Eleanor Evans has over 20 years’ experience representing nonprofit and for-profit organizations in a diverse range of legal, governance and compliance matters. She provides practical advice to private foundations, public charities and other tax-exempt organizations on strategic initiatives and day-to-day operations.
Having served nonprofit organizations in senior legal and management positions, Eleanor understands the opportunities and challenges her clients face. She works collaboratively with clients to help them achieve their objectives, with an eye to managing risk and assuring compliance.
Prior to joining Hemenway & Barnes, Eleanor served as General Counsel of Action for Boston Community Development, Inc. (ABCD), one of the largest nonprofit human services providers in New England. She also served as Executive Director/General Counsel of Community Action Program Legal Services, Inc. (CAPLAW), a nonprofit providing legal assistance and training to a national network of approximately 1,000 human services providers known as Community Action Agencies. Previously, she represented for-profit and nonprofit entities in corporate, tax, employee benefits and executive compensation matters at a prominent Boston law firm.
“Not only must nonprofits mind the bottom line, they must also demonstrate their impact, satisfy expectations of various stakeholders and comply with a range of regulatory requirements. In working with nonprofit clients, I draw on my legal experience and understanding of their operations, finances and governance – as well as the context in which they work – to help them navigate these responsibilities and achieve their goals.”