Overview

About Penny

For more than twenty years, Penny Serrurier has provided nonprofit organizations with strategic solutions for their most pressing challenges. Recognized by Best Lawyers^® for several years as the Oregon “Lawyer of the Year” in Nonprofits / Charities Law, Penny helps clients navigate the complex laws and regulations in all aspects of governance, compliance, and tax-related matters. She has substantial experience working with higher education institutions, health care organizations, public charities and private foundations on issues involving fundraising, governance, advocacy, tax status, scholarship compliance, endowment management, and related matters. Penny understands the regulatory and economic challenges that nonprofits face and she works to assist clients effectively and efficiently in achieving their mission. From 2017 to 2021, Penny served as Portland Office co-Managing Partner.

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Experience

Advise public charities on governance, advocacy, fiduciary compliance, endowment management, scholarship compliance, charitable gift planning, and charitable solicitation matters
Advise trade associations and business organizations on governance, unrelated business income tax and membership and compliance issues
Advise charities, business associations, and social welfare organizations on lobbying, political activity, and related advocacy matters
Advise private foundations and private operating foundations on endowment management, grant-making activities, tax, and compliance issues
Advise corporate foundations and businesses with corporate giving programs on tax and compliance matters
Advise all types of tax-exempt organizations on formation and compliance for joint ventures, parent-subsidiary structures and other matters involving relationships between nonprofit and for-profit entities
Advise individuals, and families on private philanthropy strategies and structures
Represent Section 501(c) organizations before the Internal Revenue Service and the Oregon Department of Justice

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Honors

Honors & Activities

Professional Honors & Activities

Named by Best Lawyers^® as Nonprofit / Charities Law “Lawyer of the Year,” Portland, 2012, 2016, 2018, 2020 and 2024
Included in The Best Lawyers in America^® (Nonprofit / Charities Law, Trusts and Estates), 2014–2024
Listed in Oregon Super Lawyers^® (Estate Planning & Probate, Nonprofit Organizations), 2006–2023
Listed in Chambers High Net Worth Guide (Private Wealth Law—Oregon), 2016–2023
Adjunct Professor of Law (nonprofit organizations), Lewis & Clark Law School
Selected as one of the Top 25 Oregon Women Lawyers, Oregon Super Lawyers^®
Fellow, American College of Trusts and Estates Counsel (ACTEC)
Past Chair, Executive Committee, Estate Planning and Administration Section, Oregon State Bar
Member, Estate Planning Council of Portland
Member, Northwest Planned Giving Roundtable
Member, Business Law, Estate Planning and Administration, and Taxation Sections, Oregon State Bar
Member, Taxation Section, American Bar Association
Member, Multnomah Bar Association
Member, Oregon Women Lawyers

Civic Activities

Director, Oregon Business Council
Marketing Committee, Oregon Community Foundation
Planned Giving Committee, Guide Dogs for the Blind
Legal and planned giving advisor for various local nonprofits
Former Trustee and Board Chair, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
Former Trustee and Board Chair, Oregon Zoo Foundation
Former Trustee, Oregon Symphony Foundation

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Insights & Presentations

Penny is a frequent speaker on topics related to tax-exempt organizations, nonprofit law, scholarship compliance, charitable gift planning, estate planning, and estate and trust administration.