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Gene Takagi
About Gene
Biography
Gene Takagi is a Principal at NEO Law Group and Contributing Publisher of the Nonprofit Law Blog. At NEO, Gene has represented over 800 nonprofit organizations on corporate, tax, and charitable trust law matters. Gene is a popular writer on nonprofit legal topics and has been published by The New York Times, The Nonprofit Quarterly, The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Nonprofit Times, Taxation of Exempts, EO Tax Journal, and ALI-ABA. He is also a popular speaker who has presented at conferences for Independent Sector, BoardSource, the National Association of Attorneys General / National Association of State Charity Officials, CalNonprofits, Net Impact, the American Bar Association, the Western Conference on Tax Exempt Organizations (WCTEO), Georgetown Nonprofit Governance, the Northern California Planned Giving Council, the National Network of Fiscal Sponsors, and numerous local and regional bar and CPA associations. In addition, Gene has been a regular contributor to Tony Martignetti Nonprofit Radio since 2010.
Gene's professional experiences are diverse: corporate attorney for Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP, part-time lecturer at Columbia University, professor of nonprofit law at the University of San Francisco, assistant professor at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, director of the medical and behavior divisions of the San Francisco SPCA, management consultant for Allders International (specialty retail), and managing director of Suki's International (beauty/education). This background helps him provide clear, understandable legal advice with an appreciation of the relevant business issues. Gene, a graduate of UCLA School of Law and of USF's Master of Nonprofit Administration program, is a recipient of multiple awards for his work, including Outstanding Nonprofit Lawyer (American Bar Association, Nonprofit Organizations Committee, 2016), Outstanding Barrister of the Year (Bar Association of San Francisco), Outstanding Volunteer in Public Service (most recently in 2025, Bar Association of San Francisco), and Northern California Super Lawyer (2015-2024). He currently serves on the boards of BoardSource and The Nonprofit Quarterly and the planning committee of the WCTEO. Gene previously served on the boards of CompassPoint, Community Initiatives, Net Impact, JCYC, and the Barristers Club of the Bar Association of San Francisco; the Public Policy Committee and John W. Gardner Leadership Award Committee of Independent Sector; and the board of advisors of the National Center on Philanthropy and the Law at NYU School of Law.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 24 years
State: California
Acquired: 2001
No misconduct found
Location
NEO Law Group
657 Carolina Street, San Francisco, CA, 94107
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Gene Takagi's Reviews
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Gene Takagi's Lawyer Endorsements
Lawrence Zerner
Corporate and incorporation lawyer | Oct 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Gene is one of the best lawyers you can hire when it comes to non-profits. He fully understands the industry and is easy to deal with. I recommend him highly."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Gene Takagi brings a great deal of expertise to any non-profits's legal and business challenges."
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
"I have come to know Gene in the past year and have even learned from him on several matters. Aside from his professional competence, he is also extremely dedicated to his clients and to serving the nonprofit industry."
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Experience
Honors
2025
Outstanding Volunteer in Public Service Award, Bar Association of San Francisco, Volunteer Legal Services Program
2025
Northern California Super Lawyer, Northern California Super Lawyers
2024
Northern California Super Lawyer, Northern California Super Lawyers
2023
Northern California Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2022
Northern California Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2021
Northern California SuperLawyer, SuperLawyers
2020
Northern California Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Northern California Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Northern California Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
Northern California Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
