partnerships: The firm represents a wide array of participants in the non-profit world, from high-profile organizations to professional fundraisers, establishing themselves as a trusted advisor to the entire philanthropic sector.
• Comprehensive Support: From initial non-profit formation and tax-exempt status acquisition to defending IRS audits, structuring complex gifts, and managing state investigations, they offer full-service support.
• Thought Leadership: Through their involvement in significant legal cases and ongoing engagement with regulatory policy, the firm actively contributes to the development of law in their specialized areas.

As a highly specialized and nationally recognized law firm, Copilevitz & Canter, LLC does not typically offer "promotions" or "special offers" in the consumer retail sense. Their value proposition is built on their deep, niche expertise, extensive experience, and proven ability to navigate the complex legal and regulatory landscape for non-profits, fundraisers, and telemarketers.

Legal services in this highly specific area are tailored to the unique needs and challenges of each organization. Fee structures are typically discussed directly with the client and can vary based on the scope of work, which might include ongoing compliance assistance (often through retainer programs), specific project-based work (like registration filings or audit defense), or litigation. The firm mentions offering a "budget-based monthly retainer" or "a la carte" hourly billing services for certain non-profit clients.

Prospective clients are encouraged to contact the firm directly to schedule a confidential consultation. This initial discussion will allow them to assess your specific needs, explain how their specialized services can benefit your organization, and provide clear information about their fee arrangements. While not a "discount," their commitment to providing expert legal analysis and efficient compliance solutions ultimately aims to save organizations from potentially costly regulatory penalties and reputational damage.

To connect with Copilevitz & Canter, LLC and discuss your organization's specific needs related to non-profit law, charitable fundraising, or telemarketing regulations, please use the following contact details for their Washington, D.C. office:

• Address: 1900 L St NW #504, Washington, DC 20036, USA
• Phone: (202) 861-0740
• Mobile Phone: +1 202-861-0740

We recommend calling the office directly to schedule a confidential consultation. This will allow you to speak with their administrative team and arrange an appointment to discuss your organization's legal challenges in detail with one of their experienced attorneys. While some anecdotal feedback might mention initial response times or call experiences, direct communication to schedule a consultation is always the most effective way to engage with a professional firm and ascertain their availability and suitability for your specific needs.

For the vibrant and extensive non-profit community, charitable organizations, and related businesses operating within the District of Columbia, Copilevitz & Canter, LLC is an exceptionally suitable and strategic legal partner. In a city that serves as a global hub for advocacy, philanthropy, and political engagement, the intricate laws governing non-profits and fundraising are constantly evolving, making specialized legal guidance indispensable.

The firm’s prime location at 1900 L St NW offers unparalleled convenience for D.C.-based organizations. Situated in a central business district, it is easily accessible via the Metro system and numerous bus routes, facilitating direct communication and in-person consultations which are often crucial for navigating complex regulatory matters. This local presence ensures that D.C. organizations can readily access a firm that understands both the federal landscape and the unique operational environment of the nation's capital.

What truly distinguishes Copilevitz & Canter for local organizations is their razor-sharp specialization and extensive experience in non-profit law, charitable fundraising, and telemarketing compliance. Their track record, including involvement in landmark First Amendment cases, demonstrates a profound understanding of how to protect and advance the missions of non-profits while ensuring regulatory adherence across all 50 states. For any D.C.-based charity, association, or professional fundraiser looking to establish, operate, or expand compliantly and effectively, Copilevitz & Canter provides the precise expertise, proactive guidance, and robust defense needed to thrive and fulfill their vital missions in the highly regulated D.C. environment.