The Not for Profit Institution: Issues of Law and Governance

3 Credit Hours

Not for Profit Institutions are a large and vital part of the United States economy and an important part of Chicago civic life. These institutions include: hospitals, theatres, museums, groups such as the Catholic Church and the American Civil Liberties Union, the MacArthur Foundation and many others. This class will begin with a general introduction to the sector and the legal structure creating and governing these widely differing institutions. As a group we will examine the challenges faced by not for profit boards and managers when not for profits build and expand, and face financial challenges, and when the leadership of a not for profit changes or seeks to extend its reach and image. This year the class will focus on the special legal issues posed by the new Lucas Museum of Narrative Art and the Obama Presidential Library. The class will invite leaders and members of the governance structure of Chicago not for profit institutions to meet with us and discuss issues and problems. Students will write and revise two drafts of a research paper, to be discussed in class, on an approved, relevant topic under the close supervision of the instructor. Final papers will be due the last day of examinations and distributed to class guests and members of the law school community. Enrollment limited to 20. Note: This course was previously offered as: Not for Profit Institutions. Note: This class satisfies the two draft writing requirement. Please note this class does not satisfy the three draft writing requirement.