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Professional Recognition and Distinctions

  • Colorado Super Lawyers®, Nonprofit/Charities Law (2014-2026)

  • The Best Lawyers America®, Nonprofit Law (2015-2023)

  • Denver’s Best Lawyers (2013, 2018)

  • The People’s Court Choice, Law Week Colorado, Barrister’s Best, Nonprofit Law, 2010

Admitted

  • Colorado

  • U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado 

Education

  • University of Denver Sturm College of Law, LL.M. / Taxation (1999)

  • University of Colorado School of Law, J.D. (1996)

  • Smith College, B.A. cum laude (1993)

Memberships

  • Colorado Bar Association

  • Denver Bar Association

  • Colorado Women’s Bar Association 

Attorney

Cara B. Lawrence

Contact Cara >

Cara Lawrence is an experienced tax and corporate attorney based in Denver, Colorado, specializing in nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations, including trade and professional organizations. Cara helps organizations at the forefront of philanthropy, advocacy, and social impact navigate complex legal and regulatory challenges.

Her practice integrates strategic legal insight with a deep commitment to advancing organizations that influence public policy, strengthen communities, and drive global change. Cara’s practice covers the full spectrum of nonprofit and tax-exempt law, providing comprehensive counsel to charities, foundations, associations, and social enterprises, with particular expertise in lobbying and advocacy, political activities, corporate governance, and complex tax issues affecting charitable and social enterprises.

Cara represents public charities, private foundations, community foundations, political organizations, and professional associations on matters including:

  • Formation, tax-exempt status, and operations

  • Lobbying and advocacy compliance

  • Unrelated business income tax (UBIT) and self-dealing rules

  • Corporate governance and fiduciary duties

  • Grantmaking and endowment management

  • International nonprofit operations

  • Fiscal sponsorships and fundraising compliance

  • Mergers, affiliations, and restructuring

  • Social impact and mission-related investments

  • Outside general counsel

Through her international perspective and deep sector knowledge, Cara helps tax-exempt organizations achieve legal compliance while maximizing their philanthropic, advocacy, and community impact.