Jeffrey S. Tenenbaum

For the vast and vital nonprofit sector, navigating the labyrinth of legal and regulatory requirements is a continuous and often complex challenge. In Washington, DC, the epicenter of many national and international nonprofit organizations, having access to truly specialized and highly respected legal counsel is not just beneficial—it's essential for sustained success and compliance. This article introduces you to Jeffrey S. Tenenbaum, widely regarded as one of the nation's leading nonprofit attorneys, whose practice is exclusively dedicated to serving the unique legal needs of charities, trade associations, professional associations, foundations, and other nonprofit entities.

Jeffrey S. Tenenbaum serves as the Managing Partner of the nationally recognized, Washington, DC-based Tenenbaum Law Group PLLC. With decades of focused experience, he counsels senior management and boards of directors on a broad array of legal, business, and governance issues. Known for his innovative, highly responsive, and practical advice, Jeff Tenenbaum is not only a skilled practitioner but also a prolific author, lecturer, and commentator on nonprofit legal matters. For local and national nonprofits operating in or with ties to the District of Columbia, Jeffrey S. Tenenbaum offers unparalleled expertise and strategic guidance.

Jeffrey S. Tenenbaum's office, as part of the Tenenbaum Law Group PLLC, is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Washington, DC, ensuring excellent accessibility for clients from across the District and beyond. You can find them at:

1101 K St NW STE 700, Washington, DC 20005, USA

This central address places the firm within a vibrant commercial and professional hub, offering superb connectivity through Washington DC's efficient public transportation network. The office is just a short walk from several major Metro stations, providing widespread access:

• Metro Center Station: A primary interchange for the Red, Blue, Orange, and Silver Lines, making it highly convenient for clients traveling from various parts of DC, Maryland, and Virginia.

• McPherson Square Station: Serviced by the Blue, Orange, and Silver Lines, offering another convenient option just a block away.

Numerous Metrobus routes also operate along K Street NW and surrounding avenues, ensuring comprehensive bus connectivity. For clients who prefer to drive, while downtown DC parking can be challenging, a variety of public parking garages are available in the vicinity, including those on K Street NW and nearby blocks in the 20005 zip code. Utilizing parking reservation apps or services in advance can help streamline your visit. The firm's location underscores its commitment to providing accessible and practical legal support to the local and national nonprofit community.

Jeffrey S. Tenenbaum and the Tenenbaum Law Group PLLC offer a comprehensive and highly specialized range of legal services tailored exclusively to nonprofit organizations. Serving primarily as outside general counsel, their expertise covers virtually every legal issue and best practice affecting charities, trade and professional associations, foundations, international NGOs, and other nonprofit entities. Key service areas include:

• Tax and Federal Tax Exemption: Advising on all aspects of nonprofit tax law, including federal tax exemption (e.g., 501(c)(3), 501(c)(6)), Unrelated Business Income Taxation (UBIT), and other tax compliance matters.

• Corporate Governance, Bylaws, and Policies: Providing counsel on sound corporate governance practices, drafting and reviewing bylaws and organizational policies, and ensuring compliance with state nonprofit corporation statutes.

• Formation of New Nonprofit Organizations: Guiding aspiring nonprofits through the legal steps involved in their formation and securing tax-exempt status.

• Contracts: Expertise in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating various types of contracts relevant to nonprofits, including meeting contracts, vendor agreements, and other commercial arrangements.

• Fundraising Regulation and Commercial Co-Ventures: Advising on compliance with federal and state fundraising regulations, cause-related marketing initiatives, and commercial co-ventures.

• Charitable Gift Restrictions and Endowments: Providing guidance on managing charitable gifts, endowments, and ensuring compliance with donor restrictions.

• Employment Law: Counseling on a broad range of employment law issues specific to nonprofits, including CEO employment and severance agreements, executive compensation, and general human resources compliance.

• Intellectual Property: Assisting with copyright and trademark protection, licensing, and avoiding infringement issues relevant to nonprofit brands and content.

• Internal and Governmental Investigations: Representing clients in connection with internal investigations, and inquiries from Congress, federal, and state regulatory agencies, enforcement actions, and litigation.

• Lobbying and Political Activity Regulation: Advising on compliance with federal and state laws governing lobbying and political activities for nonprofit organizations.

• Mergers, Acquisitions, Affiliations, and Joint Ventures: Providing legal support for structural changes, collaborations, and partnerships between nonprofit entities.

