Finding the right Nonprofit Lawyer in Santa Rosa can mean the difference between a mission that thrives and an organization weighed down by uncertainty, compliance issues, or legal risk. At Daryl Reese Law Group, we come alongside Santa Rosa and Sonoma County nonprofits with the legal guidance, governance support, and community-rooted partnership they need to operate with confidence and clarity.
We live here. We serve here. We are deeply invested in this community — and we understand the unique challenges and opportunities nonprofits face in Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, and across Northern California.
Your Trusted Nonprofit Attorney Santa Rosa for Mission-Driven Organizations
Nonprofits play a vital role in supporting the heart of Sonoma County — from performing arts to faith communities, social services to animal welfare, disability advocacy to emergency response. Our firm’s mission is simple:
“Ultimately, our mission in working with clients is to positively impact their work for the good of the people they serve.”
We don’t just advise nonprofits.
We understand them — because our founder spent 20 years leading California nonprofits before becoming an attorney. That lived experience shapes everything we do.
As your Santa Rosa Nonprofit Lawyer, we bring clarity to complex legal matters, calm to stressful situations, and strategy that empowers your organization long after the legal work is complete.
Contact Daryl Reese Law Group to schedule a consultation with a lawyer today. 707-858-5000
Case Types
Deep Sonoma County Roots & Local Commitment
We are not a distant firm trying to tap into the nonprofit market. Santa Rosa is home. Sonoma County is where we live, work, serve, and raise our family.
Local Ties That Matter
- Office located at 3843 Brickway Blvd, Suite 204, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
- Local phone number: 707-858-5000
- Founder and wife are native Californians who chose Sonoma County as their long-term home
- Three adult children living in the area — recently became grandparents
- Active in local Santa Rosa community and church organizations
- Daryl can often be found cycling on Sonoma County’s wine country roads
We’re proud to be a Nonprofit Attorney Santa Rosa organizations trust because we understand the culture, needs, landscape, and heart of this community.
Community Leadership During the 2017 Sonoma County Wildfires
Our commitment to Sonoma County nonprofits is more than professional — it’s personal.
During the devastating 2017 Sonoma County wildfires, Daryl helped form Sonoma Family Meal, an emergency nonprofit launched in real time to feed families and first responders.
That “tiny project” became a major emergency food provider in Sonoma County, and today stands as one of the region’s strongest examples of rapid community-driven nonprofit impact.
This crisis experience is part of why local organizations describe Daryl as:
“A very compassionate member of our community.”
Local Nonprofits We Proudly Support
These partnerships reflect our deep understanding of Santa Rosa’s nonprofit ecosystem — and our commitment to strengthening it. Our role as a Santa Rosa Nonprofit Lawyer has connected us with incredible organizations, including:
- Transcendence Theatre Company – Sonoma County performing arts
- Redwood Gospel Mission – Santa Rosa faith-based social services
- Pets Lifeline – Sonoma County animal welfare
- Common Ground Society – disability advocacy & family support
- Camino de Sonoma – Sonoma missions-to-Fort-Ross hiking pilgrimage
- Community Child Care Council – supporting Sonoma County families
- FeatherVine – local community organization
- Restored 2 More Inc. – recovery and family restoration services
- Sonoma Family Meal – emergency food provider
- Multiple Santa Rosa churches, faith organizations, and ministry groups
Comprehensive Services From Your Santa Rosa Nonprofit Lawyer
As leaders in the nonprofit legal world, we offer a full range of nonprofit legal services for organizations in Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, and Northern California. We don’t just file paperwork — we teach your board how to govern well.
Formation & Governance
- Nonprofit incorporation
- 501(c)(3) IRS tax-exempt status (100% success rate)
- California FTB tax exemption (100% success rate)
- Bylaws drafting and updates
- Board governance training
- Unincorporated association conversions
- Corporate resolutions and policies
We help restore alignment, protect organizational integrity, and ensure compliance with governing documents.
Compliance & Annual Requirements
- California Secretary of State filings
- California Attorney General Registry of Charitable Trusts
- IRS and California FTB annual filings
- Corporate compliance planning
- Ongoing general counsel support
We help Santa Rosa nonprofits stay compliant so they can stay focused on their mission.
Contracts & Operational Support
- Independent contractor agreements
- Facility use agreements
- Fiscal sponsorship agreements
- Vendor, donor, and partner contracts
- Risk management and compliance consulting
Our contracts are known for being airtight, clear, and protective.
Specialized Nonprofit Legal Services
- Property tax exemptions (saved local nonprofits “tens of thousands of dollars”)
- Nonprofit mergers and dissolutions
- Donor intent and bequest matters
- Real estate and property disputes
- Asset transfers
- Compliance audits
- Litigation when necessary
We anticipate risks so your organization can avoid costly issues before they arise.
A Nonprofit Attorney Santa Rosa Can Rely On: Experience That Matters
Recognized experts with the Global Center for Nonprofit Excellence. Selected to Super Lawyers lists. Trusted by local nonprofit executives, pastors, board members, and community leaders.Our team brings decades of combined nonprofit and legal experience, including:
Daryl Reese, Attorney At Law — Founder, MBA, JD, Master of Legal Studies, former nonprofit executive
Chanel Crawford, Attorney At Law
Robert Weiss, Of Counsel Attorney at Law
Claire Aw, Senior Paralegal
Liz Castillo, Legal Operations Coordinator
Jan Reese, Administrative Assistant (former oncology nurse of 12 years, known for creating calm)
Why Santa Rosa Nonprofits Choose Our Firm
1. Local Expertise, Local Investment
We know Sonoma County — its people, its needs, its nonprofit landscape.
2. Insider Nonprofit Leadership
20 years as a nonprofit executive means we understand your challenges from the inside.
3. 100% Success Rate With Tax-Exempt Applications
Never a denied IRS or California FTB application.
4. “Creating Calm” Approach
We guide nonprofits through legal complexities with clarity, steadiness, and compassion.
5. Educational Philosophy
We teach, explain, empower, and build long-term capacity in your organization.
6. Trusted Community Partner
We don’t just “serve clients.”
We build multi-year relationships with Santa Rosa organizations that trust us.
7. Free Consultation for Santa Rosa Nonprofits
We remove barriers so organizations can get help when they need it most.
Partner With the Leading Santa Rosa Nonprofit Lawyer
Your mission deserves a legal partner who understands your community, your challenges, and the impact you’re striving to make.
We are honored to support Santa Rosa nonprofits with clarity, care, and unmatched expertise.
Call for free consultation: 707-858-5000
Visit us:
3843 Brickway Blvd, Suite 204, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Email: OFFICE@DARYLREESELAW.COM
Let’s strengthen your mission — together.