Northern California Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2016
Outstanding Nonprofit Lawyer, American Bar Association, Nonprofit Organizations Committee
2015
Northern California Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2014
Fukkatsu (Resurrection) Award, Nichi Bei Foundation
2010
Outstanding Volunteer in Public Service, Bar Association of San Francisco
2008
Outstanding Volunteer in Public Service, Bar Association of San Francisco
2006
Outstanding Volunteer in Public Service, Bar Association of San Francisco
2003
Outstanding Barrister of the Year, Bar Association of San Francisco
2003
Mayor's Commendation, Mayor of Newark, California
2003
Outstanding Volunteer in Public Service, Bar Association of San Francisco
Work Experience
2019 - Present
Part-Time Lecturer, Columbia University
2005 - Present
Principal, NEO Law Group
2018 - 2020
Assistant Professor, Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
2001 - 2004
Associate, Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP
Associations
2020 - Present
BoardSourceDirector
2018 - Present
The Nonprofit QuarterlyDirector
2015 - Present
CompassPointDirector, Secretary (2017, 2018)
2002 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
2002 - Present
Bar Association of San FranciscoMember
2001 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaMember
2021 - 2024
Center on Philanthropy and the Law at NYU School of LawAdvisory Board Member
2019 - 2019
Independent SectorCommittee Member, John W. Gardner Award Committee
2016 - 2025
Western Conference on Tax-Exempt OrganizationsPlanning Committee Member
2015 - 2016
Independent SectorPublic Policy Committee Member
2009 - 2011
Social Enterprise AllianceMember
2008 - 2014
Community InitiativesDirector, Secretary
2007 - 2011
Northern California Planned Giving CouncilMember
2006 - 2010
Japanese Community Youth CouncilDirector
2005 - 2008
Net ImpactDirector
2005 - 2005
Young Nonprofits Professional Network - SFBADirector
2005 - 2007
California Association of NonprofitsMember
2004 - 2006
Bar Association of San Francisco's Barristers ClubDirector
Education
2001
University of California at Los Angeles School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1998
University of San Francisco
MA - Masters
1994
University of British Columbia
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2023
Nonprofit Organizations Committee meeting
Nonprofits: Engaging Millennials and Gen Z
2023
2023 NAAG/NASCO Annual Charities Conference
Lessons in Nonprofit Governance from the Big (and Small) Screen
2022
Western Conference on Tax Exempt Organizations
Trust Me, I’m a Fiduciary - a Modern Perspective on Traditional Duties
2022
Symposium on The Restatement of The Law, Charitable Nonprofit Organizations
Discussant on Paper by Prof. Atinuke Adediran
2021
Western Conference on Tax Exempt Organizations
Becoming an Anti-racist: Nonprofit: Legal Issues
2020
Facebook Live
Dissolutions & Mergers
2020
Facebook Live
Responding to COVID-19 Legal Issues
2020
Clear Law Institute CLE
Nonprofit mergers and acquisitions
2020
CalCPA 2020 Not-for-Profit Organizations Conference
Enhanced Governance
2019
Western Conference on Tax-Exempt Organizations
Step Out and Vote for Me: Nonprofits and Campaign Activity
2019
Webinar
Practical Strategies to Increase Board Diversity
2019
Webinar
Earned Income Issues and Guidance for California Nonprofits
2019
The Sanford Institute of Philanthropy
Governance and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
2019
Social Enterprise Law Seminar
Affiliations Between Nonprofits and For-profits: Possibilities and Problems,
2019
Northern California Planned Giving Council Annual Conference
DEI, Governance, and Grantmaking
2019
Digital Civil Society Lab
Predictapalooza: Civil society forecast 2019
2019
CLE
The Role of Ethics in Public Service
2019
CLE
Lawyers Serving on a Non-Profit Board: Issue Spotting and 2019 Ethics Update
2018
Western Conference on Tax-Exempt Organizations
Cryptocurrencies
2018
Webinar
Social Media: Legal Issues & Practical Guidance for Nonprofits
2018
Webinar
Representing Charitable Nonprofits: Formation and Exemption
2018
Webinar
Crowdfunding and Your Charity: Legal Traps and Tips from a Nonprofit Lawyer
2018
Georgetown Nonprofit Governance
Strategic Advocacy Using Affiliated 501(c)(3)and 501(c)(4) Organizations
2018
Financial Professionals Network
Big Changes to the Tax Law
2018
CalNonprofits Annual Convention
Nonprofit Law: Ch-ch-ch-changes!
2018
ABA Bar Leadership Institute
Risk Management
2017
Webinar
Earned Income Issues and Guidance for California Nonprofits
2017
Webinar
Nonprofit Social Media Policy: What Should be Addressed?
