Suzanne Ross McDowell

For the thriving community of non-profit organizations, charities, private foundations, and trade associations in Washington, D.C., navigating the intricate landscape of tax and corporate governance law is absolutely essential. These organizations operate under a distinct set of rules and regulations, and understanding how to comply with them while achieving their mission requires highly specialized legal expertise. In this critical field, Suzanne Ross McDowell stands as a distinguished and highly respected attorney, offering in-depth counsel to a wide array of exempt organizations from her base in the nation's capital.

This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Suzanne Ross McDowell's practice, specifically tailored for local users within the District of Columbia. We will explore her unique area of specialization, her convenient office location, the specific services she provides, and the notable highlights of her career and approach. With a professional yet friendly tone, we seek to illuminate why Suzanne Ross McDowell is an ideal resource for nonprofits and other exempt organizations looking for expert legal guidance right here in D.C.

Suzanne Ross McDowell practices at 1330 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA. This address places her within a prominent and easily accessible part of Washington, D.C., specifically in the vibrant Dupont Circle area. This central location is highly advantageous for clients situated throughout the District of Columbia and the wider metropolitan region.

The office benefits from excellent public transportation links. It is a short walk from the Dupont Circle Metro Station, which is served by the Red Line, providing convenient access for those traveling from various parts of D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Numerous bus routes also run along Connecticut Avenue NW, further enhancing its accessibility. For clients who prefer to drive, while parking in downtown D.C. can sometimes be a challenge, there are often public parking garages available within reasonable walking distance of the building, offering a practical option for visitors.

Being located on Connecticut Avenue NW, a major thoroughfare, also signifies the firm's presence in a key professional and governmental hub. This proximity is particularly beneficial for an attorney specializing in tax and corporate governance for exempt organizations, as it allows for direct engagement with relevant government agencies and stays abreast of legislative and regulatory changes impacting her clients.

Suzanne Ross McDowell focuses her practice primarily on the legal needs of tax-exempt organizations. Her expertise covers a broad spectrum of tax and corporate governance issues critical to the effective and compliant operation of charities, private foundations, trade associations, professional societies, educational institutions, and other non-profit entities. Her services include:

• Tax Planning and Compliance: Advising on complex tax planning matters specifically tailored for exempt organizations. This includes navigating the intricacies of the Internal Revenue Code, unrelated business income tax (UBIT), and other federal and state tax regulations to ensure compliance and optimize tax efficiency.

• Corporate Governance: Providing comprehensive counsel to exempt organizations and their boards of directors on a wide array of governance matters. This includes advising on board and committee structures, fiduciary duties, conflicts of interest, potential director liabilities, and strategies for protection from liability. She helps organizations establish robust governance frameworks that align with best practices and legal requirements.

• IRS Representation: Representing clients before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in audits, inquiries, and other regulatory matters. Her experience in dealing directly with the IRS, stemming from her prior role at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, provides a distinct advantage in resolving complex tax issues.

• Governmental and Legislative Advocacy: Utilizing her deep understanding of tax policy and her experience working with Congress and the Department of the Treasury to advocate on behalf of her clients. She advises on legislative and regulatory issues affecting exempt organizations, helping them anticipate and respond to policy changes.

• Internal Investigations: Conducting confidential internal investigations on behalf of boards of directors, addressing sensitive issues such as alleged misconduct, governance failures, or compliance breaches. This service helps organizations maintain integrity and address challenges proactively.

• Formation and Restructuring: Guiding new and existing organizations through the process of formation, obtaining tax-exempt status, and advising on restructuring to ensure legal compliance and optimal operational structure.

• Transactional Advice: Providing legal counsel on commercial transactions entered into by nonprofit corporations, ensuring they are structured in a manner consistent with their exempt status and legal obligations.

