Religious Organizations

Robinson & Cole has extensive experience providing counsel and advocacy to religious organizations of many different denominations. We have devoted our attention to matters relating to governance, risk management, fiduciary responsibilities, tax-exempt status, charitable giving, endowments, contracts, real estate, land use, and litigation. We have also counseled organizations on hiring, discipline, termination, and other employment issues and have drafted employment agreements and personnel policies. Further, we have trained religious leaders in the complex area of tax and employment laws and have obtained U.S. work visas for renowned theologians. The services we have provided to religious entities are as varied as the organizations and their activities. In each case, we coordinate our services in a manner sensitive to the unique characteristics and mission of the organization.

Our long tradition of pro bono publico service has included substantial work on behalf of religious organizations by our attorneys. Among our partners, we are proud to include the current chancellor of the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut, Bradford S. Babbitt. In this role, attorney Babbitt serves as general counsel to the bishop of Connecticut in the Episcopal Church, advising the bishop on all legal issues that come before him. Attorney Babbitt follows in the dedicated footsteps of the late Edward F. Hennessey, a partner in our firm for more than 40 years, who provided pro bono service to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Hartford and numerous affiliated entities with zeal and compassion throughout his professional life.

We represent religious clients in matters before the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General, the Internal Revenue Service, the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services, the probate courts, and other authorities. We have extensive experience advising our clients in negotiating and closing tax-exempt financing transactions.

WHAT’S NEW

5.22.13

Robinson & Cole Lawyers Provide Pro Bono Support to Norwich Soup Kitchen