Harmon, Curran, Spielberg & Eisenberg, LLP

In the heart of Washington D.C., where policy and advocacy converge, Harmon, Curran, Spielberg & Eisenberg, LLP stands as a distinguished law firm with a unique and profound commitment to public interest. Since its founding as one of the country's first public interest law firms in 1969, the firm has dedicated its expertise to supporting nonprofit organizations and advocating for social and economic justice. They have played a pivotal role in the establishment and growth of many prominent peace, environmental, and women's rights groups, which have since become major institutions.

Harmon, Curran, Spielberg & Eisenberg, LLP is not a typical corporate law firm; their core values are deeply aligned with their clients' missions, focusing on strengthening citizen advocacy, expanding civil rights, promoting environmental stewardship, and achieving social justice. For locals in the District of Columbia who are part of, work with, or support nonprofit organizations, understanding the specialized counsel offered by this firm means having a powerful ally in navigating complex legal landscapes, from tax exemption to employment law and critical advocacy regulations. This overview will explore their historical impact, key services, and why they are particularly well-suited to serve the D.C. community.

Harmon, Curran, Spielberg & Eisenberg, LLP is conveniently located at 1725 DeSales St NW #500, Washington, DC 20036, USA. This address places the firm in a prime, easily accessible part of Northwest Washington D.C., just a short distance from the bustling K Street corridor and historic Lafayette Square. The location is ideal for clients across the District and the wider metropolitan area, offering both professionalism and convenience.

The area around DeSales Street NW is exceptionally well-served by public transportation, making it simple for clients to reach the office. The Farragut North Metro Station (Red Line) and Farragut West Metro Station (Orange, Blue, and Silver Lines) are both within very close walking distance, providing direct connections to various neighborhoods in D.C., as well as to Maryland and Virginia. Numerous Metrobus routes also operate frequently in the vicinity, ensuring comprehensive public transit options. For those who prefer to drive, while central D.C. parking can be competitive, several commercial parking garages are available within a short walk of the office building, offering practical solutions for client visits. This central and well-connected position underscores the firm’s commitment to being readily available to the nonprofit and public interest organizations they serve within the D.C. community.

Harmon, Curran, Spielberg & Eisenberg, LLP provides highly specialized legal services tailored to the unique needs of nonprofit organizations and public interest initiatives. Their expertise covers a broad spectrum of legal issues crucial to the effective operation and advocacy efforts of these groups:

• Nonprofit Organizations Law: The firm possesses extensive knowledge in creating tax-exempt organizations and ensuring their ongoing compliance with federal, state, and local laws. This includes assistance with incorporation, IRS tax-exemption applications (e.g., 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4)), governance issues, corporate compliance, and drafting various contracts and leases. They serve as general counsel to many nonprofit entities.
• Advocacy and Politics (Lobbying and Election Law): A core strength of the firm is advising nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations on the complex laws governing lobbying and election-related activities. They help clients maximize their advocacy efforts while ensuring compliance with federal and state election laws and regulations related to their tax-exempt status.
• Employment Law: Harmon Curran assists nonprofit employers and individuals with a wide range of employment-related legal issues. This includes advising on employment contracts, personnel policies, anti-discrimination and anti-harassment law, wage and hour issues, family and medical leave laws, sick and safe leave laws, and handling various employment disputes. They also help organizations establish and enforce harassment-prevention programs and conduct investigations.
• Environment and Nuclear Safety Law: The firm is well-known for its work on environmental and public disclosure issues, particularly those related to nuclear facility operation and waste disposal. They provide litigation and counseling services to individuals and citizen groups on a broad spectrum of environmental concerns.
• General Nonprofit Operations: Beyond specialized areas, the firm also assists with the day-to-day "business" of running a nonprofit, including reviewing vendor contracts, advising on program spin-offs, and developing member codes of conduct.
• Civil Rights and Social Justice: Underlying all their services is a commitment to advancing civil rights, immigrant rights, democracy, accountability, and other social and economic justice issues. Their advice aims to reflect and further the values of their public interest clients.