2017
National Association of Attorneys General / National Association of State Charity Officials Annual Conference
Crowdfunding
2017
AAPIP 2017: National Convening
The Legal Aspects of Philanthropic & Nonprofit Advocacy in the Trump Era
2016
Western Conference on Tax-Exempt Organizations
Nonprofit Crowdfunding
2016
CEB Renewal Retreat: Reignite Your Passion for Law
Legal Careers Outside the Box
2016
CalNonprofits Annual Convention
Hot Topics to Keep Nonprofits Out of Hot Water
2016
Bar Association of San Francisco CLE
Duties and Responsibilities of Serving on a Nonprofit Board
2016
ABA Center for Professional Development
Legal and Ethical Crowdfunding for Non-profits: Opportunities, Pitfalls, and Best Practices
2015
Western Conference on Tax-Exempt Organizations
Current Developments in Nonprofit Law
2015
Nonprofit Interest Group, South Bay Meeting
Nonprofit Legal Structures and Compliance Issues
2015
National Summit on Quality in Home Visiting Programs
Diverse Views on Social Impact Financing
2015
National Network of Fiscal Sponsors Annual Gathering
Opening - Hot Legal Issues
2015
Independent Sector National Conference
Opening Plenary - Threads
2015
Hot Topic Call - NNFS
Risk Assessment for Model A Fiscal Sponsors
2015
CEB Webinar
Nonprofit Law: Hot Topics,
2015
Annual Policy Convention
10 Rules Your Nonprofit Needs to Know for 2016
2014
Section of Taxation - Midyear Meeting
Small Charities - Problems & Solutions
2014
NNFS Hot Topic Conference Call
Legal Topics for Fiscal Sponsors
2014
New Grantmakers Institute
Navigating Legal and Ethical Issues
2014
Meeting of the Nonprofit Organizations Committee
Hot Topics in Fiscal Sponsorship
2014
Independent Sector Public Policy Action Institute
Profit for Good: How Social Enterprise Policy Affects You
2014
GIA Annual Conference
Fiscal Sponsorship: New Practices, New Solutions
2014
Finance Professionals & HR Networks Meeting
Board and Other Committees
2014
2014
CalNonprofits Policy Convention
Hot Topics in Nonprofit Law
2013
Western Conference on Tax-Exempt Organizations
Unrelated Business Income Tax
2013
Social Media for Nonprofits - Silicon Valley
Social Media Policies
2013
Nonprofit Finance and Accounting Symposium
Nonprofit Social Enterprises
2013
Net Impact Annual Conference
Hybrid Organizations
2013
Chronicle Live Discussion
Clever Ways to Thank Donors
2013
BoardSource Leadership Forum
Nonprofit Social Enterprise
2013
Alliance for Community Media National Conference
Nonprofits and Their People
2012
Seminar - SF Conservatory of Music
Nonprofit Organizations for Musicians
2012
Nonprofit Webinars
Earned Income 101 for Nonprofits
2012
Nonprofit Webinars
Nonprofit Advocacy: Lobbying and Election-Related Activities for 501(c)(3)s
2012
Continuing Education of the Bar
Organizing and Advising Nonprofits
2012
2012
Briefing - CompassPoint
Benefit & Flexible Purpose Corporations
2011
State Bar of California, Business Law Section, Nonprofit Organizations Committee
Hybrid Social Enterprises
2011
Seminar - Foundation Center
Legal Issues for Nonprofit Startups
2011
Seminar - CalCPA
Lobbying and Advocacy Activities of Exempt Organizations
2011
Seminar - CalCPA
Lobbying and Advocacy Activities of Exempt Organizations
2011
merging Leaders Program
Compliance
2011
Conference
Fiscal Sponsorship for Arts Organizations
2011
CompassPoint Nonprofit Day
Adopting Earned Revenue Strategies to Bolster Revenue
2011
CLE - SBCBA
Social Enterprises
2011
CLE - BASF
Duties and Responsibilities of Serving on a Nonprofit Board
2011
CLE - BASF
Understanding the L3C
2011
CLE - BASF
Starting & Representing a Nonprofit - Pro Bono Issues
2011
Bar Leadership Institute
Legal Risks for Nonprofit Boards
2011
Annual Conference
Social Enterprises
2010
VLSP
Nonprofit Dissolutions, Mergers & Consolidations
2010
USF MBA Nonprofit Management Class
Nonprofit and Tax-Exempt Organizations Law
2010
Stanford Poli Sci Civil Society Class
Legal Foundations of Civil Society
2010
Seminar
Alternatives to Starting a Nonprofit
2010
ReVisioning Value
Social Enterprise
2010
NAMI-California Annual Meeting
501(c)(3) Compliance
2010
Marin Community Foundation Social Change Grantees
Nonprofit Advocacy Law
2010
CVNL Emerging Leaders Program
Legal Issues Affecting Nonprofits
2010
CLE - Lawline.com
Duties of Serving on the Board of a Nonprofit Corporation
2010
Bar Association of San Francisco
Nonprofit Governance
2009
Stanislaus County Bar Association
Serving on a Nonprofit Board
2009
Seizing the Moment
Nonprofit News Media and L3Cs
2009
Northern California Planned Giving Council
Social Enterprises
2009
National Network of Fiscal Sponsors Annual Gathering
Legal Forum
2009
Bar Association of San Francisco Continuing Legal Education
Duties & Responsibilities of Serving on a Nonprofit Board
2009
American Bar Association, Business Law Today
Responsibilities & Duties of Directors of Nonprofits
2008
Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights
Effective Representation of Pro Bono Clients
2008
Barristers Club - Tax & Pro Bono
Nonprofit Governance
2008
Bar Association of San Francisco
Tax & Employment Issues Affecting Charities
2007
Western Museums Association Annual Meeting
Nonprofit Governance
2007
Foundation Center
Earned Income & Nonprofits
2007
CompassPoint
Charitable Solicitations
2007
CBO Center
Earned Income & Nonprofits
2007
Barristers Club Tax & Pro Bono
Nonprofit Governance
2007
ABA Annual Meeting
Nonprofit Governance
Publications
2023
Nonprofit Law Blog
California: Nonprofit Directors’ Rights of Inspection
2023
Nonprofit Law Blog
501(c)(4) Social Welfare Organizations
2023
Nonprofit Law Blog
Nonprofits: 10 Lessons from “Ted Lasso” and “Succession”
2023
Nonprofit Law Blog
Nonprofit Governance: Board Composition
2023
Nonprofit Law Blog
Entering into a Fiscal Sponsorship Agreement
2022
Nonprofit Law Blog
Fiscal Sponsorship Exits: Not Always Easy
2022
Nonprofit Law Blog
What’s Your Nonprofit Doing to Fight Climate Change?
