Bridget Weiss

With a broad range of experience representing tax-exempt organizations and philanthropists, I support my clients with strategic thinking and a clear understanding of the legal and regulatory challenges facing the philanthropic sector. I am a "mission first" lawyer -- I take the time to understand each client's cause area and goals, and ensure that "legal" supports philanthropic mission (rather than dictating it). I get immense professional and personal satisfaction from my work, and really do feel that I have a "unicorn" job as a lawyer serving the philanthropic sector. My clients include prominent charities and private foundations, advocacy and political organizations, medical research organizations, international organizations, donor advised funds, trade associations and more. I work closely with individual donors and venture philanthropists, as well as their family offices, to achieve my clients' goals through personal giving and the innovative use of tax-exempt entities. I also advise for-profit entities on corporate philanthropy, employee volunteer programs, and grants and ventures with tax-exempt organizations. I have experience in advising on the formation and restructuring of tax-exempt entities, major gifts, grantmaking, impact investments, and lobbying and political activities. I have particular expertise in working with international organizations and NGOs to design and implement complex international affiliate structures, in medical research organizations and research consortia, as well as in charitable and hybrid investment funds. By leveraging innovative structures and vehicles, I help clients maximize their charitable and social impact. I also regularly counsel tax-exempt organizations and their governing bodies through internal investigations, audits, and examinations by government regulators such as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and federal granting agencies. My expertise in navigating these complex and sensitive issues helps my clients protect their reputation and mission, and achieve their philanthropic goals. I am personally committed to public service and the advancement of the young lawyers. I serve on my firm's pro bono and professional development committees, and am also the co-lead of a WISE (Women's Initiative for Success and Empowerment) mentoring circle for women attorneys.