Bridget M. Weiss represents tax-exempt organizations, including charities, private foundations, advocacy organizations, trade associations, medical research organizations and international nongovernmental organizations. She has experience advising tax-exempt organizations in a wide variety of contexts throughout their entire lifecycle—from initial qualification for tax-exempt status to ongoing operations, including implementation of complex programs, grantmaking, lobbying, and political activities and business activities. Bridget counsels tax-exempt organizations and their governing bodies facing tax and governance controversies, including both internal investigations and audits and other examinations by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and other government regulators. She also represents individuals and corporate donors on major gifts and other charitable programs.
Bridget routinely provides advice to tax-exempt recipients of federal grants and contracts with respect to grants compliance programs. She helps her clients navigate the complex federal requirements by advising on reporting obligations, audit procedures, and risk management processes. In addition, Bridget has experience conducting internal investigations and responding to federal audits and other enforcement actions. When issues arise, Bridget assists her tax-exempt clients with ensuring transparency and alignment with federal regulations.
Experience
- Public charity and related advocacy organization on advocacy, lobbying and political activities, including compliance and training programs.
- Medical and scientific research organizations with respect to their formation and ongoing operations, including establishment of relationships with major research universities and structures for commercialization of intellectual property.
- High net-worth individuals in structuring major gifts to a variety of nonprofit organizations (including universities and medical research organizations), as well as in the establishment and operation of private foundations.
- Corporate donor in the establishment and operation of an innovative scientific research program with research implemented by national and international consortia of educational and research institutions.
- Former public officials and authors in donation of personal papers and other memorabilia to educational institutions and libraries.
- University Board of Directors Committee in internal investigation regarding misuse of university funds by its President.
- Trade association on tax rules regarding reporting of advocacy and political activities to members, the Internal Revenue Service and under the Lobbying Disclosure Act.
Perspectives
Recognition
US Taxes: Non-Contentious (2014, 2017, 2021-2022)
Credentials
Education
- J.D., Northwestern University School of Law, 2004, cum laude, Order of the Coif
- A.B., Brown University, 1998
Admissions
- California
- District of Columbia
- Maryland
Activities
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Member, Board of Directors, Sitar Arts Center