Nonprofit Case Results from The Law Office of Mark B. Morse
Since 1983, Attorney Mark B. Morse, a civil trial specialist, represents nonprofit organizations in business matters as well as business litigation in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Below you can see some of the results the firm has achieved for past clients. To get help with your legal case, please contact our Providence, Rhode Island, law office to schedule a complimentary consultation with an experienced trial lawyer.
CASE SUMMARIES * Names have been altered to preserve anonymity - The cases, while representative, do not reflect what may occur in a particular situation which will vary depending on the circumstances of each case.
Non-Profit Law and Pro Bono Work
ANIMAL RIGHTS NON-PROFIT
Attorney Morse is a member of an animal rights advocacy group. When the group sought to limit the use of the gas chamber in certain municipalities, they contacted attorney Morse. He donated his services to successfully prosecute claims in three different municipalities effectively limiting, or eliminating, the use of the gas chamber. The intent to challenge each municipality that used the gas chamber became moot when the animal advocacy group successfully sponsored legislation to eliminate the use of the gas chambers statewide. Attorney Morse continues to represent the group in various efforts to raise the awareness of issues of animal cruelty and to legally enforce the humane treatment of animals.
MUSIC NON-PROFIT VS TRUSTEES
In 1895, a wealthy patron of the arts had her East Side home renovated to include a music room where classical chamber music would be performed. Upon her death, she bequeathed the use of her home in perpetuity for the presentation of classical recitals. She named a local bank as Trustee to carry out her wishes. Following her death, hundreds of classical students performed their first recital at the now converted home. In 1996, the bank determined that it could no longer operate the home due to rising costs, and proposed to sell the mansion to a private individual whose intent was to revert it to a private residence. The funds from the sale would then be distributed among nonprofit musical groups. A number of local patrons and musicians who had performed at the home banded together to fight the closure. They retained attorney Morse who volunteered his services. After a number of meetings with bank officials, fundraising efforts and neighborhood activism, the group successfully persuaded the bank to turn over the operation of the home to the group. Eventually, title to the property was transferred to the group, which continues to operate the home consistent with the original intent of the donor. On the occasion of the transfer, the group presented attorney Morse with a plaque in gratitude for his efforts and assistance in effectuating the transfer.
ANIMAL RIGHTS NONPROFIT AND ZONING ISSUE
An animal care clinic that offered low-cost spay/neuter and limited veterinary services was prevented from expanding its services due to opposition from local boards. A local effort was organized to challenge the zoning determination that the clinic should not be expanded. The Law Office of Mark B. Morse was retained. In a long and contentious hearing, he was able to successfully persuade the zoning board to permit the expansion.
MUSEUM OWNERSHIP VS NATIVE RIGHTS TO ARTIFACTS
In 1996, a local museum discovered that an artifact in its collection had significant monetary value. An aborigine group claimed, however, that the artifact was stolen from it in the 1800s when European settlers plundered the tribe's artifacts. The museum claimed a different history and said records indicated that the Europeans were given the artifact in an exchange of gifts. The aborigine group retained The Law Office of Mark B. Morse as local counsel. Mr. Morse assisted in bringing the case to a resolution in federal court, resulting in the return of the artifact to the aborigine group and a promise of cooperation to feature cultural information about the group in the museum exhibits.
NON-PROFIT INSOLVENCY / FAILURE TO FOLLOW DONOR CONTRACT
A philanthropist donated money to a nonprofit organization to administer grants to be awarded. Instead, the nonprofit applied the funds to administrative and operational expenses not specified in the agreement between the philanthropist and the nonprofit organization. The nonprofit later filed for insolvency. Through the course of the insolvency proceedings, attorney Morse was able to get the court appointed receiver and secured lender to agree that the donees would be given an early payout from the available proceeds, in advance of a general distribution to other creditors.
Competent Legal Help
We take great care in dealing with clients seeking to achieve their nonprofit goals. Whether you are in Johnston, East Providence, Warwick or Woonsocket, contact our Providence law firm to learn more about your legal rights in civil court cases.
