David Lawson
An authority on tax exemption, philanthropy, and social impact, David advises organizations seeking to make a difference.
David Lawson represents foundations, hospital and medical research organizations, trade associations, universities, social service providers, and businesses, helping them find innovative ways to benefit their communities more effectively. His knowledge encompasses a variety of topics relating to federal tax exemption, nonprofit governance, charitable trust laws, and lobbying and issue advocacy.
David has completed dozens of complex transactions, from spinoffs of major programs to multiparty mergers to hospital joint ventures, and often advises nonprofit boards facing difficult situations. For more than a decade, he has engaged productively with the federal and state regulators that supervise nonprofits, including the successful resolution of significant Internal Revenue Service examinations and attorney general investigations.
David serves as the chair of the Nonprofit Corporations Committee of the Washington State Bar Association’s Business Law Section. As the committee’s recorder, he played a primary role in drafting Washington’s new Nonprofit Corporation Act, which took effect at the beginning of 2022.
A longtime volunteer for Communities Rise and its predecessor organizations, David serves as director and board secretary.
Education & Credentials
Education
- Harvard Law School, J.D., Online Executive Editor, Journal of Law & Technology, 2008
- University of Washington, M.M., Violin, magna cum laude, 2004
- University of Washington, B.M. and B.A., Violin, magna cum laude, 1999
Bar and Court Admissions
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Washington
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District of Columbia
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New York
Related Employment
- Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, Seattle, WA, Counsel, 2020-2022; Associate, 2012-2020
- Caplin & Drysdale, Chartered, Washington, D.C., Associate, 2010-2012
- Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP, Washington, D.C., Associate, 2008-2010
Professional Recognition
Listed in Best Lawyers in America: Trusts and Estates, 2024-2025
Impact
Professional Leadership
- Washington State Bar Association, Nonprofit Corporations Committee, Business Law Section Chair
Community Involvement
- Communities Rise, Board Secretary and Director
- Municipal League of King County, Director
- Harvard Club of Seattle, Director