2022
Nonprofit Law Blog
Compensating Nonprofit Board Members
2021
Nonprofit Law Blog
DAO: What is it? What does it mean for nonprofits?
2021
Nonprofit Law Blog
Purpose-Driven Board Leadership, Legally Speaking
2020
Candid Blog
Nonprofit mergers: motivations
2020
Candid Blog
Nonprofits in trouble: the fiscal sponsorship option
2019
Nonprofit Law Blog
Nonprofit News Organizations: The Tax Rules
2019
Nonprofit Law Blog
Nonprofit Directors and Officers – Not the Same Thing
2019
Nonprofit Law Blog
Fiscal Sponsorship and Films
2019
Nonprofit Law Blog
California Nonprofit Articles of Incorporation
2019
Nonprofit Law Blog
California AB 5: Employee or Independent Contractor
2018
Nonprofit Law Blog
Affiliated Organizations: Sharing Resources
2018
Nonprofit Law Blog
Affiliated Organizations: Sharing Employees
2018
Nonprofit Law Blog
A prediction for nonprofits in 2018: Rise of the 501(c)(4) organizations
2018
Nonprofit Law Blog
The New Tax Law and Its Impact on Nonprofits – Part 2
2018
Nonprofit Law Blog
The New Tax Law and Its Impact on Nonprofits – Part 1
2017
Alameda County Bar Association Newsletter
Advice for Attorneys Serving on a Nonprofit Board
2017
The Nonprofit Quarterly
Shared Leadership: A Lawyer’s Perspective
2016
EO Tax Journal
Crowdfunding: Considerations and Issues for Nonprofits
2016
The Nonprofit Quarterly
SOCAP16 and the Continued Evolution of Impact Investing
2016
The New York Times
Think Tanks Need a Certification Program to Establish Transparency
2016
The Nonprofit Quarterly
Understanding Crowdfunding after a Tragedy
2016
The Nonprofit Quarterly
Fiscal Sponsorship: A Balanced Overview
2014
California Association of Nonprofits
New Law as of January 1, 2015: Non-voting Ex Officio Board Members Prohibited
2014
The Nonprofit Times
10 Issues To Address In Your Nonprofit’s Social Media Policy
2014
The Nonprofit Quarterly
12 Reasons Why You Should Gracefully Resign from a Nonprofit Board
2014
The Nonprofit Quarterly
Fair or Foul: A Review of Federal Tax Laws Governing Unfair Competition
2013
BoardSource
Social Enterprises: Nonprofit vs. For-Profit
2013
California Association of Nonprofits
Step by Step Guide for Starting a California Nonprofit
2013
Independent Sector Blog
Breakout Session Recap: Key Issues in Tax Reform
2012
The Chronicle of Philanthropy
Basic Board Governance Failures Stand at the Center of the Penn State Debacle
2012
American Bar Association publication
What Board Members Should Know About Reviewing a Form 990
2011
The Chronicle of Philanthropy
'Three Cups of Tea' Scandal Offers Lessons for Charities and Trustees
2011
The Chronicle of Philanthropy
Avoiding Trouble: What Nonprofits Can Learn From Sex-Abuse Scandal
2009
Nonprofit Conversation
The Importance of Board Meeting Attendance
2009
Blue Avocado
Can Nonprofit Boards Vote by Email?
2009
Business Law Today
Alternatives to Forming a Charitable Nonprofit
2008
Taxation of Exempts
Group Exemptions Demystified
2008
The Practical Lawyer
Corporate Governance for Nonprofits
N/A
Nonprofit Law Blog
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Languages
English
Activity
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