Experience. Dedication. Results.
Churches, ministries and other charities face an increasingly complex legal environment. Jonathan Whitehead understands the unique challenges of religious ministries, and the complexities of nonprofit charity law.
Whether you need assistance with:
- Governance, polity, or fiduciary responsibilities
- Policy/Compliance Audits, or
- Litigation or dispute resolution
Mr. Whitehead can help your charitable group design a strategy that helps accomplish its mission.
Jonathan R. Whitehead
More than a decade of experience.
Jon received his J.D. from Harvard Law School in 2004.
He is licensed in Missouri, the Federal Court in the Western District of Missouri, and the United States Supreme Court.
Mr. Whitehead has represented, advised, and litigated on behalf of nonprofits, charities, and religious ministries for more than a decade.
Tax law, charity law, and Constitutional issues create a complex web of legal duties and principles. And these important organizations are increasingly subject to scrutiny and litigation. It is important to have an advocate that understands the charity’s goals and structures.
Mr. Whitehead represents charities, including religious organizations, in litigation. He also advises these groups about formation (including new ‘church plants‘ and ‘multi site’ congregations), church governing documents, 501(c)3 application, ministerial compensation and housing allowance, litigation avoidance, fiduciary duty, and other legal issues.
Example Cases*
Heartland v. Gashland
Missouri Court of Appeals
Represented local congregation in denominational property dispute. Missouri Court of Appeals affirmed local congregation’s motion to dismiss.
Missouri Court of Appeal, Western District ; reported at 364 S.W.3d 575, 577 (Mo.App. W.D. 2012).
Zavala v. Castaneda
Jackson County Circuit Court
Lead trial counsel. Represented church directors unlawfully ousted from their positions, and obtained judgment against bylaws “advisor” who engaged in the unlawful, unauthorized practice of law. Clients and key witnesses were native Spanish speakers, and the matter was tried using interpreters. Judgment for Plaintiff directors.
Town of Greece, N.Y. v. Galloway
United States Supreme Court
Brief Amicus Curiae for the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention.
Whistleblowing Litigation
United States District Court
Brought Federal False Claims Act / ‘qui tam’ suit on behalf of former executive director of nonprofit organization. Matter resolved prior to trial.
*Past results no guarantee of future performance. Each case is unique and must be judged on its own facts.
Attorney
Jonathan R. Whitehead
Jonathan Whitehead is a Harvard-trained lawyer practicing in suburban Kansas City, Missouri.
For more than a decade, he has advised clients in all phases of litigation.
Ready to Talk to Us?
We’re looking forward to meeting you and discussing the options available to solve your legal problem. Your consultation will be confidential and you are under no obligation to retain our services. We’re ready to find a solution to your legal problem. Please click the button below to schedule your consultation.
Location
- 229 SE Douglas St.
Suite 210
Lee’s Summit, Mo 64063
Hours
- Monday – Friday: 9am – 5pm
Our Misison
Our mission at the Law Offices of Jonathan R. Whitehead LLC is to provide professional and cost-effective legal representation to our clients. We handle every case as if we were representing a close friend or family member. We strive for excellence in our service and a satisfactory resolution to our clients’ concerns.
We actively practice in the federal and state courts in Missouri, including Jackson County Circuit Court, Clay County Circuit Court, Cass County Circuit Court, Johnson County Circuit Court, the Missouri Court of Appeal (Western District), and the federal Court for the Western District of Missouri, and other courts in the Kansas City area.
Missouri Disclaimer:
The choice of a lawyer is an important decision, and should not be based solely on advertisements.
*Past results afford no guarantee of future results. Every case is different and must be judged on its own merits