Legal Advisory

1. Legal Compliance:

   • Ensure that the temple complies with federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including those related to tax-exempt status, employment, and zoning.
   • Advise on compliance with religious and organizational governance regulations.

2. Contract Review and Drafting:

   • Draft, review, and negotiate contracts and agreements related to temple operations, such as leases, service contracts, and vendor agreements.
   • Ensure that contracts are legally sound and protect the temple’s interests.

3. Risk Management:

   • Identify potential legal risks and provide advice on mitigating those risks.
   • Assist in developing strategies to protect the temple from legal liabilities.

Dispute Resolution

4. Litigation and Representation:

   • Represent the temple in legal disputes, including lawsuits, arbitration, and mediation.
   • Prepare legal documents, pleadings, and briefs as needed for court proceedings.

5. Conflict Resolution:

   • Assist in resolving internal disputes within the temple community, including conflicts between members or between the temple’s administration and staff.
   • Provide guidance on maintaining a harmonious and legally compliant environment.

Governance and Policy

6. Governance Advice:

   • Advise the temple’s board or governing body on legal aspects of governance, decision-making, and organizational structure.
   • Assist in developing and implementing bylaws, policies, and procedures.

7. Policy Review:

   • Review and recommend changes to the temple’s policies to ensure compliance with legal standards and best practices.

Employment and Labor Law

8. Employment Issues:

   • Provide legal guidance on employment matters, including hiring practices, employee rights, and workplace policies.
   • Assist in handling grievances, terminations, and employment disputes.

9. Volunteer Management:

   • Advise on legal issues related to managing volunteers, including compliance with relevant labor laws and liability concerns.

Property and Facilities

10. Real Estate Transactions:

    • Handle legal aspects of buying, selling, leasing, or renting property.
    • Review and negotiate terms of real estate agreements and ensure compliance with applicable laws.

11. Zoning and Land Use:

    • Advise on zoning laws and land use regulations affecting the temple’s property.
    • Represent the temple in zoning hearings or disputes.

Financial and Tax Matters

12. Tax Compliance:

    • Ensure the temple maintains its tax-exempt status and complies with tax regulations.
    • Advise on charitable contributions, fundraising activities, and other financial matters.

13. Financial Disputes:

    • Assist in resolving disputes related to financial matters, including donor agreements and financial management.

Documentation and Records

14. Record Keeping:

    • Ensure that all legal documents, including contracts, deeds, and bylaws, are properly maintained and securely stored.
    • Assist in preparing and filing necessary legal documents with governmental agencies.

15. Legal Training:

    • Provide training and resources to temple staff and volunteers on legal issues relevant to their roles.

Community and Public Relations

16. Public Relations:

    • Advise on legal aspects of public statements, media relations, and community outreach.
    • Assist in handling legal issues that arise from public relations activities.

17. External Relations:

    • Represent the temple in dealings with external entities, including other organizations, government bodies, and community members.

General Support

18. Legal Advising:

    • Provide ongoing legal advice and support to the temple’s leadership and staff.
    • Assist in strategic decision-making by providing legal insights and recommendations.

19. Professional Development:

    • Stay updated on legal trends and changes in laws that may affect the temple.
    • Participate in professional development opportunities to enhance legal expertise.