ERIKA E. COLE, ESQ. | THE CHURCH ATTORNEY

ENSURING COMPLIANCE TO ALLOW

KINGDOM WORK TO BE DONE

WE UNDERSTAND THE BUSINESS SIDE OF CHURCH

AND THE SPIRITUAL SIDE

ERIKA E. COLE, ESQ.

THE CHURCH ATTORNEY Erika E. Cole is leading the Churches and Faith-Based Organizations practice at Whiteford, Taylor & Preston LLP SCROLL

Erika E. Cole, Esq. leads the Churches and Faith-Based Organizations practice at Whiteford, Taylor & Preston LLP and is one of only a handful of attorneys in the nation who practices exclusively in the area of Church Law. Known as The Church Attorney®, Erika has dedicated her life to helping

churches of all denominations and sizes ensuring that their legal affairs are in order so they can

focus on spreading their message, serving their communities, and growing their ministries.

For nearly two decades, Erika has partnered with ministries to address everything from

church planting, new leadership transitions, buying and selling property to succession

planning, and helping leadership address the spectrum of governance matters. She has

also assisted churches and ministries obtain 501(c)(3) tax exempt status with a 100%

success rate.

Whether handling an unexpected legal crisis, legal audit or helping churches through

the buying, selling and construction of property, Erika’s philosophy has remained the

same: to provide the same level of excellence, diligence and counsel across the board.

When she isn’t serving as General Counsel for her clients, she is teaching the next

generation of lawyers and community leaders as a Professor at the University of Baltimore

School of Law and Loyola College of Maryland in their MBA Program.

Her calling to support churches and empower its leaders propelled her to join a

year-long mission in Latin America where she worked with churches, their members

and advanced human rights. Upon returning, she started a mission’s ministry at

her own church and subsequently participated and oversaw several other mission

trips taking missionaries from South Dakota to Namibia.

Erika’s reputation as a Thought Leader in the Church Law community has

attracted a myriad of opportunities such as:

2011: Appointed to the Panel of Legal Experts for the Commission of

Accountability for Religious Organizations.

2013: Appointed to Board of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability.

2013: Opened a second office to better serve a growing client base in a new

region.

2016: Admitted to the Bar of the Supreme Court.

Erika and her husband Brien are happily married and are the loving parents of two sons.

ABOUT |

Biography

Capabilities

Speakers Sheet

SERVICES |

The staff of The Law Offices of Erika E. Cole, LLC is committed to providing excellent legal representation with competence, character, and compassion. We provide the following legal services:

Whether you are renovating your existing Church building, or purchasing land for the construction of a new facility, we can answer your questions and guide you through the complex process from loan acquisition to settlement.

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Advice Regarding Bank Financing and Construction Loans

Establishing a properly functioning governing body is an integral part of your Church or non-profit. And while Board Members may be more than willing to fulfill their obligations, they often need instruction and guidance to best carry out these duties. Mrs. Cole is highly experienced and much sought after in this capacity, and can guide your Trustees and Officers to a greater understanding of their role.

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Training for Board of Trustees and Officers

Mrs. Cole has over 17 years of experience in obtaining tax-exempt status for Churches and other non-profit organizations with a 100% success rate! Our office has a thorough understanding of the IRS requirements and process for tax-exempt status, and we see each application through to completion.

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The Church Charter is a key first step in answering the call to start your Church. We can draft and finalize this crucial document that will help establish your Church as a legal entity. Also, we can assist in the preparation of By-Laws to avoid costly litigaton.

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Over the past five years, lawsuits against churches have increased dramatically. Larger churches face an even greater risk of litigation. It has been reported that churches with more than 1,000 members have a 1 in 12 chance of being sued. Most lawsuits regard church employees, church property matters, church governance, or allegations of inappropriate relations.

This distressing trend means that church leaders must assess their risk, implement appropriate policies, and if necessary, vigorously defend the church in litigation. Mrs. Cole has successfully represented churches to ensure their continuity and protection.

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