David Lawson Partner

David Lawson counsels organizations and companies on matters involving tax exemption, philanthropy, and social impact, and enjoys helping his clients find innovative ways to benefit their communities more effectively. David’s clients include foundations, nonprofit healthcare organizations, trade associations, universities, social service providers, and businesses seeking to make a difference. His deep knowledge encompasses a wide variety of topics relating to federal tax exemption, state nonprofit and charitable trust laws, and laws governing lobbying and issue advocacy.

David has completed dozens of complex transactions, from spinoffs of major programs to multiparty mergers to hospital joint ventures. He has helped several nonprofits resolve difficult governance matters. His experience includes a decade of productive engagement with the federal and state regulators that supervise nonprofit organizations, including successful resolution of significant IRS examinations and attorney general investigations.

David is a frequent speaker and writer on nonprofit law topics. He serves as the chair of the Nonprofit Corporations Committee of the Washington State Bar Association’s Business Law Section. As the recorder of that committee, he played a primary role in drafting Washington’s new Nonprofit Corporation Act, which took effect at the beginning of 2022.

A longtime volunteer for Communities Rise and its predecessor organizations, David serves as a director and board secretary.