Turning Points--by Watershed Legal Counsel

Many small and growing businesses—even those working in heavily regulated areas like environmental restoration, conservation, and renewable energy—forgo the assistance of qualified legal counsel. At best, they might engage a lawyer for a specific task, contract review, or dispute. Non-profits often rely on volunteer lawyers and board members with legal backgrounds for these purposes. If you’re serious about ensuring legal compliance, managing risk, and landing opportunities in an evolving regulatory landscape, there’s a better way. And it starts with a legal audit. What is a Legal Audit? A legal audit, also known as a compliance audit or legal health check, is a systematic examination of an organization's legal standing, governance structures, and compliance with relevant laws and regulations. This comprehensive review is conducted by qualified legal professionals to identify any potential legal risks, compliance gaps, or areas for improvement within the organization's operatio...

Federal government efforts to combat climate change present opportunities for forward-thinking nonprofits, restoration enterprises, and local governments. But s ecuring and managing federal grants through the landmark Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and other programs can be complicated and time consuming. Whether your enterprise is seeking funding for environmental conservation, natural resource projects, or infrastructure improvements, the need for meticulous planning and compliance is paramount. Legal counsel can and should be your partner in meeting these challenges. By considering legal needs up front before you apply for grant funding, you can set your organization up for success. Legal Counsel: Your Compliance Partner Experienced legal counsel can help your organization target grant opportunities that are timely and achievable. They can offer strategic guidance on the nuances of grant writing and budgeting . And legal counsel can play a multifaceted role in ensuring seamless ...

Government agencies typically hold the upper hand in court, thanks to something called judicial deference. While the Supreme Court may soon modify this doctrine as it applies in many federal cases, government agencies are likely to maintain a strong advantage, especially in cases before Maryland's State courts. But knowledge is power. Folks who engage in regulatory processes with thought, intention and persistence can soften the bite of, if not overcome, judicial deference, and ultimately prevail. Understanding Judicial Deference to Government Agencies As anyone who’s tried to fight a speeding ticket knows, the government generally gets the benefit of the doubt in court. This is true for a number of reasons. Governments typically acts under laws that spell out the rules of engagement and put them in charge of administering them. They have procedures for implementing the law that their agents are trained to follow. They document their actions to demonstrate compliance with these...