Legal Counsel for Washington Nonprofits, Foundations, and Socially Responsible Businesses
Justice Studio delivers tailored legal counsel crafted to empower nonprofits and foundations in Washington State. We also work with socially responsible small businesses. Our deep expertise in governance and compliance ensures your mission is your focus, instead of unexpected challenges.
Strategic, values-aligned legal support for nonprofits and small for-profits navigating governance, compliance, risk, and growth
Our Services
Justice Studio works with nonprofits and foundations (and sometimes, with for-profit change-makers) on the legal issues that most often slow good work down or quietly put organizations at risk. If you’re unsure whether an issue is “legal” or “strategic,” it usually is both. That’s where I work best, including:
- Nonprofit governance and board advising
- Startup and wind-down (including discussing fiscal sponsorship and other models)
- Bylaws, policies, and organizational documents
- Executive leadership transitions and decision-making support
- Compliance and risk management
- Contracts, leases, MOUs, endowments, and partnership agreements
- Strategic legal advice during growth, change, or conflict
How I Work
My approach blends legal expertise with systems thinking, practical judgment, and a deep understanding of how nonprofits and community-grounded small businesses actually operate.
Advising
Clear, direct legal advice grounded in nonprofit and business realities, not theory or boilerplate.
Advocating
Helping organizations navigate power, risk, and responsibility while staying aligned with their missions and values.
Championing
Supporting leaders, entrepreneurs, and boards as they make hard decisions, manage change, and move forward with confidence.
About Carrie Griffin Basas, Esq.
I am a Washington State–licensed attorney with decades of experience working alongside nonprofits, foundations, public-interest organizations, and creative business owners.
I’ve served as executive director of statewide advocacy organizations, led government oversight offices, taught law, and advised boards and executive leaders through moments of growth, crisis, and transition. I bring that full context to my legal practice. I also have personal experience starting nonprofits and businesses, and serving on boards.
Clients work with me because I combine legal rigor with clarity, creativity, and a deep respect for nonprofit leadership. As a small business owner, I also seek work where I can have a greater impact on my community and the state by supporting like-minded entrepreneurs.
The nerdy parts:
- Harvard Law School graduate
- First licensed to practice law in 2003
- Lives in Seattle, but offers legal services remotely statewide
- Tends to have a number of clients focused on disability, health equity, the arts, youth, and justice
- Former ombuds
- Has a master’s in education policy
Your Nonprofit Lawyer Who Spends Locally
Not just a lawyer who works with nonprofits
Risk-Savvy
Nonprofits face legal issues that are deeply tied to governance, values, funding structures, and community trust. Relying on well-intentioned board volunteers can create real risks.
Mission-Aligned
My work is focused on the nonprofit and social-impact sector. The advice you receive fits your organization, not a corporate template.
Related Work
For my work beyond nonprofit general counsel and small-business support squad:
Aligna – Strategy, leadership, and organizational consulting (Think Chief Strategy Officer, not Chief Legal Officer. Aligna is the 2026 rebranding of CoDesign Works.)
A-Line – Accessibility and disability rights legal support in Washington State (offered through Aligna)
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Sound like a good fit for your org or business?
I am currently limiting my client list, but I encourage you to reach out to me with a brief explanation of what you are seeking: carrie@justice-studio.com. Please do not include confidential information. I’m easiest to reach by email, but you can also call or text me at 857-209-8118.