“Trustworthy and Accurate” Nonprofit Practice Recognized by The Legal 500 USA

The Legal 500 USA’s 2016 guide has ranked the Schnader Non-Profit practice as one of the top 20 firms in the country describing the group’s services as “trustworthy and accurate.” The Legal 500 cites Cynthia Fischer, co-chair of Schnader’s Nonprofit practice as “a highly experienced and talented adviser who always strives to achieve clients’ objectives.”

The Legal 500 highlighted the breadth of the team’s practice, noting that it includes assisting private foundations, philanthropic trusts, universities and community-focused organizations with structuring nonprofits, IP matters and trust-related litigation. The Legal 500 emphasized the international aspects of Schnader’s Nonprofit practice by singling out the firm’s representation of one of Italy’s largest biomedical charities, Fondazione Telethon, whose mission is to advance biomedical research into muscular dystrophy and other human genetic diseases. To date, the organization has raised and invested 496 million Euros toward finding a prevention and cure. Among other matters, Fischer and her Schnader colleagues counsel the charity with its ongoing global trademark prosecution matters.

Also cited is the fundraising arm of a South African charity that is establishing a maternal health center caring for the needs of poor women and families in rural and impoverished areas of the nation. Launched last year, the organization is receiving counsel on U.S. fundraising laws, tax implications and international partnerships.

Fluent in Italian, Fischer has represented prominent Italian businesses and entities for more than 30 years. She frequently lectures in Italian to knowledgeable foreign legal audiences. “We are delighted with this recognition of the nonprofit practice and, particularly, of Cynthia. Cynthia finds solutions and opportunities for organizations frustrated by roadblocks,” said Christine Carty, Schnader’s managing partner in New York, where Fischer’s international practice is based.

In addition to the firm’s Nonprofit practice, Schnader’s Mergers & Acquisitions and Aviation practices also were highlighted by The Legal 500 for their exceptional work.

Now in its 10th year, The Legal 500 spotlights and ranks elite law firms by practice area. Its team of lawyers and journalists spend months each year conducting in-depth research drawing on feedback from law firms, clients and competitors to create its rankings. Its findings are relied upon by millions of buyers of legal services worldwide.