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives: Offering guidance on legal considerations and best practices for developing and implementing DEI policies and programs.

Jeffrey S. Tenenbaum's extensive career and dedication to the nonprofit sector are reflected in numerous distinguishing features and accolades:

• Nationally Recognized Leader: He is widely regarded as one of the nation's leading nonprofit attorneys, a sentiment echoed by his clients and peers.

• Managing Partner of a Boutique Firm: As Managing Partner of Tenenbaum Law Group PLLC, he offers "Big Law experience... with small firm cost-efficiency, responsiveness, and turnaround time," providing highly personalized service.

• Extensive Experience at a Large Firm: Prior to establishing his own firm, he spent 19 years at Venable LLP in Washington, DC, chairing its nonprofit practice for most of that time and serving on the firm's Board of Directors.

• Highly Acclaimed Author and Lecturer: Jeff is the author of "Association Tax Compliance Guide" and the award-winning "Quarantine Cocktails." He is a prolific writer and has delivered or moderated over 1,500 speaking presentations on nonprofit legal topics, including for ASAE and the American Bar Association.

• Frequent Media Commentator and Expert Witness: He is regularly sought after by major media outlets (e.g., NBC News, The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal) to provide commentary on nonprofit legal issues and has served as an expert witness in several court cases.

• Numerous Prestigious Awards and Recognitions: His honors include the Association TRENDS & CEO Update's 2025 Association Industry Partner of the Year Award, the American Bar Association's 2006 Outstanding Nonprofit Lawyer of the Year Award, and recognition as one of only five lawyers in the U.S. Legal 500 Not-for-Profit "Hall of Fame." He is consistently listed in "The Best Lawyers in America®" and "Super Lawyers."

• Practical and Holistic Advice: He is known for providing "practical, understandable advice" that extends to virtually every nonprofit legal issue and best practice, taking into account the broader political, financial, business, and governance context.

As a highly specialized and nationally recognized attorney at the top of his field, Jeffrey S. Tenenbaum and the Tenenbaum Law Group PLLC typically provide tailored legal services for complex and ongoing client needs within the nonprofit sector. Public promotions or discounted rates are not standard for such high-level, bespoke legal counsel. The firm's value is derived from its deep expertise, strategic insights, and proven ability to navigate challenging legal landscapes for nonprofits.

However, for nonprofit organizations in the District of Columbia or those with national operations contemplating engaging with Jeffrey S. Tenenbaum's services, it is always recommended to contact his office for an initial consultation. This introductory meeting or call can be a valuable opportunity to discuss your specific legal or governance challenges, gain an understanding of his strategic approach, and determine how his extensive experience can be applied to your organization's unique situation. Such consultations are crucial for establishing a professional relationship and outlining the most effective legal pathway forward.

To connect with Jeffrey S. Tenenbaum and his team at Tenenbaum Law Group PLLC for your nonprofit legal needs, please use the following contact details:

Address: 1101 K St NW STE 700, Washington, DC 20005, USA

Phone: (202) 659-6749

Mobile Phone: +1 202-659-6749

Reaching out directly via phone is the most effective way to schedule an appointment or to inquire further about the specific services that can benefit your nonprofit organization.

For nonprofit organizations, trade associations, charities, and foundations located in or operating extensively within the District of Columbia, Jeffrey S. Tenenbaum and the Tenenbaum Law Group PLLC are exceptionally suitable and invaluable local legal resources. Washington, DC, is a global hub for nonprofits, making specialized legal counsel in this sector not just advantageous but imperative.

Jeffrey S. Tenenbaum's reputation as one of the nation's leading nonprofit attorneys, coupled with his deep understanding of federal tax exemption, corporate governance, fundraising regulations, and government relations—all highly relevant to DC-based nonprofits—makes his expertise uniquely tailored to the local environment. His consistent recognition by prestigious legal directories and his prolific contributions to nonprofit legal discourse demonstrate a profound and up-to-date understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing organizations in the nation's capital.

Furthermore, the firm's prime downtown DC location offers unparalleled accessibility via public transportation, making it convenient for local nonprofit executives and board members to attend consultations. The ability to receive "Big Law experience with small firm cost-efficiency" provides an ideal balance for many organizations. In essence, Jeffrey S. Tenenbaum provides DC's nonprofit community with a strategic, knowledgeable, and responsive legal partner essential for navigating the complex regulatory landscape and achieving their impactful missions.