Suzanne Ross McDowell

Navigating the complexities of legal matters can be a daunting task, especially in a dynamic environment like Washington, D.C. Whether you're an individual seeking specialized advice or a nonprofit organization facing intricate tax and governance issues, having access to seasoned legal expertise is paramount. In the heart of the District, professionals like Suzanne Ross McDowell offer a depth of knowledge and experience that can be invaluable. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Suzanne Ross McDowell's legal practice, highlighting her areas of specialization, convenient location, and the commitment she brings to serving the local Washington D.C. community.

For those in the District of Columbia, finding a lawyer who understands the unique legal landscape of the city, from federal regulations to local ordinances, is crucial. Suzanne Ross McDowell's practice is situated to cater precisely to these needs, offering a focused approach that benefits from years of dedicated service in specific legal fields. We’ll delve into what makes her practice a valuable resource for locals, from the specific services offered to the ease of accessing her office in a prime D.C. location.

Situated at 1330 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA, the office of Suzanne Ross McDowell boasts a highly accessible location within the District of Columbia. This address places her practice in the vibrant Golden Triangle of the Central Business District, an area renowned for its commercial activity and excellent connectivity. For those utilizing public transportation, the office is immediately adjacent to a Dupont Circle Metro station entrance, making it incredibly convenient for clients arriving from various parts of the city via the red line. This direct access to the Metro significantly reduces travel time and stress, ensuring appointments are easily kept.

Beyond the Metro, the area is exceptionally walkable, with a Walk Score® of 99/100, meaning daily errands do not require a car. For bikers, a Biker’s Paradise score of 95/100 indicates well-developed cycling infrastructure. For those who prefer to drive, numerous parking options are available in the vicinity. Services like SpotHero can assist in finding and reserving parking spots nearby, with options such as garages at 1325 18th St NW, 2020 O St NW, and 1800 M St NW, all within a short walking distance. This combination of public transport accessibility, walkability, and available parking makes visiting the office straightforward for anyone in the D.C. metropolitan area. The central location also means proximity to various amenities, including restaurants and retail, allowing for convenience before or after appointments.

Suzanne Ross McDowell specializes primarily in the legal needs of tax-exempt organizations, offering a comprehensive suite of services tailored to charities, private foundations, trade associations, professional societies, social welfare organizations, and educational institutions. Her expertise extends to advising these entities and their boards of directors on critical tax and corporate governance issues.

Key services offered include:

• Counseling on Tax Planning Matters: Providing strategic advice to tax-exempt organizations to ensure compliance with complex tax laws and optimize their financial operations.
• Representation Before the IRS, Courts, Congress, and the Department of Treasury: Advocating on behalf of clients in various legal forums, addressing disputes, audits, and regulatory inquiries.
• Advising Nonprofit Corporations on Corporate Governance: Guiding organizations on best practices for board and committee structures, fiduciary duties, conflicts of interest, potential director liabilities, and liability protection.
• Conducting Confidential Internal Investigations: Performing thorough and discreet investigations on behalf of boards of directors to address internal concerns and ensure organizational integrity.
• Complex Organizational Structures: Assisting clients with the formation and management of intricate structures involving taxable subsidiaries, limited liability companies, joint ventures, and other affiliated entities.
• Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT) Guidance: Providing advice on issues related to UBIT, helping organizations understand and manage their tax obligations from activities not substantially related to their exempt purpose.
• Charitable Giving and Recordkeeping: Offering counsel on matters related to charitable contributions, ensuring compliance with donation regulations and proper recordkeeping.

Her practice covers a full spectrum of issues affecting exempt organizations, demonstrating a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within this sector.

Suzanne Ross McDowell's professional career is marked by several distinguished features and highlights that underscore her expertise and dedication to the legal field, particularly in the realm of tax-exempt organizations.

