Lowenstein Sandler on Thursday announced the formal launch of its Social Impact practice, a cross-disciplinary legal group designed to serve the rapidly growing sector where purpose and profit intersect. The new practice solidifies the firm’s long-standing commitment to the social innovation economy, providing sophisticated legal counsel to mission-driven companies and the investors who fund them.
The practice will offer strategic legal solutions that align clients’ social and environmental objectives with strong business performance. It draws upon the firm’s deep bench of expertise across corporate law, fund formation, finance, regulatory compliance, intellectual property, and its tradition of advancing the public interest through extensive pro bono work.
“Our clients are building organizations that marry purpose with performance, and they need legal partners who understand the nuances of social impact,” Chandra Shih, partner in the firm’s Emerging Companies & Venture Capital (ECVC) practice, based in Palo Alto, said.
The new Social Impact practice is structured to help clients navigate complex and evolving legal frameworks while advancing measurable impact. The practice will serve a diverse client base, including:
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Social Enterprises: Structured as traditional corporations, public benefit corporations (PBCs), and hybrid entities.
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Impact Funds: Including fund managers, institutional investors, and family offices.
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Nonprofits: Foundations and operating nonprofits.
Shih emphasized the firm’s collaborative approach: “Lowenstein’s collaborative culture brings together authorities across the areas of capital formation, governance, regulatory compliance, and social justice to help founders and investors achieve durable outcomes and positive community impact.”
The core team includes members from various practice areas and office locations, including several New Jersey-based attorneys such as Christina Holder, Public Interest Counsel in Roseland, N.J., and Kristin V. Taylor, Partner in the Tax practice in New Jersey. They are joined by leaders like Elinor Ramey, Partner and Chair of Exempt Organizations in Washington, DC, and ECVC partners in California and DC.
