Employment Law for Volunteers, Interns, and Contractors: Navigating Legal Issues for Nonprofits

Nonprofits depend heavily on volunteers and interns to drive their missions forward. However, managing these programs can come with legal challenges, from misclassification lawsuits to liability issues. Join us on Wednesday, July 31st, 2024, from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm with Casey Williams, Partner at Liebert Cassidy Whitmore, who specializes in employment law for nonprofits. We’ll break down the legal distinctions between volunteers, interns, employees, and contractors. We’ll also cover strategies to mitigate risks, such as background checks, waivers, and training programs.

Nonprofit organizations of all shapes and sizes rely on volunteers and interns for a variety of reasons. Volunteers help maximize community involvement and are a critical part of completing programmatic activities, allowing organizations to stretch their resources. Interns perform many of these same functions while also helping nonprofits further their programmatic goals. Importantly, volunteers and interns often serve as some of the greatest advocates for our organizations in the community.

However, there are a number of legal complexities and pitfalls associated with operating volunteer programs and internships. Employment concerns, such as misclassification lawsuits and harassment claims, can arise. There are also liability issues related to volunteers or interns getting hurt or causing harm to others, as well as questions about the necessary training for volunteers and interns. Nonprofit organizations need to be mindful of this complex legal landscape to protect themselves, the work they do, and the communities they serve.

This webinar will cover the legal distinctions under California and federal law between volunteers and interns, as well as other individuals who work for nonprofits, such as employees and contractors. From there, we will discuss the unique legal risks raised by volunteer and internship programs and ways to reduce those risks. Strategies may include background checks, waivers, training programs, evaluating stipend programs, and oversight. Attendees will leave better prepared to implement measures that reduce risks and increase compliance with volunteer and internship programs while furthering their organizations’ programmatic needs and mission objectives.

FREE for All