Caritas Law Group: Small is Beautiful

Small is Beautiful

Yes, the rumors are true. CharityLawyer has formed her own law firm. My theme for 2010 is Small is Beautiful. I started my career at a big four accounting firm with thousands of tax professionals, moved down the food chain to a national law firm of only 400 lawyers, and then to a regional law firm with a mere 200 lawyers. So, to continue the trend, I have started my own boutique law firm specializing in representing nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations. The firm is located in Phoenix, Arizona but will represent clients with respect to exempt organizations matters nationwide.

Why is small beautiful? In my case, it comes down to a need to be creative, innovative, and have the freedom to experiment. It also comes down to the desire to see my vision and my values permeate every aspect of my life including my work life.

Related Read: Small is Beautiful: Economics as if People Mattered

What is my vision for the firm? Of course, I want the firm to provide the highest quality legal services. I also want to provide those services with integrity, creativity, and an eye on helping our clients maximize their legal budget and their community impact. In pursuit of this vision, the firm will uphold these values:

  • We will not over-service or over-charge.
  • We will offer alternative fee arrangements that suit clients’ budgeting needs and utilize the latest technology and practice management tools to control costs and deliver consistently excellent results.
  • We will listen to and be responsive to our clients and endeavor to have a close, mutually-beneficial working relationship with them.
  • We will recognize that our staff is our most important asset and we will create an environment where the contribution of every individual is valued, where each individual has the opportunity to develop, and where each individual’s need to balance work responsibilities with family and other responsibilities is respected.
  • We will not be afraid of change. We will seek out the technology, processes, and practices that will assist us in maximizing value to our clients.
  • We will be proactive not reactive.
  • We will treat our colleagues in other law firms with professional courtesy and respect.
  • We will not represent people or organizations who are not prepared to act lawfully.
  • We will consider the long-term interests of the firm and its clients as well as the effects of our actions on our employees, colleagues, service providers, vendors, community, and the environment.
  • We will serve as a resource by leveraging our work in ways that benefit the nonprofit sector, and therefore the community, as a whole.

Look for some exciting changes in the next few weeks. Change is coming and change is good.

Related Post: Caritas Law Group: A Certified B Corp


Ellis Carter is a nonprofit lawyer with Caritas Law Group, P.C. licensed to practice in Washington and Arizona. Ellis advises nonprofit and socially responsible businesses on corporate, tax, and fundraising regulations nationwide. Ellis also advises donors with regard to major gifts. To schedule a consultation with Ellis, call 602-456-0071 or email us through our contact form

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2 thoughts on “Caritas Law Group: Small is Beautiful”

  1. Carter Law Group sounds like a great place. I’m so excited for you and for the organizations you will work with.

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