• Extensive Experience with Tax-Exempt Organizations: With a focus primarily on the legal needs of tax-exempt organizations, Ms. McDowell has built a robust practice serving a diverse range of nonprofits, including charities, private foundations, trade associations, and educational institutions. This specialized focus ensures deep knowledge and nuanced understanding of their unique legal challenges.
• Former Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel at National Geographic Society: Prior to joining her current firm, her role at a prominent organization like the National Geographic Society provided invaluable in-house experience, offering a practical perspective on the operational and legal demands faced by large nonprofits.
• Associate Tax Legislative Counsel at the U.S. Department of the Treasury: Her tenure at the U.S. Department of the Treasury in the mid-80s provided a foundational understanding of tax policy and legislative processes, equipping her with a unique insight into the governmental side of tax law.
• Active Involvement in Bar Associations: Ms. McDowell has been highly active in the Tax Sections of the D.C. Bar, including chairing the Exempt Organization Committee. She has also served in leadership roles within the American Bar Association, such as Co-Chair of the Exempt Organizations Subcommittee on Precedential Guidance and Vice Chair of the ABA Coordinating Committee on Nonprofit Governance. This engagement demonstrates her commitment to shaping and improving the legal framework for nonprofits.
• Member of Prestigious Advisory Boards: Her involvement with the Advisory Board of The Exempt Organization Tax Review and the Board of Advisors of The Journal of Exempts highlights her standing as a thought leader and her contributions to legal scholarship in her field.
• Election to the American Law Institute (ALI): Being elected to the ALI, an independent organization dedicated to clarifying, modernizing, and improving the law, signifies a high level of peer recognition for her legal acumen and contributions.
• Distinguished Educational Background: Ms. McDowell received her J.D. degree, magna cum laude, from the George Washington University National Law Center and her B.A. from Smith College, underscoring her strong academic foundation.

These features collectively paint a picture of a highly qualified, experienced, and respected legal professional who is deeply integrated into the Washington D.C. legal community and the national discourse on tax-exempt organizations.

As a professional specializing in legal services, particularly within the niche of tax-exempt organizations and corporate governance, direct promotions or special offers in the traditional consumer sense are not typically available. Legal services are, by their nature, highly personalized and depend on the specific needs and complexities of each client's situation. Pricing is generally determined on a case-by-case basis, reflecting the expertise required and the scope of work involved.

However, the value proposition offered by Suzanne Ross McDowell lies in the unparalleled expertise and deep experience she brings to the table. For organizations and individuals seeking specialized guidance in tax-exempt law, corporate governance, or representation before the IRS, the "offer" is the assurance of high-quality, informed, and strategic legal counsel. Her extensive background, including her roles at the U.S. Department of the Treasury and National Geographic Society, and her active participation in leading legal committees, signify a level of insight that can lead to more efficient and effective legal outcomes.

While there might not be seasonal discounts or promotional packages, the long-term benefits of engaging a lawyer with her credentials often far outweigh any short-term "deals." Clients benefit from a reduced risk of compliance issues, clearer paths for governance, and strong representation in potentially complex interactions with regulatory bodies. For those in Washington D.C. looking for highly specialized legal services for tax-exempt entities, her experience serves as the primary and most significant advantage. Potential clients are encouraged to reach out for an initial consultation to discuss their specific needs and how her expertise can be applied.

For those in the District of Columbia seeking the specialized legal services of Suzanne Ross McDowell, her office is conveniently located and easily reachable.

• Address: 1330 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA
• Phone: (202) 429-3000
• Mobile Phone: +1 202-429-3000

These contact details provide direct access to her practice for inquiries, scheduling consultations, or addressing specific legal needs related to tax-exempt organizations and corporate governance. The physical address is strategically positioned in a central and accessible part of Washington D.C., facilitating visits for local clients.

For locals in the District of Columbia, Suzanne Ross McDowell is an exceptionally suitable legal resource, particularly for those involved with or seeking to establish tax-exempt organizations. Her practice stands out due to its highly specialized focus, directly addressing a critical need within D.C.’s vibrant nonprofit and philanthropic sectors. The city is a hub for associations, foundations, and advocacy groups, all of which require sophisticated legal guidance on tax compliance, corporate governance, and interactions with federal agencies like the IRS and the Department of Treasury. Ms. McDowell's profound expertise in these areas ensures that local organizations receive advice that is not only legally sound but also deeply informed by the unique regulatory environment of the nation's capital.

Beyond her specific legal acumen, her location in the heart of Washington D.C. provides unparalleled convenience. Situated right next to the Dupont Circle Metro station, her office is easily accessible from all corners of the District and beyond, minimizing travel burdens for busy clients. This ease of access, combined with her extensive experience—including past roles at the U.S. Department of the Treasury and National Geographic Society—means that local individuals and organizations don't have to look far for top-tier legal representation. Her active involvement in prestigious legal bodies like the D.C. Bar and American Bar Association further solidifies her reputation as a knowledgeable and engaged professional.

Choosing Suzanne Ross McDowell means partnering with a lawyer who not only possesses a comprehensive understanding of complex tax and nonprofit law but also has a proven track record of effectively guiding organizations through intricate legal challenges. For Washington D.C. residents and entities, this translates into peace of mind, confident decision-making, and the assurance that their legal matters are in highly capable hands, making her an ideal choice for the local community's specialized legal needs.