Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Legal aide question

[Sharon Villines (sharon]

> On Jun 16, 2022, at 4:12 PM, Jim Bob <jimjoebob456 [at] hotmail.com> wrote:
> 
> I'm part of a fledgling cohousing group and we are in need of a lawyer.  Was 
> wondering if anyone had any suggestions and tips for legal aid or lawyers 
> they would recommend for cohousing.  A lawyer their group worked with they 
> would recommend to others perhaps?  Any other good resource suggestions for 
> this would be welcome. We are centered out of WA state.

You need to find a lawyer who is interested in “common interest” law — 
organizations in which all the stakeholders have a common interest. And in your 
instance in Washington state. And in cohousing, in real estate. 

Someone who is tuned to groups that value equality and quality over quantity, 
long lasting over quick turnover.

Ask for referrals from non-profit groups, coops, etc. When referrals start 
giving you the same names, you have your lawyer.

Cohousing groups often feel as if they are “non-profit” and worthy of legal aid 
of one sort or another. One of our members said “They should be paying us to do 
this!”

But in fact cohousing is real estate development for oneself, not a charitable 
venture created solely for others.

Sharon
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Sharon Villines
Takoma Village Cohousing, Washington DC
http://www.takomavillage.org