Board of Director issues bring recurring and sometimes unique legal challenges to the Cooperative industry.  Smith and Christensen, LLP, has seen many of these issues before and is available to help your organization move past these challenges.

Policies:
At the most basic level, we are available to help your Cooperative establish effective Board policies to clarify your Board’s duties and obligations.  Such policies can be critical in resolving internal Board conflicts, establishing ethical boundaries and defining the Board’s role in your organization. Most recently, we have developed a comprehensive consulting practice to focus on 990 issues and help Cooperatives meet the increasingly strict standards required by federal law.

Elections:
Board elections are also a frequent source of legal conflict.  The firm is available to help as needed, both over the phone and through an on-site presence.  We have broad experience in general campaign matters, establishing the Bylaw rules for elections, resisting corporate campaigns and addressing member challenges.

Financial: 
The firm has broad experience in addressing Board financial issues, including questions of Director compensation, per diem expenditures, travel expenses, health expenditures and difficult issues involving "deferred compensation" and so-called "retirement" plans.

General Matters:
Finally, Smith and Christensen, LLP, is available to help with the full range of general Board matters confronting your Cooperative.  Such matters might involve relatively uncomplicated questions about Board Minutes; or more complex questions about Bylaw amendments, Director retirement, or Sarbanes-Oxley type issues.