Lawyers are often invited to join the boards of nonprofit organizations. Volunteering on the board of a nonprofit board gives you the opportunity to support an interest such as the arts or a passion for a cause such as the environment. If you’re interested in corporate boards, nonprofit boards give you experience with organizational leadership. As lawyers on nonprofit boards, we have the ability to make a significant difference to the success of the organizations.  This three-session lunchtime workshop is aimed at providing law students with the tools to be responsible and effective nonprofit board members. We will cover the fundamental duties of board members and what you should know before accepting a board position, and we will consider together situations that you might face as board members.

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Presented by Rose Chan Loui, Executive Director, Lowell Milken Center for Philanthropy& Nonprofits

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Event Recap

In the third session of the “Effective Nonprofit Board Leadership” 3-part workshop, participants explored critical decision-making processes necessary in nonprofit boards, particularly from a legal and ethical standpoint. The session covered hypothetical scenarios that encouraged attendees to examine financial health, organizational policies, and internal documents before committing to a board position. Essential considerations included reviewing the organization’s budget, understanding donor contributions, and verifying policies on conflicts of interest, whistleblowing, and document retention. The importance of clarifying roles was emphasized, especially for lawyers, to avoid potential issues such as malpractice and conflicts arising from dual roles as legal advisors and board members. Participants also examined real-life scenarios to better understand potential conflicts and liabilities. These discussions highlighted the need for transparency, adherence to regulatory policies, and the significance of clear boundaries in board positions to maintain nonprofit integrity and effective governance.