Legal Advisory

1. Legal Compliance:

   • Ensure 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 contracts are legally sound and protect the temple’s interests.

3. Risk Management:

   • Identify and assess potential legal risks and provide advice on risk mitigation strategies.
   • Advise on insurance requirements and claims.

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, 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 and decision-making.
   • Assist in the development and implementation of bylaws, policies, and procedures.

7. Policy Review:

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

Employment and Labor Law

8. Employment Issues:

   • Advise on employment matters, including hiring practices, employee rights, and workplace policies.
   • Assist in addressing grievances, terminations, and employment disputes.

9. Volunteer Management:

   • Provide legal guidance on managing volunteers, including compliance with relevant labor laws and liability issues.

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.

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 compliance with tax regulations, including maintaining tax-exempt status and handling tax filings.
    • Advise on charitable contributions, fundraising, and financial compliance issues.

13. Financial Disputes:

    • Assist in resolving disputes related to financial matters, such as donor agreements or financial mismanagement.

Documentation and Records

14. Record Keeping:

    • Ensure that 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 Relations

16. Public Relations:

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

17. Conflict with External Entities:

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