CHURCH LAW INSTITUTE
The Church Law Institute is a service of the law firm of Van Graham and seeks to serve churches and church leaders through education and practical seminars on issues of law which impact churches.
Offered are classes, seminars, workshops, and conferences at various locations. Workshops are also prepared at the request of a local church to be held on site for leaders in the church. Church staff leadership retreats are offered from time to time to help train church staff in leadership principles found in the Word of God. We provide current, practical legal and financial information to help churches and nonprofit organizations. Many do not have access to affordable or reliable information on how current developments in the law affect them. In today’s legal and tax environment, it is critical to know about the best practices of exempt organizations and how to implement them. Many organizations are at risk of either violating the law, thus putting the existence of the organization in jeopardy, or failing to enact proper procedures and internal controls that could leave the organization open to legal actions or other difficulties.
Church Law & Consulting Services
We are the trusted counsel for churches and nonprofit organizations. We provide solution-oriented advice and services, whether you're starting a church or nonprofit organization or taking one to the next level. We advise and assist with a broad range of issues, including the following:
Constitutional Issues
First Amendment Issues
Substantive Law
Forms of Church Organizations
Forms of Church Entities
Governing a Church Entity
Tax Treatment of Churches
Tax Exemption Under IRS Code §501(c)(3)
Ad Valorem Taxation of Churches
Income Taxation of Churches
Clergy Income
Employment Law for Churches
Federal Acts
Title VII Provisions
Employment Laws Applied to Churches
Contract Law and Employment Issues
Clergy Malpractice and Tort Law
Torts and Churches
Clergy Malpractice
Confidentiality and Privilege
Duty to Warn
Duty to Report
General Tort Law Involving Churches
Waivers of Liability
Church Discipline Issues
