Tenenbaum Law Group PLLC

Tenenbaum Law Group PLLC is a nationally recognized, six-attorney, Washington, DC-based law firm specializing in the representation of nonprofit organizations and related entities across the United States. Serving primarily as outside general counsel, the firm advises senior management and boards of directors of charities, trade and professional associations, international NGOs, conservation groups, think tanks, arts and cultural institutions, foundations, educational and health care institutions, and other nonprofits – as well as companies and executives that work with or provide services to nonprofits – as well as companies and executives that work with or provide services to nonprofits – on the broad array of legal issues and challenges they face. The firm brings decades of Big Law experience to bear with small firm cost-efficiency, responsiveness, and turnaround time. With a focus on workable, impactful solutions, spirited defense and advocacy, a practical understanding of the broader nonprofit context and best practices, and attorneys who take their work – but not themselves – very seriously, TLG partners with its clients in a strategic manner to help ensure the utmost effectiveness and results, all while exercising great judgment. We take great pride in the long-term relationships we have built with our clients as well as the continuous stream of referrals we receive from them and others. Managing Partner Jeff Tenenbaum is widely recognized as one of the nation’s most accomplished nonprofit legal practitioners, a top leader in the nonprofit bar, a frequent media commentator and expert witness on nonprofit legal issues, and a distinguished thought leader and active participant in the nonprofit legal community. Partner and TLG Co-Founder Nisha Thakker has spent most of her 16-year legal career in-house in the nonprofit legal world, bringing a unique, invaluable perspective to the practice. She is a key leader in the firm. Counsel Susan Hamsher spent the majority of her 14-year legal career as a senior in-house attorney at The Nature Conservancy – one of the world’s largest charities – and most recently was a senior associate at a boutique Washington, DC law firm focused exclusively on the representation of nonprofit organizations. Counsel Holly Peterson served in-house at the National Association of College and University Attorneys for eight years before joining TLG and, prior to that, served for four years as a litigator in the Maryland Attorney General’s Office in its Educational Affairs Division. Holly has a broad base of experience in the major legal issues facing associations, nonprofit organizations, and higher education institutions, but spends a lot of her time counseling clients on employment law and related matters. Prior to joining TLG, Associate Kevin Serafino served as an associate in the nonprofit organizations practice of a leading mid-Atlantic law firm, while also practicing in the firm’s Chambers-ranked political law group. Prior to that, Kevin spent more than a decade in lobbying and compliance roles for two national trade associations – the Household & Commercial Products Association and the International Franchise Association. Associate Kyler Mejia is an attorney who has represented a diverse array of nonprofit organizations for the last several years in connection with most of their legal issues. Prior to joining TLG, he worked at a boutique law firm in Tempe, AZ, focused exclusively on servicing the legal needs of nonprofits. Kyler is currently serving in the American Bar Association Young Lawyer’s Division Leadership Academy and, since 2023, has been a member of the IRS TEGE Exempt Organizations Council. Jeff, Nisha, Susan, Holly, Kevin, and Kyler are all very active in the nonprofit legal community, regularly publishing articles, giving speaking presentations, and serving on industry boards, committees, and councils. TLG's extensive experience in the nonprofit arena enables it to avoid giving legal advice in a vacuum, but rather it takes into account the broader political, financial, business, and governance context, providing more wholistic legal counsel to its clients, and maximizing its clients' ability to successfully advance their missions and achieve their goals.