Dennis Brewer, Jr. - Partner

Denny Brewer lives in Irving, Texas with Suedá, his wife of more than thirty-five years.  He is an avid fisherman, with bone fish as his primary quarry.  He is always ready with a good war story, whether about his work or about his fishing.  He is a father of two and a doting grandfather of one. 

Craig Jackson - Partner

Craig lives in Trophy Club, Texas with his wife of twenty years, Katy, two teenage kids, a boxer named Sandy, and a mutt named Ace.  When he is not practicing law, he spends his time trying to master the Fender Telecaster and writing divorce-themed country-western songs. 

Laura Lang - Partner

Patty Wenetschlaeger - Partner

Patty loves the beach, dark chocolate, and her family—not necessarily in that order.  In her spare time, she can usually be found hanging out (while eating chocolate) with her husband of over 30 years, two children, four dogs, a cat, and a desert tortoise that her family rescued.  While she enjoys beaches and cruises, she is equally content having game night with her family.  She is actively involved in multiple charities including The Palm House, Faith Works and A House on Beekman Street. 

Jeremy Hayes - Associate Attorney

Jeremy lives in Dallas with his wife, Britni.  Once a runner with hopes of becoming one again, when he is not practicing law, Jeremy enjoys an occasional road trip with Britni and the too infrequent camping trip to the Appalachian Mountains. 

We are proud to represent non-profits, churches, and other public charities in Grapevine TX, Southlake TX, Colleyville TX, Tarrant County, Texas. 

Nonprofit Law

Our attorneys are proud to represent nonprofit organizations, and focus on the representation of religious organizations and other public charities.  With experience in issues from the formation of entities, including articles of incorporation, bylaws, and 1023 applications, to complex business transactions, we pride ourselves in our ability to represent clients in various stages of development.  We advise clients with an eye toward minimizing liability both in internal church or ministry operations and in outreach activities.  We counsel clients with regard to unrelated business income and compensation issues and work to protect our clients' interests in intellectual property.  Whether our clients are large organizations with long histories or an individual with a calling on their life, it is our privilege to work with people trying to make a positive difference in the world. 

Religious Organizations

In light of increasing regulation related to churches and other religious organizations, it is critical that such organizations rely upon attorneys who have the necessary expertise with the laws and regulations affecting churches and ministries.  The attorneys at Brewer Jackson & Lang, P.C. are adept at navigating the law while helping our clients remain steadfast in the commitment to the mission of their organization. 

501 (c)(3) Exemptions

Nonprofit status may make an organization eligible for state sales, property, and income tax exemptions.  Organizing as a nonprofit organization at the state level, however, does not necessarily automatically grant the organization exemption from federal income tax.  To qualify as exempt from federal income taxes, an organization must meet requirements set forth in the Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3).  Please feel free to contact our firm to determine whether your organization would benefit from a 501(c)(3) exemption. 

Employment Issues

Engaging in best practices with nonprofit employees will help decrease employee turnover and retain high performers.  Avoiding common pitfalls with employment issues can help avoid costly lawsuits.  Our firm’s knowledge regarding federal, state, and local laws, contracting requirements, licensing, and other regulations can assist nonprofit leaders in making sound employment policies and decisions to avoid employment disputes and litigation. 

Volunteer Policies

Without volunteers, many nonprofits would not be able to conduct programs, raise funds, or serve clients.  For organizations that rely upon volunteers, establishing a thorough volunteer program and corresponding policies is critical to minimizing the organization’s legal exposure.  Our firm is experienced in reviewing and crafting volunteer policies in order to maximize the value of volunteers to your organization while reducing the associated risks. 

Public Charities

When people think of nonprofits or charities, they are usually thinking of public charities.  These organizations can have wildly diverse purposes.  Their missions can include helping the poor, feeding the hungry, promoting a religious belief, education, or advancing scientific research.  Our firm represents public charities from their inception and initial organization through periods of growth, maturity, merger, and expansion.  We provide sound legal counsel during peaceful times, and we help solve problems that arise during difficult times. 

Legal Audits

Nonprofit corporations can minimize conflicts and protect themselves through regular legal audits of their corporate governance, federal and state tax exemptions, other federal tax law matters, intellectual property, employment and volunteer policies, and facilities.  Our firm can gather and review a wide range of information to help determine whether your organization has done what is legally required and is positioned to remain compliant in the future. 

Intellectual Property

At Brewer Jackson & Lang, we are mindful that securing and protecting a nonprofit’s intellectual property is not only necessary to protecting a nonprofit’s public identity or brand, but also to protecting its original works and trade secrets.  Regardless of the nature of your organization, your intellectual property is an integral part of the organization’s success.  Our attorneys frequently assist our nonprofit clients with securing trademarks, copyright protection, and the instruments necessary to prevent the disclosure or dissemination of information that should remain confidential. 

Governance/Best Practices

Adoption of practices that reflect accountability, transparency, fiduciary oversight, ethical practices, responsible fundraising, and effective governance is crucial to demonstrate that your nonprofit deserves the public's trust.  Our attorneys offer guidance to nonprofit leaders on how to operate a nonprofit organization within the legal limits of the law while adhering to the organization’s standards.