What the Project Is
Perlman & Perlman is a law firm committed to serving clients seeking positive social impact. The firm provides legal services for a broad spectrum of well-known and respected nonprofits, private foundations, educational institutions, religious organizations, and social enterprises of diverse size and geographic location. Since 1959, Perlman & Perlman has been known for its practical, solutions-oriented counsel. The firm is dedicated to ensuring that its clients are legally protected, informed on navigating risks, and in compliance with legal obligations – all while paving the way for a more equitable, sustainable, and healthy world for all communities…
Main Benefit
- Over six decades of experience in charitable sector law.
- Headquartered in New York with additional offices in Washington, DC, and Phoenix, Arizona.
- Advises both U.S.-based nonprofits conducting overseas programs and international nonprofits seeking to operate in the U.S.
- Developed a network of attorneys across Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America to meet diverse jurisdictional challenges.
- Certified B Corporation status achieved since 2011, reflecting a strong commitment to transparent social and environmental performance.
Legacy and Dedication
Since its early beginnings, Perlman & Perlman has maintained a legacy of dedication to the philanthropic sector. In 1955, Bernard Perlman established what is today recognized as the first state regulatory agency in the United States devoted exclusively to the oversight of charitable activities. Although the oversight functions are now carried out by the Charities Bureau of the New York State Attorney General’s Office, that early dedication laid the groundwork for a law practice that remains forward-thinking. It was not long before the firm launched, in 1991, the first business dedicated to providing state charitable solicitation registration and compliance services to nonprofits and fundraisers – a testament to its innovative roots.
Innovative Legal Practice
Operating with a national practice, Perlman & Perlman advises both U.S. and international nonprofits with equal expertise. The firm’s approach is dynamic and informed by decades of experience in social enterprise law, social benefit law, and corporate philanthropy. Handling issues ranging from incorporation and tax-exempt status to intellectual property and technology/data/security matters, the practice covers a wide range of legal needs for nonprofits and for-profit social impact clients. With offices in New York, Washington, DC, and Phoenix, each location supports the firm’s commitment to practical and solutions-oriented counsel for diverse legal challenges. It is a model of innovative legal practice and expertise that continues to evolve with the sector’s changing needs…
Collaborative Culture
At Perlman & Perlman, the internal culture is characterized by respect, opportunity, diligence, and mutual empowerment. The values that guide the firm are closely aligned with those of its clients; diversity, equity, and opportunity remain at the forefront of both staff and affiliate engagements. The firm has cultivated an environment that encourages entrepreneurship and fair reward. It is this collaborative spirit that bolsters the firm’s ability to remain agile in a constantly changing legal and social landscape. The ethos of internalized client values has not only built trust but has also redefined what it means to deliver social impact through legal counsel.
Comprehensive Service Range
Perlman & Perlman’s practice has expanded from traditional nonprofit legal matters to include emerging areas such as social enterprise law, nonprofit/for-profit collaborations, and technology-driven fundraising and social impact platforms. The firm has embraced an array of practice areas including employment law, litigation, intellectual property, and technology/data/security issues. This comprehensive service range allows the firm to manage not only legal risks but also to provide strategic counsel that supports the overall mission of its clients. A commitment to addressing diverse legal challenges while staying ahead of societal and technological trends makes the firm a true partner in positive change.
Project Impact
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being – Promoting the welfare of communities through sustainable legal counsel.
- SDG 4: Quality Education – Supporting educational institutions and initiatives with comprehensive legal services.
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Championing diversity, equity, and opportunity for various organizations.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Advising institutions that contribute to social and urban development.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Building strategic legal alliances that enhance social impact projects.
Future-Facing Legal Advisory
Continuing with a strong tradition of innovation and collaboration, Perlman & Perlman remains a future-facing legal advisory dedicated to the philanthropic sector. With its historic and ongoing commitment to quality legal services, the firm fosters an environment where legal protection meets proactive strategies. From covering charitable state registration and compliance to offering specialized advice for hybrid and social enterprise organizations, the firm adapts to evolving challenges in the legal arena. There is a clear understanding that robust legal guidance coupled with an empathetic, client-focused approach is essential in cultivating meaningful change. In today’s fast-paced world, such expertise plays a key role in enabling organizations to realize their social impact goals – ensuring that legal matters are addressed with both precision and empathy.
