Hi, I'm Nancy, legal counsel and strategic governance advisor to nonprofits and mission-driven leaders.
Hi, I'm Nancy, legal counsel and strategic governance advisor to nonprofits and mission-driven leaders.
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I Help Nonprofit Leaders Build the Legal and Governance Foundations Their Missions Deserve
I Help Nonprofit Leaders Build the Legal and Governance Foundations Their Missions Deserve
With over 17 years of experience serving mission-driven organizations, I help nonprofit leaders understand their legal obligations, strengthen their boards, and build the internal structures their missions need to thrive.
Legal and Consulting Services
General Counsel Services
General Counsel Services
Ongoing legal support for nonprofit boards, executives, and leadership teams to manage day-to-day legal and regulatory matters.
Coaching, Training & Board Development
Coaching, Training & Board Development
Targeted coaching, governance training, and customized board development support.
Legal and Compliance Audits.
Legal and Compliance Audits.
Comprehensive reviews of governance and legal compliance practices identify risk exposure and ensure adherence to nonprofit best practices.
Litigation, Dispute Resolution & Local Counsel
Litigation, Dispute Resolution & Local Counsel
Representation in litigation, arbitration, administrative hearings, and appeals. I also serve as local counsel for out-of-state firms navigating New York nonprofit law.
Regulatory Compliance
Regulatory Compliance
Guidance on compliance with state and federal regulations related to fundraising, lobbying, data privacy, nonprofit operations, and government inquiries and investigations.
Human Resources
Human Resources
Employment law guidance, policy drafting, employee classification, and volunteer management to build legally compliant and inclusive workplaces.
Workplace Investigations
Workplace Investigations
Independent investigations of workplace misconduct, harassment, discrimination, and financial impropriety.
Internal Mediation
Internal Mediation
Neutral third-party facilitation to address internal conflicts, board tensions, and leadership disputes before they escalate.
Crisis Management
Crisis Management
Stabilizing support through leadership transitions, investigations, reputational risk, and organizational breakdowns.
Fundraising Readiness & Grant Compliance
Fundraising Readiness & Grant Compliance
Support for fund development strategy, grant compliance, donor agreements, and foundation partnerships.
Ethics & Accountability
Ethics & Accountability
Advising on conflict of interest policies, whistleblower protections, compensation practices, and governance transparency.
Nonprofit Startup Services
Nonprofit Startup Services
Formation, tax exemption, governance structuring, fundraising readiness, and sustainability planning for new and emerging nonprofits.
My Approach
My Approach
Governance and legal compliance are cornerstones of stewardship and mission integrity. I help nonprofit leaders understand and take ownership of their legal landscape so they can lead with purpose, accountability, confidence, and peace of mind. Leaders come to me in moments of uncertainty, overwhelm, and sometimes fear. They leave with clarity, structure, and confidence.
My Credentials
My Credentials
17+ years of experience serving nonprofit organizations.
Juris Doctor, St. John’s University School of Law
Master of Science, Nonprofit Administration, LSUS Institute for Nonprofit Administration and Research
Bachelor of Arts, Sociology, Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa, Howard University School of Arts & Sciences
Workplace Investigations Specialty Credential, Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
Certified Nonprofit Board Consultant, BoardSource
Certified mediator (facilitative, transformative, evaluative)
Published author and frequent speaker on nonprofit legal issues
Legal Experience
Legal Experience
Coming Soon
Coming Soon
Founder, Good Works Legal Solutions
New City, NY
Launching February 2026
I founded Good Works Legal Solutions as an educational platform to bridge the legal knowledge gap that often leaves nonprofit leaders under-informed, overwhelmed, or at risk. The platform will make legal guidance more accessible, especially for under-resourced organizations that deserve strong infrastructure but often struggle to afford access to traditional legal support. Through Good Works Legal Solutions, I develop plain-language legal tools, courses, strategic trainings, and other educational resources that empower nonprofit leaders to understand their legal obligations, strengthen governance, and lead with clarity. My work focuses on translating complex legal concepts into actionable guidance and mission-aligned support for organizations across the nonprofit sector.
Educational tools and resources will be available beginning February 2026 at www.goodworkslegal.com. If you'd like to receive pre-launch communications, updates, or materials, email me at goodyverse@goodworkslegal.com.
June 2016–Present
June 2016–Present
Special Counsel & Head of Nonprofit Practice, Smith Buss & Jacobs LLP
Yonkers, NY
Lead the firm’s nonprofit practice, serving as the primary attorney responsible for governance, compliance, and risk management matters across a diverse portfolio of mission-driven clients. Advise boards, executives, and funders on fiduciary duties, policy development, regulatory filings, employment law, and crisis response. Manage internal investigations, draft organizational policies, and support structural realignments to ensure long-term compliance and operational strength.
September 2007–December 2015
September 2007–December 2015
Litigation Associate, Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP
New York, NY
Handled complex litigation and regulatory matters for financial institutions, while also contributing to the firm’s public interest and pro bono docket with a focus on nonprofit advocacy. Advised nonprofit clients on governance, civil rights, and impact litigation strategies. Served as senior trial team member in a landmark class action lawsuit that led to statewide reforms in indigent public defense. Developed deep experience in managing high-stakes disputes, internal investigations, and institutional risk, I now apply to my legal work with nonprofit leaders and boards.
Bar & Court Admissions
Bar & Court Admissions
Admitted to practice in all New York State Courts
U.S. District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York,
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
U.S. Tax Court
Memberships
Memberships
New York State Bar Association, Not-for-Profit Corporations Law Committee
New York City Bar Association
Metropolitan Black Bar Association
Nonprofit Westchester
Volunteer Service
Volunteer Service
Board Member & HR Committee Chair, Center for Safety & Change
Co-Founder, Corporate Secretary, Lionheart Projects for Haiti
Board President, Ayiti on the Hudson
Volunteer Translator & TPS Advocate (Post-2010 Haitian Earthquake)
College Readiness Program Developer, College for Every Student (CFES)
Pro Bono Research on Voter Purge Practices
Volunteer Coach & Judge, Justice Resource Center/NYS Bar Association Mock Trial/Moot Court Program
Volunteer Graduation Coach, Yonkers Partners in Education
Amicus Brief Contributor, LA Post-Conviction DNA testing; Maricota County, AZ Law Enforcement Practices
Asylum Representation
Let’s Connect
Let’s Connect
📞 914-476-0600
Let’s Chat
Let’s Chat
Whether you’re facing a legal or governance challenge, launching a new initiative, or simply unsure where to begin, I’d be happy to learn more.
Whether you’re facing a legal or governance challenge, launching a new initiative, or simply unsure where to begin, I’d be happy to learn more.
🗓 Schedule a discovery call.
🗓 Schedule a discovery call.
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