Anthony | Kennedy, PLLC is a specialized legal practice dedicated to serving the unique needs of faith-based organizations, churches, ministries, and clergy across the United States. Operating under the motto “Preparation • Protection • Peace of Mind,” the firm stands out for its exclusive focus on religious nonprofit and ecclesiastical legal matters, providing tailored guidance from foundational setup to complex disputes.
The firm’s approach combines deep expertise in nonprofit, corporate, and ecclesiastical law with a commitment to helping religious organizations build strong operational and legal foundations. Their attorneys offer comprehensive support on governance, compliance, risk management, and litigation, ensuring clients can focus on their missions with confidence. They work closely with boards, clergy, and administrators to address both day-to-day operational issues and high-stakes legal challenges.
Services Offered
- Formation, Choice of Entity and Corporate Structure
- Articles of Incorporation/Certificates of Formation
- Bylaws Drafting and Review
- Tax Identification Number Registration
- Board of Director Formation and Training
- Registration to Do Business
- Fictitious Name Registration
- Structuring and Operation of Subsidiary Entities
- Conversion of Entities
- Mergers and Acquisitions
- Asset Purchase Agreements
- Winding-down and Dissolution of Entities
- IRS Recognition of Tax Exempt Status
- Drafting and Filing of Application for Exemption under 501(c)(3) (IRS Form 1023)
- Drafting and Filing of Application for Exemption under 501(a) (Form 1024)
- Corporate Governance and Boards Assistance
- Board Meeting Attendance and Documentation
- Corporate Resolution Drafting
- Conflict of Interest Avoidance, Disclosure, and Documentation
- Whistleblowing Compliance
- Risk Management of Nonprofit Organizations
- Succession Planning
- Annual Information Returns (Form 990) Guidance
- Guidance Regarding Expenditure of Organizational Funds
- Charitable Giving Rules
- Charitable Donations and Substantiation
- Planned Giving Issues
- Charitable Solicitation Registration and Compliance
- Compliance with Federal Guidelines Regarding International Activities
- Insurance Coverage Considerations and Guidance
- Unrelated Business Activities
- Vendor Contracts
- Bonds, Notes Payable, and Alternate Financing
- Exempt Security Offerings
- Volunteer Policies and Handbooks
- Background Checks
- Classification of Volunteers
- Structuring and Compliance with Internship Programs
- Real Estate and Construction Representation
- Representation before Governmental Entities
- Asset Purchases, Leases and Sales Guidance
- Commercial Lease Agreements
- Zoning Law Representation
- Construction Contract Negotiating and Drafting
- Eminent Domain Issues
- Adverse Possession Claims
- Liens, Deed Restrictions, and other Title Related Issues
- Finance and Traditional Third-Party Private Financing
- Cell Phone Tower Lease Negotiating and Drafting
- Oil and Gas Lease Negotiating and Drafting
- Employment Policies and Handbooks
- General and Executive Level Employee Contracts
- Early Retirement and Incentive Structuring
- Employee Complaints and Discrimination Allegations
- Wage and Hour Disputes
- Wrongful Discharge Claims
- Sexual Harassment Compliance and Complaints
- Worker Classification (Employee vs. Independent Contractor)
- Independent Contractor Analysis
- Termination of Employment
- Separation Agreements
- Confidentiality Agreements
- Social Media Policies
- Litigation and Peace Making
- Contract Disputes
- Commercial and Business Litigation
- Ad Valorem Tax Exemption
- Employment and Discrimination Disputes
- Construction Litigation
- Real Estate Transactions and Litigation
- Imposition of Federal Excise Tax
- Executive Compensation
- Compensation Studies
- Formation of Independent Compensation Committees
- Parsonage Allowance or Housing Allowance Documentation
- 403(b) Plans
- Rabbi Trusts
- Intermediate Sanctions
- Excess Benefit Transactions
- Clergy and Ecclesiastics Matters
- Parsonage and Housing Allowance Issues
- Confidentiality Issues and the Clergy-Penitent Privilege
- Implications of Self-Employment vs. Employee Classification
- Implications of Opting Out of Social Security
- Child Abuse Prevention Training
- Release Forms and Waivers
- Assistance with Responding to Child Abuse Allegations
- Child Abuse Reporting Compliance
- Children’s Ministry Policies and Handbooks
- Employee and Volunteer Screening
The firm serves faith-based clients throughout the United States, offering legal counsel that aligns with both secular law and religious values. Their blog and email updates help clients stay informed on legal changes affecting religious organizations, reinforcing their role as a dedicated resource for the faith community.
