When legal conflict disrupts the work your nonprofit was created to do, the mission suffers. At Daryl Reese Law Group, our role as your Nonprofit Litigation Attorney is simple: create calm, protect your mission, and guide your organization through legal challenges with clarity and compassion.
Founded in Santa Rosa and rooted deeply in Sonoma County, we come alongside nonprofits throughout California to resolve disputes, minimize chaos, and restore focus to the meaningful work you do every day.
Compassionate Litigation Support for Mission-Driven Organizations
Litigation can feel overwhelming — especially when your resources, reputation, or tax-exempt status are at stake. Our firm understands that legal conflicts take your attention away from serving your community. That’s why our approach is grounded in our brand promise: Creating Peace of Mind. Minimizing Legal Chaos.
Unlike some firms that lead with aggression, we lead with clarity, education, and strategy. Whether the dispute involves board governance issues, donor intent, property conflicts, IRS challenges, or internal disagreements, we help your organization regain stability and confidence.
Contact Daryl Reese Law Group to schedule a consultation with a lawyer today. 707-858-5000
Case Types
Why Choose a Litigation Attorney for Nonprofits With Real Nonprofit Experience
Daryl Reese brings 20 years of high-level nonprofit executive leadership to every litigation case — an insider perspective unmatched by other law firms. Long before becoming an attorney, he worked in food banks, youth mentoring programs, and faith-based organizations. He understands how nonprofit teams function, how boards operate, where governance breaks down, and what’s at stake when conflict arises.
This lived experience, combined with an MBA and law degrees earned at the top of his class, provides your organization with both practical and strategic guidance, not just legal theory.
No other local Nonprofit Lawsuit Lawyer offers this blend of nonprofit leadership, business acumen, and legal expertise.
Your Santa Rosa Nonprofit Litigation Attorney With Deep Local Roots
Daryl and his wife Jan — who serves as the firm’s Administrative Assistant — are native Californians who chose to make Sonoma County their long-term home. Their three adult children live nearby, and the family is active in the local community and church organizations.
Our team has supported well-known Sonoma County nonprofits, including:
- Transcendence Theatre Company
- Redwood Gospel Mission
- Pets Lifeline
- Community Child Care Council
- Common Ground Society
- Camino de Sonoma
During the 2017 Sonoma County wildfires, Daryl helped form Sonoma Family Meal, an emergency food nonprofit that has since become a major community resource. This commitment to service shapes our litigation approach — we understand the heart behind local nonprofits because we actively serve alongside them.
Comprehensive Litigation Services for Nonprofits
As a Litigation Attorney for Nonprofits in Santa Rosa, we handle disputes ranging from simple misunderstandings to highly complex, multi-agency matters. Our experience includes representation before:
- IRS
- California Franchise Tax Board
- California Attorney General's Office
- Secretary of State
- Probate Court
- Civil
Common Types of Nonprofit Litigation We Handle
Board Governance & Internal Disputes
- Director conflicts
- Breaches of fiduciary duty
- Leadership disputes
- Improper board actions
- Governance violations
We help restore alignment, protect organizational integrity, and ensure compliance with governing documents.
Donor Intent, Bequests & Charitable Gift Conflicts
- Donor intent disagreements
- Estate bequests challenged by heirs
- Gift agreement violations
- Restricted fund disputes
Our work with biomedical research institutes and charitable foundations demonstrates our skill with complex donor and estate matters.
Regulatory Compliance & Enforcement Defense
We defend nonprofits facing actions by:
- IRS
- CA Attorney General
- Franchise Tax Board
- County assessors
From revoked tax exemptions to threatened dissolution, our team has resolved issues considered “irreversible” by others.
Property & Real Estate Disputes
- Church property conflicts
- Multi-party real estate disagreements
- Asset transfer issues during mergers or dissolution
Our firm has handled property matters involving multi-million-dollar assets, including a $6M church property case.
Fiscal Sponsorship Disagreements
We represent both sponsors and sponsored projects in disputes involving compliance, funding flows, and governance.
Dissolution & Asset Transfer Compliance
When dissolutions become contentious, we safeguard mission integrity and ensure compliance with state and federal law.
Our team combines legal precision with an understanding of nonprofit culture and staffing realities.
A Nonprofit Lawsuit Lawyer Who Comes Alongside You
One of the most distinctive parts of our approach is how we work with you — not just for you.
We:
- Explain every step in plain language, not legalese
- Keep you informed so you remain in control
- Anticipate hidden risks other firms overlook
- Educate your board and leadership, improving governance long-term
- Help you make confident, informed decisions at every stage
As one client said, our firm is “not only capable, but compassionate.” That combination defines every litigation case we take on.
Our Team: Experienced. Dedicated. Mission-Aligned.
You don’t just hire one attorney — you hire an entire nonprofit-focused legal team with a combined decades of 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)
We’ve been recognized by:
- Super Lawyers
- Global Center for Nonprofit Excellence (expert recognition)
- Local and statewide nonprofit leaders
- Attorneys and CPAs who regularly refer their clients to us
Operational Excellence Meets Litigation Strategy
Our litigation approach is shaped by our firm’s commitment to operational excellence:
- Carefully organized case management
- Thorough document review and preparation
- “Airtight” legal drafting
- Strategic risk reduction
- Proactive problem-solving
- Clear guidance on governance and compliance
This precision is one reason we maintain a 100% success rate on nonprofit tax-exemption applications — a reflection of our attention to detail in all legal matters, including litigation.
Industries We Serve
Our experience spans nearly every corner of the nonprofit world:
- Performing arts organizations
- Religious organizations & churches
- Social service providers (homelessness, recovery programs)
- Youth mentoring programs
- Food banks
- Biomedical research institutes
- Disability advocacy organizations
- Community service organizations
- Charitable foundations
- Educational groups
Each comes with unique governance, funding, and compliance realities — and we understand them all.
Get Support From a Nonprofit Litigation Attorney Who Truly Understands Your Mission
Litigation may feel chaotic — but you don’t have to navigate it alone.
We’re here to restore calm, protect your mission, and guide you with clarity every step of the way.
Call us today for a free consultation:
707-858-5000
Email:
OFFICE@DARYLREESELAW.COM
Let’s talk about how we can come alongside your nonprofit and help you move forward with confidence.