Ashford Deborah T

Navigating the complex legal landscape of Washington, D.C., can often feel overwhelming, whether you're an individual seeking guidance or an organization in need of specialized counsel. For those in the District of Columbia looking for seasoned legal expertise, Deborah T. Ashford stands out as a highly respected and experienced lawyer. With a distinguished career spanning decades, Ms. Ashford brings a wealth of knowledge and a professional approach to legal matters, particularly within the realm of tax and corporate law for non-profit entities. This article aims to provide a clear and informative overview of her practice, helping locals in the D.C. area understand the valuable legal support she offers.

Deborah T. Ashford is a prominent figure in the Washington, D.C. legal community, known for her dedication to serving a diverse clientele. As a Senior Partner at Hogan Lovells US LLP, a globally recognized legal services firm, she holds a significant position, heading their Tax-Exempt Organizations Group. Her extensive background includes not only private practice but also public service, having been nominated by President Clinton and elected by the United Nations General Assembly to serve as a Judge on the UN Administrative Tribunal for two terms. This unique blend of experience underscores her comprehensive understanding of legal frameworks at both local and international levels. For residents and organizations within the District of Columbia, understanding the depth of experience a legal professional like Ms. Ashford brings to the table is crucial when seeking reliable and effective representation.

When it comes to legal matters, convenience and accessibility are often key factors for clients. Deborah T. Ashford's office is strategically located in the heart of Washington, D.C., making it easily accessible for anyone in the metropolitan area. The address is 555 13th St NW #800e, Washington, DC 20004, USA. This prime downtown location places her practice within close proximity to major government buildings, financial institutions, and public transportation hubs. For those relying on the Metro, the office is just a short walk from several Metro stations, including Metro Center, which serves the Red, Orange, Silver, and Blue Lines, and McPherson Square, on the Orange, Silver, and Blue Lines. This central positioning ensures that clients from all quadrants of the District and even surrounding areas in Maryland and Virginia can reach her office with ease, minimizing travel time and making appointments more convenient to schedule within a busy D.C. workday. The professional environment of this downtown address also reflects the caliber of legal services provided, ensuring a comfortable and confidential setting for client consultations.

Deborah T. Ashford offers a comprehensive array of legal services, primarily focusing on tax and corporate matters for a diverse range of clients. Her expertise is particularly sought after by non-profit organizations, a sector that plays a vital role in the fabric of the District of Columbia. Her services are tailored to meet the specific needs of these entities, providing guidance through complex regulatory frameworks and ensuring compliance. Locals involved with or leading non-profit initiatives will find her services invaluable in navigating the legal requirements unique to their operations.

• Tax-Exempt Organization Representation: Ms. Ashford provides extensive legal counsel to domestic and international non-profit organizations, including charitable, educational, and healthcare entities, hospitals, private foundations, and trade associations. This includes advising on initial formation, securing federal and state tax exemptions, and maintaining compliance with IRS regulations.

• Corporate Governance: She advises non-profit and related for-profit entities on best practices for corporate governance, ensuring proper operational structures, board responsibilities, and decision-making processes are in place to meet legal standards and organizational goals.

• Lobbying Activities and Political Activities: Given Washington, D.C.'s status as a hub for advocacy, Ms. Ashford offers critical guidance on federal tax limitations related to lobbying and political activities for non-profit organizations, helping them navigate these sensitive areas while remaining compliant with relevant laws.

• International Non-Profit Activities: With her experience at the United Nations Administrative Tribunal, Ms. Ashford is uniquely positioned to represent international non-profits operating within the United States, providing counsel on their activities both domestically and abroad.

• Organizing and Restructuring: She assists organizations in their formation, including the establishment of new non-profit corporations, associations, coalitions, and for-profit subsidiaries, as well as advising on necessary restructuring to adapt to changing legal environments or organizational needs.

• Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT): Ms. Ashford provides expert advice on UBIT, helping non-profits understand and manage income from activities not substantially related to their exempt purpose, ensuring they avoid penalties and maintain their tax-exempt status.

