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We help nonprofit organizations make the most of their legal dollars. Like the nonprofit organizations we serve, our law firm is on a mission: to bring legal counsel within reach for the nonprofit sector.
We represent nonprofit organizations of all types and sizes, through all stages of their development. As outside general counsel, we offer accessibility and sophisticated legal counsel on tax compliance and corporate matters. We also help nonprofit leaders identify other legal resources available to them and help them manage their legal matters, so that they can stay mission-focused, make more informed decisions, and build capacity for the future.
Attorney Bios
Beth Dougherty, Esq. is a Philadelphia based attorney who specializes in the formation and representation of nonprofit organizations. She works with the law firm Morgen Cheshire, Esq. LLC. Previously, she was an associate at Laura Solomon, Esq. & Associates in Wynnewood, PA, and also served as the Legal Compliance and Procedures Specialist for Temple University’s Department of Development and Alumni Affairs and as Director of Planned Giving for the Temple University Beasley School of Law. She currently serves on the Board of her local civic association in South Philadelphia. She received her B.A. from New York University in 1989, and her J.D. cum laude from Temple Law School in 1995.
Kate Williams joined Morgen Cheshire, Esquire LLC as an associate in 2012. She was formerly a mid-level associate in the Commercial, Securities, and Antitrust Litigation Group at Duane Morris LLC, an international law firm headquartered in Philadelphia, where she represented clients in state and federal courts across the country and was active in the firm’s pro bono program.
John Kuehne joined Morgen Cheshire, Esquire LLC as an associate in 2012. While in law school, John worked with the Nonprofit Group at Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads, LLP, as well as two boutique employment law firms. Prior to law school, John was employed at the University of Pennsylvania Legal Clinic, a nonprofit clinic focused on helping the indigent of Philadelphia with their civil legal issues. Before transitioning to law, John was an archaeologist for several universities and an outreach lecturer and assistant exhibits developer for the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology.
Philosophy
If we had to advise a nonprofit organization about hiring a lawyer, we would tell them: "Look for these three attributes: expertise, commitment, and continuity. Look for someone who is affordable but who will not compromise quality."
Services
Throughout the life cycle of organizations, we are on call for nonprofit leaders as their organizations evolve and address conflict. From formation through dissolution, we provide on-going legal support for nonprofit organizations of all types and sizes. We help organizations with the following matters. . .
Press
Riding solo to the rescue of her beloved nonprofits
Chris Mondics, Philadelphia Inquirer, April 17, 2012. Morgen Cheshire attained a long-sought goal in 2010 when she was named a partner at Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis, one of the city's best known firms. But she decided to become a solo practitioner helping nonprofits.
The unique struggles of non-profit law practice
Bruce D. Collins, InsideCounsel, March 1, 2012.Although similar to their for-profit counterparts, non-profit lawyers encounter interesting challenges.
Blazing a Trail to the 'Dream Job'
Sarah Greenblatt, Drexel Law The Docket, December 2012. Alumnus John Kuehne credits the law school's Co-op Program with transplanting him from a job often associated with digging to a job he really digs.
Women doing it for themselves
Jeff Blumenthal, Philadelphia Business Journal, December 14, 2012. Last year, Morgen Cheshire had just made partner at one of the city's most prestigious law firms. Today she operates her own firm out of a converted family room in her Mount Airy home, which houses four lawyers and two support staff.
Watering Hole
Welcome to the Watering Hole - a resource library for your nonprofit organization designed by nonprofit lawyers to help you navigate legal issues and save time and money when working with legal counsel.
Whether you are a nonprofit executive, officer, board member, or a professional advising a nonprofit organization, we hope that you will find the watering hole a useful starting point for your nonprofit legal questions. We welcome your insight, and hope you will share your knowledge so that the sector can benefit from your experiences.
If there is a topic you would like to see covered or if you would like to submit an article to assist the nonprofit sector, please contact us.