Religious organizations often encounter unique legal issues related to their mission, tax status, property and activities of the houses of worship, schools and other entities they own and operate. Lerch, Early & Brewer attorneys are experienced in assisting with legal challenges and resolving legal issues for religious organizations of many different faiths. We regularly represent a variety of denominations and their related entities, including those affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Roman Catholic Church, and several local Jewish temples and synagogues. There is an increased expectation today that these organizations operate in the same way as commercial businesses and secular employers, but they often face operational challenges or conflict with their religious missions.
Our litigators are known for defending the First Amendment and other rights of local and national churches, schools and other religious organizations. We handle an array of legal concerns, including employee relations and disputes, constitutional issues, real estate matters, internal and other investigations, premises liability, tort claims and other general litigation. We do this with an awareness of and sensitivity to the unique concerns, polity and responsibilities that are critically important to each client and to its members. In addition, we educate religious organizations about risk management, counseling them about how to reduce their risks of litigation without compromising their services, ministry and basic values.
We also routinely assist these organizations in all aspects of the land entitlement process.
See also Nonprofit Organizations