Harmon, Curran, Spielberg & Eisenberg, LLP is distinguished by several key features and highlights that underscore its long-standing impact and unique position within the D.C. legal landscape:

• Pioneering Public Interest Firm: Founded in 1969, it was one of the country's first law firms dedicated to public interest, setting a precedent for legal advocacy focused on social change rather than purely commercial interests.
• Legacy of Advocacy: The firm has helped establish and grow numerous significant nonprofit organizations, including major peace, environmental, and women's rights groups, demonstrating its foundational role in the advocacy community.
• National Reputation for Expertise: They have earned a national reputation for their "strong and innovative expertise" in nonprofit tax and election law, as well as environmental, employment, and affordable housing law.
• Deep Understanding of Nonprofit Culture: Unlike many law firms, Harmon Curran prides itself on its "deep knowledge of our clients' cultures and affinity with their causes," allowing for more tailored and effective legal solutions that align with the values and missions of nonprofit organizations.
• Strategic Guidance on Advocacy: They provide critical guidance to leading nonprofit advocacy groups, particularly regarding the complex intersection of tax and election laws governing lobbying and political advocacy by tax-exempt organizations.
• Problem Avoidance Philosophy: As noted by a client, the firm's attorneys are "problem avoiders rather than problem fixers," highlighting their proactive approach to legal counsel and their commitment to helping clients navigate legal challenges before they escalate.
• Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Harmon Curran is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and welcomes diversity in the workplace, actively encouraging applications from people of color, women, and individuals with disabilities. This reflects their broader social justice orientation.
• Experienced Attorneys with Public Interest Focus: The firm employs experienced attorneys, many with significant backgrounds in public interest work and strong academic credentials, who are passionate about helping clients navigate the law in a way that furthers their values.

As a specialized public interest law firm, Harmon, Curran, Spielberg & Eisenberg, LLP operates differently from commercial businesses in terms of promotions. They do not typically offer discounts or special offers on their legal services in the conventional sense. Their value proposition lies in their deep, specialized expertise and their commitment to aligning their services with the mission and often budget-conscious realities of nonprofit organizations.

However, their approach to client engagement includes features that provide significant value:

• Budget-Conscious Approach: The firm explicitly states its commitment to helping small to mid-sized organizations receive legal representation they might not otherwise be able to afford. They work diligently to keep their rates as low as possible and are flexible in how they provide advice to manage costs effectively. This is a crucial "offer" for nonprofits operating with limited resources.
• Tailored Engagement: They work closely with clients to identify and prioritize legal needs and develop effective strategies within the scope of available resources. This personalized, efficient approach ultimately saves clients time and money.

Prospective clients are encouraged to contact the firm directly to discuss their specific legal needs related to nonprofit operations, advocacy, employment, or environmental issues. During initial discussions, they can explore how Harmon, Curran, Spielberg & Eisenberg, LLP’s expertise and flexible approach can provide cost-effective and impactful legal solutions aligned with their organization's mission.

For those in the District of Columbia seeking specialized legal counsel for nonprofit organizations, public interest advocacy, employment law, or environmental concerns, Harmon, Curran, Spielberg & Eisenberg, LLP can be reached through the following contact information:

Address: 1725 DeSales St NW #500, Washington, DC 20036, USA

Phone: (202) 328-3500

Mobile Phone: +1 202-328-3500

These contact details provide direct avenues to connect with the firm's office, conveniently located in a central and accessible part of Washington D.C. Reaching out via phone is recommended for initial inquiries to discuss specific legal needs and to determine how their unique expertise can provide the necessary guidance and representation for your organization or cause.

For locals in the District of Columbia, Harmon, Curran, Spielberg & Eisenberg, LLP is an exceptionally suitable legal partner, particularly for anyone involved with or supporting nonprofit organizations and public interest causes. Their five-decade legacy as a pioneering public interest law firm means they possess a depth of understanding and a commitment to social impact that few other firms in D.C. can match. This isn't just a law firm; it's an integral part of the city's advocacy ecosystem, deeply invested in strengthening citizen participation, protecting civil rights, and advancing environmental stewardship.

The firm’s specialized expertise in nonprofit tax and election law, employment matters, and environmental issues is invaluable for D.C.-based organizations navigating complex federal regulations and working to maximize their advocacy efforts. Their ability to provide practical, cost-effective, and deeply informed advice, coupled with their long-standing relationships within the public interest community, makes them an ideal choice. The central D.C. location ensures easy accessibility, further enhancing their suitability for local clients. For any D.C. resident or organization striving to make a positive impact, Harmon, Curran, Spielberg & Eisenberg, LLP offers not just legal counsel, but a partnership rooted in shared values and a dedication to achieving meaningful social change.