Jonathan Grissom

About Jonathan Grissom

My primary practice areas are business and corporate law and tax. I represent a wide variety of public charities, private foundations, and other nonprofit organizations, including scientific research organizations, social welfare organizations, professional societies, trade groups, educational institutions and related groups, religious organizations, business leagues, hospitals and related groups, social clubs, and organizations dedicated to animal welfare, environmental protection, human rights, arts and culture, and other philanthropic causes. My experience includes advising and assisting clients concerning start up and entity selection, entity formation, applications for federal and state tax exempt status, regulatory compliance, fiscal sponsorship arrangements, compliance with applicable public support tests, charitable solicitations, tax-exempt bond financings, endowment funds, property tax exemption, the protection of assets, political activities, lobbying, unrelated business income, contracts, joint ventures, grant making, program related investments, mergers, and dissolutions.I also advise corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, and other business entities regarding various transactions, including business formation, commercial contracts, structuring, negotiating, and documenting the acquisition and sale of businesses, joint ventures, real estate acquisitions, leases, and other complex business transactions. I have represented clients before the Internal Revenue Service, California Franchise Tax Board, the California State Board of Equalization, and the California Attorney General’s office. I am a former extern with the Honorable Rudi M. Brewster, U.S. District Court, Southern District of California. I am a frequent speaker on legal topics affecting nonprofit organizations.

Experience

1. Principal, Member of the Nonprofit Organizations Practice Group

   Polsinelli

   Oct 2025 — Present

   I help nonprofit organizations tackle the full range of legal, tax and operational complexity that comes with impact-driven work. I works closely with clients across the nonprofit sector, including public charities, private foundations, research institutes, hospitals, advocacy groups, religious and educational institutions, business leagues, trade associations, philanthropic organizations and more at each stage of the nonprofit lifecycle.

Education

• California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

  B.S., Business Administration, Corporate Finance

  1991 — 1994

• University of San Diego School of Law

  Master of Laws in Taxation (LLM)

  2001 — 2003

• University of San Diego School of Law

  Juris Doctor

  1994 — 1997

Skills

• Mediation
• Real Estate
• Civil Litigation
• Legal Advice
• Finance
• Commercial Litigation
• Mergers & Acquisitions
• Public Speaking
• Estate Planning
• Leadership
• Corporate Law
• Legal Research
• Business Litigation
• Litigation
• Trusts
• Nonprofits