Breaking News

The Milwaukee Legal Initiative for Nonprofit Corporations (“M-LINC”) is now accepting applications for the 2009-2010 Marquette Strategic Analysis.
Is your Wisconsin nonprofit interested in free legal and business advice?   In July, one Wisconsin nonprofit organization will be selected to receive:

Please submit an application for M-LINC’s Marquette Strategic Analysis by July 10, 2009.

This year’s subject, WasteCap Wisconsin, Inc., had this to report:

“Thanks to M-LINC --WasteCap now has a new name; a new name for its online tracking tool; a new employee benefit policy; compliance with the governance policies referenced by the new IRS Form 990; new draft articles of incorporation and draft bylaws; a new Governance Committee for its Board of Directors; a marketing and membership plan; and new organizational strategies. This is all thanks to M-LINC and Marquette University’s Law School, Business School and UWM’s Helen Bader Institute for Nonprofit Management!”
– Jenna Kunde, Executive Director of WasteCap Wisconsin, Inc.

For more information, please click here.

Judge Ends Wisconsin Attorney General’s Intervention in Conserve School Case; Trustees Have Authority to Convert School to Semester-Only Program
On Monday, June 8, 2009, a Vilas County judge ruled that the board of trustees of the Conserve School in Land O’Lakes, Wisconsin had the authority to switch the school from a four-year program to a semester-only program.  In May, the Wisconsin Attorney General’s petition to intervene in the dispute was granted.  However, the June 8th ruling ended the Attorney General’s involvement as the judge concluded that the trustees acted within their authority.  Assistant Attorney General Steve Means said that a decision on whether to appeal the ruling has not been made.

Related Articles:
Private school can reduce schedule, judge rules Milwaukee (Journal Sentinel)
Judge rules in favor of Conserve School trustees (Chicago Tribune)

Judge Allows Wisconsin Attorney General to Intervene in Conserve School Case
Earlier today a Villas County judge approved a petition by the Wisconsin Attorney General to intervene in a dispute over the Conserve School, a boarding school in northern Wisconsin.  It is extremely rare, and therefore notable, for the Wisconsin Attorney General to involve himself in a dispute concerning a Wisconsin nonprofit.  This case has received national attention, including articles in the Journal Sentinel, the New York Times and the Chicago Tribune.  We will continue to update you as the case progresses as it has ramifications for all Wisconsin nonprofits.

Upcoming Educational Programs

Tips for Nonprofits in the Current Economic Climate: Mergers, Joint Ventures, Generating Income, Reducing Labor Costs, Dissolution, Etc
July 14 from 9:00 to 11:00
Nonprofit Center of Milwaukee

FREE Continuing Legal Education Program on Basics for Lawyers Serving Nonprofits
September 2009
Marquette Law School

Recent Press About M-LINC

What are People Saying About M-LINC?

Elizabeth Koller, a second-year law student and M-LINC volunteer
My interest is in business law, so M-LINC provides the perfect opportunity to apply what I’ve learned in my classes to the real-world situations facing nonprofit organizations. We’re helping them so that they can continue helping others.”
Karin Werner, Director of M-LINC
M-LINC fills a unique need in the community, as many nonprofits simply do not have the budget for legal assistance. Some organizations need only brief advice sessions, while others have more complex cases that require full legal representation. Attorneys and law firms throughout the state have already signed on to assist when needed. Exposing students to different examples of public service in the legal profession is an important part of our mission.”
Janice M. King Gunn who recently formed a shelter to house battered women
It was clear we were in over our heads regarding some important legal issues, and we had no money for an attorney. I was able to get an appointment at M-LINC’s monthly clinic, and they walked me through the completion of the necessary paperwork. The assistance and information we received from M-LINC was invaluable. It is important to us that we are good stewards of the House of Lydia, Inc., and with the help we received from M-LINC, we are headed in the right direction.”