Suzanne Ross McDowell's distinguished career and specialized focus are highlighted by several key features:

• Deep Expertise in Tax-Exempt Organizations: Her practice is almost exclusively dedicated to the law of tax-exempt organizations. This singular focus ensures an unparalleled depth of knowledge and a nuanced understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities facing non-profits.

• Former U.S. Treasury Department Experience: A significant highlight of her career is her tenure as Associate Tax Legislative Counsel at the U.S. Department of the Treasury (1983-1987), where she was responsible for legislative and regulatory issues affecting exempt organizations. This invaluable experience provides her with a unique insider's perspective on tax policy and governmental processes.

• Recognized Thought Leader: Suzanne Ross McDowell is frequently invited to speak and write on topics related to tax-exempt organizations. Her contributions to academic papers and presentations, particularly on areas like unrelated debt-financed income rules, underscore her reputation as a thought leader in the field.

• Prestigious Affiliations and Recognitions: She has been elected to the American Law Institute (ALI), an independent organization dedicated to clarifying and improving the law. She has also served in leadership roles within the Tax Sections of the D.C. Bar and the American Bar Association, including chairing committees on exempt organizations. These affiliations highlight her standing and influence within the legal community.

• Comprehensive Governance Counsel: Beyond tax matters, her strong focus on corporate governance is a crucial asset for boards of directors of exempt organizations. Her advice helps these boards navigate their fiduciary duties and mitigate potential liabilities.

• Client-Centric Approach: While specific client testimonials were not widely available in public data, her long-standing practice and high-level engagements suggest a commitment to providing thorough, practical, and effective counsel tailored to the specific needs of each exempt organization.

As a highly specialized and well-established attorney in the field of tax and corporate governance for exempt organizations, Suzanne Ross McDowell, consistent with professional legal practices, does not typically advertise "promotions" or "special offers." The value of her services stems from her extensive expertise, significant experience, and the high quality of legal counsel she provides, rather than from discounted rates or limited-time deals.

Legal fees for such specialized services are generally determined based on the complexity of the legal issues involved, the amount of time and resources required, and the unique challenges presented by each client's situation. Clients engaging Suzanne Ross McDowell can expect a professional fee structure that reflects her deep knowledge and the critical nature of the legal guidance she offers.

Prospective clients, particularly non-profit organizations, charities, and associations in Washington, D.C., are encouraged to reach out directly to discuss their specific tax or governance needs. During an initial consultation, it is customary to gain a clearer understanding of the scope of work and the associated fee arrangements.

If your organization in the District of Columbia requires expert legal assistance with tax or corporate governance matters for exempt organizations, you can contact Suzanne Ross McDowell using the following information:

• Address: 1330 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA

• Phone: (202) 429-3000

• Mobile Phone: +1 202-429-3000

When making contact, it can be helpful to have a concise overview of your organization's legal needs or the specific issue you are facing. This will enable her team to understand your inquiry efficiently and ensure you are connected with the appropriate resources to address your concerns.

For the myriad of non-profit organizations, charities, and other exempt entities operating within the District of Columbia, Suzanne Ross McDowell represents an exceptionally suitable and invaluable legal resource. Her practice is uniquely tailored to the complex and highly regulated world of tax-exempt organizations, offering a level of specialized expertise that is paramount for compliance and effective governance.

Her background, including significant experience at the U.S. Department of the Treasury and active involvement in shaping tax policy, provides a strategic advantage to her D.C.-based clients. This insider's perspective, combined with her decades of practical experience, ensures that organizations receive forward-thinking and robust legal advice. The convenient location on Connecticut Avenue NW also means that local clients have easy access to a top-tier legal professional right in their own city.

Whether your organization is navigating intricate IRS regulations, seeking to strengthen its corporate governance, or requires counsel on new legislative impacts, Suzanne Ross McDowell offers the precise, informed, and dedicated legal guidance necessary to thrive in Washington, D.C.'s unique environment. Her commitment to the non-profit sector makes her an indispensable partner for local exempt organizations.