Avanti Law Group can help you at all stages of your non-profit organization-from the forming of a non-profit organization to obtaining tax-exempt status from the IRS, to complying with federal and state laws governing fund-raising and operations. When you retain us to create the non-profit organization and obtain recognition from the IRS of its tax-exempt status, you are getting much more than documents. You receive a comprehensive consultation to make sure you understand formation and governance options. If you are considering forming a non-profit organization or you are managing a non-profit organization (such as 501(c)(3) as well as many organizations that are tax exempt under other categories of section 501 of the Internal Revenue Code, e.g., social welfare organizations exempt under 501(c)(4) and trade associations exempt under 501(c)(6)), we would welcome the opportunity to be of services to you.

We advise in regard to options for the formation of a new non-profit organization, draft the necessary documents to create the organization, and secure IRS recognition of tax-exempt status. We also provide state charitable solicitation registrations for 501(c)(3) organizations, as may be needed. These services are usually provided on a "fixed fee" basis.

Some of our services include:
* Formation (preparing all organizational documents, e.g. articles of incorporation, bylaws, trusts)
* Securing IRS Recognition of Tax-Exempt Status (IRS Forms 1023 and 1024)
* Advice as to IRS Form 990 (Annual Tax Information Return)
* State Regulatory Compliance
* Charitable Solicitation Registrations
* Tax Advice (Avoiding Unrelated Business Taxable Income; Maintaining Tax-Exempt Status)
* Facilities Acquisition
* Planned Giving (including Charitable Remainder Trusts and Charitable Gift Annuities)
* Capital Campaigns
* Advice Regarding and Review of Fundraising Agreements of All Types
* Intellectual Property Protection
* Representation in IRS Audits and Tax Controversies, Including In Tax Court
* Group Exemption Rulings
* Non-Profit Mail Permits
* Executive Compensation Planning
* Charitable Giving Generally (Both Lifetime and Testamentary)
* Corporate Sponsorship Agreements
* Royalty License Agreements
* Charitable Sales Promotion Agreements

Avanti Law Group has the capacity and experience to defend and prosecute class actions and other complex litigation on behalf of a wide range of clients, in state and federal courts across the nation.

Avanti Law Group has been extensively involved in class-action litigation in state and federal courts. While most of our experience is in asserting class-action litigation, our expertise in all relevant issues enables us to advise and represent clients effectively from any standpoint.

We pride ourselves in providing the highest quality legal representation to clients who would not be able to obtain effective redress for their injuries but for the availability of the class action device. The cases we litigate prosecuting the class, are generally taken on contingency, at no cost to the client, with our fee tied to the benefit obtained for the class. In defense case, a different fee structure applies.

Attorney Alvarez has been first and second chair trial litigation and negotiation practice in high profile class action cases, including:

* Aguilera, et al., vs. Michigan Turkey Producers Cooperative, W.D. Mich. 2009. Representing proposed class of meat processing workers for alleged violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Collective action certified - Resolved.

* Obando et al., vs. Belfor USA Group, Inc. et al., E.D. La. 2006. Representing potential class of approximately 10,000 workers (Brazilian and Mexican immigrants) in a Nationwide Hybrid collective/Rule 23 class action against subcontractor and general contractor for alleged violation of the FLSA and the wage and hour laws of various states - Resolved.

* Miro Aldoman Saucedo et al., vs. Five Star Contractors, L.L.C., et al., S.D. MS. 2009 - Representing class of approximately 2000+ workers (Brazilian and Mexican immigrants) against subcontractor and general contractor in Hybrid collective/Rule 23 class action for alleged violation of the FLSA, RICO and breach of contract - Currently in litigation.

* Juan Doe et al., vs. Mary Hollinrake, Clerk for the County of Kent, et al., U.S. District Court - Western District of Michigan: Class action lawsuit alleging violation of Constitutional rights including fundamental right to marry due to a policy which effectively denied marriage licenses to U.S. citizens who were to marry undocumented individuals based solely on their lack of a social security number. Filed in cooperation with the law firm of Sommers Schwartz, P.C. - Resolved.

* Juan Doe et al., vs. Daniel C. Krueger, Clerk for the County of Ottawa, et al., U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan: Class action lawsuit alleging violation of Constitutional rights including fundamental right to marry due to a policy which effectively denied marriage licenses to U.S. citizens who were to marry undocumented individuals based solely on their lack of a social security number. Filed in cooperation with the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF). Currently in litigation.

* Guerrero et al., vs. Brickman Group, LLC et al., W.D. Mich. 2005. Represented class of approximately 900 foreign guest workers (Mexican Nationals) in Hybrid Collective/Rule 23 class action for alleged violations of the FLSA and various state claims - Resolved.

* Galaviz Zamora et al., vs. Brady Farms, Inc. et al., W.D. Mich. 2004. Represented potential class of approximately 1,000 migrant farmworkers (Mexican immigrants) in hybrid collective/Rule 23 class action against their employer for alleged violations of the FLSA and the MSAWPA - Resolved.

* Bautista et al., vs. Twin Lakes Farms, Inc. et al., W.D. Mich. 2004. Represented class of approximately 1,000 migrant farmworkers (Mexican immigrants) in hybrid collective/Rule 23 class action against their employer for alleged violation of the FLSA and the MSAWPA - Resolved.

Published Decisions

* Lima et al., vs. International Catastrophe Solutions, Inc. et al., 493 F.Supp.2d 793 (E.D. La. June 27, 2007) conditionally certifying class of workers seeking unpaid wages under the FLSA and allowing for distribution of notice to the class.

* Guerrero et al., vs. Brickman Group, L.L.C. et al., 2007 WL 922420 (W.D. Mich. March 26, 2007) Certifying Rule 23 class of foreign guest workers seeking damages for breach of contract under H2B program.

* Bautista, et al., vs. Twin Lakes Farms, Inc. et al., 2007 WL 329162 (W.D. Mich 2007) Certification and approval of Settlement Class and Settlement in which attorney Alvarez was lead litigator and negotiator of settlement.

* Galaviz Zamora et al., v. Brady Farms, Inc. et al., 2005 WL 2372326 (W.D. Mich. September 23, 2005) Plaintiffs' Immigration status not relevant and not discoverable in class/collective employment litigation action -issue of first impression.

* Garcia-Andrate et al., v. Madra's Café Corp. et al., 2005 WL 2430195 (E.D.Mich., August 03, 200) Plaintiff's immigration status was determined not relevant and not discoverable. The court also affirmed the worker's right to assert their Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination with regard to their immigration status and possible unlawful employment - issue of first impression.

Contact us to discuss how we our winning approach can help you.

Our attorneys and staff donate a significant amount of time to public issues, civic leadership, and representation of those that could not otherwise afford legal representation. We work hard to improve the quality of life of our clients, our community and our families.

Some of the organizations that we currently help or have helped include:

* American Red Cross
* Asian Professional Organizations
* Cesar Chavez Foundation
* DeVos Children Hospital
* Dominican American National Round table (DANR)
* Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
* Gilda's Club
* Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce
* Grand Rapids Community Foundation
* Grand Rapids Symphony
* Hispanic Center of West Michigan
* Klass Kids Foundation (KKF)
* Kid's Food Basket
* Latin American United for Progress (LAUP)
* Legacy Ball
* Local First of West Michigan
* Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (MHCC)
* Planned Parenthood of West Michigan
* Salvation Army
* The Children's Museum
* United Way
* West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (WMHCC)
* Women's Resource Center
* YMCA