Seth Perlman has provided legal counsel to the philanthropic sector for more than thirty-five years. He works with numerous public charities, private foundations, fundraising professionals, for-profit businesses engaged in philanthropy, international NGOs and social enterprises.

Seth assists clients to optimize their ability to achieve mission by advising on matters relating to organizational structure, governance, regulatory compliance and nonprofit commercial activities. He advises social entrepreneurs seeking to provide social benefit through non-traditional for-profit organizational structures. 

Seth has litigated in several state and federal jurisdictions on issues relevant to the philanthropic community. He is an outspoken advocate for the sector through his participation with nonprofit trade associations including the Association of Fundraising Professionals, The Nonprofit Alliance, Direct Marketing Fundraisers Association, Independent Sector, and Nonprofit New York. He is a founding board member of the Charity Defense Council in support of their mission “to change the way people think about changing the world.”

Seth is an advisor to C-level executives and the boards of a broad range of U.S. nonprofits. He sits on the boards of philanthropic organizations in Canada, France, and Germany. He led the formation and incubation of a number of nonprofit organizations in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and France which are focused on brain diseases and cancer.

General Counsel to nonprofit boards, including strategic and legal consulting on

• Complex governance issues such as board oversight, decision-making power, and board member fiduciary duties
• Strategic planning focused on near-term and long-term challenges and opportunities
• Internal disputes and investigations
• Organizational sustainability including charitable giving and fundraising strategy, investment, budget and risk management
• Strategic partnerships and collaborations
• Transition of organizational founder for various renowned national organizations.

Legal counsel relating to fundraising, revenue generation and charitable solicitation compliance for nonprofit organizations including

• Cause marketing campaigns
• Hybrid business structures
• Corporate alliances
• Joint ventures
• State and federal regulatory compliance

Litigation and dispute resolution on matters including

• Board disputes
• Action and investigations by state regulatory authorities
• Constitutional and regulatory issues affecting the nonprofit sector
• Vendor disputes

Practising Law Institute, Advising Nonprofit Organizations 2023, Program Co-Chair

Charity Defense Council, Founding Board Member

Association of Fundraising Professionals, Direct Marketing Fundraisers Association, Special Counsel

Nonprofit New York, Government Affairs Committee

American Bar Association – Exempt Organizations Committee, Member

American Bar Association – Business Law Committee, Member

New York City Bar Association Member