Deborah T. Ashford's legal practice is distinguished by several key features and highlights that set her apart as a top-tier legal professional in Washington, D.C. These aspects reflect her commitment to excellence and her deep understanding of her specialized fields of law, offering significant advantages to her clients.

• Extensive Experience: With a career that commenced after graduating from Yale Law School in 1981 and her continuous tenure at Hogan Lovells (formerly Hogan & Hartson), Ms. Ashford boasts over four decades of legal practice, providing an unparalleled depth of knowledge and experience.

• Leadership in Tax-Exempt Law: As the head of the Tax-Exempt Organizations Group at Hogan Lovells, she is recognized as a leader in this complex and niche area of law, a crucial asset for D.C.'s numerous non-profit organizations.

• International Legal Acumen: Her two terms as a Judge on the United Nations Administrative Tribunal highlight her significant international legal expertise, which is particularly beneficial for global non-profits and organizations with international operations.

• Author and Speaker: Ms. Ashford has contributed significantly to the legal community as a co-author of "Lobbying and the Law" and a frequent speaker at conferences on tax-exempt issues, demonstrating her thought leadership and commitment to educating others in her field.

• Academic Background: Beyond her law degree, her Master's degree in English Literature and prior roles in the Office for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, and the Women's Study Program at the University of Alabama, reflect a broad intellectual foundation and a history of public service.

• High-Caliber Affiliation: Being a Senior Partner at Hogan Lovells US LLP, a leading global law firm, provides clients with the assurance of robust institutional support, cutting-edge legal resources, and a network of highly skilled professionals.

As a professional specializing in legal services, Deborah T. Ashford's practice typically focuses on delivering high-quality, personalized legal advice and representation rather than offering generalized promotions or special offers in the traditional sense. Legal fees and engagement structures are often tailored to the specific needs and complexity of each client's case. Prospective clients are encouraged to directly contact the office to discuss their specific legal requirements and to learn about the consultation process and fee arrangements. This approach ensures that each client receives a transparent understanding of the legal services and associated costs, customized to their unique situation. During an initial consultation, individuals and organizations can gain insights into how Ms. Ashford's expertise can be applied to their particular legal challenges and explore the potential scope of engagement, making it a valuable first step for anyone seeking legal assistance in her areas of specialization.

For those in the District of Columbia and beyond seeking the expertise of Deborah T. Ashford, reaching out is straightforward. You can connect with her office using the following contact information:

• Address: 555 13th St NW #800e, Washington, DC 20004, USA

• Phone: (202) 637-8646

• Mobile Phone: +1 202-637-8646

These contact details provide direct access to schedule consultations or inquire further about the legal services offered. The professional staff at the office are prepared to assist with inquiries, provide directions, and help arrange meetings at a convenient time. Given the high demand for specialized legal counsel in Washington, D.C., it is advisable to contact the office during standard business hours to ensure the most prompt response. Whether you have an immediate legal need or are looking to plan for future compliance and governance, the team is ready to provide the necessary information and support to help you take the next steps.

For locals in the District of Columbia, Deborah T. Ashford represents an exceptionally suitable legal resource, particularly for those involved with non-profit organizations, foundations, or requiring specialized tax and corporate legal guidance. Her practice is deeply embedded within the D.C. legal landscape, offering not just expertise but also a nuanced understanding of the local regulatory environment that is often critical for success. Her long-standing tenure and prominent role at Hogan Lovells US LLP mean that clients benefit from the resources of a global firm combined with the personalized attention of a highly respected individual practitioner. Whether it's navigating the intricacies of tax-exempt status, ensuring robust corporate governance, or understanding the legalities of lobbying activities, Ms. Ashford’s extensive experience, including her international work with the UN, provides a breadth of perspective that is invaluable. Her commitment to education, as evidenced by her publications and speaking engagements, further underscores her dedication to staying at the forefront of legal developments. For individuals and organizations seeking a legal partner who is not only profoundly knowledgeable but also deeply committed to her clients’ success and the well-being of the non-profit sector, Deborah T. Ashford is an ideal choice, offering reliable, insightful, and professional legal support right here in Washington, D.C.