The Legal Guide Every Association Leader Needs
Built for those who make critical decisions every day.
Refined and updated by ASAE General Counsel Jerry Jacobs and a team of attorney co-authors. Since the last edition, laws have changed. Expectations have changed. Your legal guide should, too.
Why It Matters and Who It’s For
This is a definitive practical legal guide for volunteer leaders and staff of membership and other nonprofit organizations.
Updated to reflect the latest developments in nonprofit law, this seventh edition has been thoroughly revised to explain today’s legal environment clearly and practically—without legal jargon. The handbook contains 100 chapters on every legal consideration and implication for running an association, including
- Board-management relationships,
- Nonprofit organization copyrights,
- Nonprofit joint ventures,
- Employee-independent contractor,
- Personal data protection, and
- Lobbying and federal contracts or grants
Bundle options included below for maximum savings.
-
100 fully updated chapters
Covering governance, compliance, risk, employment, contracts, intellectual property, tax law, lobbying regulations, and more
-
Reviewed front-to-back
Reflecting current nonprofit legislation and legal precedent
-
Designed for Decision Makers
Boards, executives, legal counsel, association management professionals, and staff
See what people are saying
“This text is one of my most valued management references, with practical perspective, no fluff, and an easy-to-navigate topical format.”
“Given the complexity of association law, this book details what every association professional needs to know. It is essential for anyone preparing to become a Certified Association Executive or operating an association management company.”
Supplementary Appendix
40 Ready-to-Use Legal Documents
The handbook tells you what to do. The Appendix gives you the documents to do it.
Skip the blank page, expensive legal drafting, and guesswork. These are plug-and-adapt documents built for real association use aligned directly with the 7th Edition.
This supplemental toolkit includes 40 customizable templates used by associations every day, including:
- CEO Employment Agreement & Consultant Agreement
- Conflict of Interest and Antitrust Policies
- AI & Data Privacy Policies
- Bylaws, contracts, website disclosures, and more
Bundle & Save!
Bundle the handbook or the e-book with these companion resources to save 20% off your total!
- Association Law Handbook Supplementary Appendix
- Micro-Credential Course: Association Law Essentials: Navigating Legal Complexities for Nonprofit Leaders
About The Author
Jerald A. Jacobs is a partner in the Washington, D.C. law firm Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLC and heads the firm’s nonprofit team in serving many national trade associations, professional societies, credentialing organizations, philanthropic organizations, and other nonprofits. Named “Outstanding Nonprofit Attorney” by the American Bar Association and recognized by other attorney evaluation programs. Jacobs has advised nonprofits on corporate governance, transactions, antitrust, tax exemption, and many other areas. He is General Counsel to the American Society of Association Executives and has advised on nonprofit/NGO law the governments of both the European Union and China.
Co-authors
- Alvin Dunn
- Emily B. Erlingsson
- Julia E. Judish
- Robert S. Logan
- Dawn Crowell Murphy
- Lori Panosyan