May L. Harris

May L. Harris is the Founder and CEO of For Purpose Law Group. She advises nonprofit organizations, social enterprises, and philanthropic leaders on nonprofit formations and exemptions, governance, compliance, and tax issues. Since founding the firm in 2012, she has directed its strategy and development. Her work supports organizations at different stages, from emerging nonprofits to established institutions addressing growth, operational responsibilities, and significant changes in leadership or structure.

Harris earned a Juris Doctor from the University of San Diego School of Law, where she was Managing Editor of the Journal of Contemporary Legal Issues. She also received a Master of Arts in Nonprofit Leadership & Management from the university’s School of Leadership and Education Sciences. Her Bachelor of Science in Geology / Mathematics is from the University of Utah. This background combines legal preparation with nonprofit management education.

Harris’s professional experience includes serving as a nonprofit founder, executive director, board member, and corporate counsel. Those roles provide direct familiarity with the operational challenges facing mission-driven organizations. She works with clients on governance, compliance, strategic growth, and major transitions while overseeing the firm’s practice groups. Her advice considers how legal decisions affect both organizational responsibilities and the day-to-day work needed to sustain programs and advance a nonprofit’s mission.

May L. Harris is admitted to practice in California and Washington, D.C. She teaches nonprofit legal issues and risk management at the University of San Diego and speaks on governance and regulatory topics. Her professional involvement includes American Bar Association committees concerning tax-exempt organizations and nonprofits. Through legal counsel, teaching, and firm leadership, she helps organizations understand their obligations and develop practical structures for responsible operations and continued mission-focused work.

Law Office Affiliations

• Founder, For Purpose Law Group, A Professional Law Corporation
• Member, The State Bar of California
• Member, District of Columbia Bar
• Member of the Tax-Exempt Organizations Standing Committee, Taxation Section, American Bar Association
• Member, Taxation Section, Nonprofit Organizations Committee, California Lawyers Association
• Member, Taxation Section, Washington, DC Bar Association
• Member, San Diego County Bar Association
• Member, Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)

Licensed State

• California
• District of Columbia

Education

• University of San Diego School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of San Diego, School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES)
  Master of Arts (MA) in Nonprofit Leadership & Management
• University of Utah
  Bachelor of Science (BS) in Geology / Mathematics

Awards & Badges