Skill builds the case. Experience brings it to the next level. Integrity makes all the difference.

John Cairns Law
Charter School Law Charter School Law Contact John Cairns Law Contact

Charter School Law Practice:
Representative Experience
John Cairns Law Professional Association

John Cairns was the nation’s first Charter School attorney—and he is still the best. John worked to establish charter schools as non-profit, IRS 501(c)(3) organizations. Now, thanks to his pioneering work in this area, many charter schools are benefiting from tax-exempt status.

Today, John Cairns is a nationally-recognized expert on charter schools. His experience includes:

  • Creating, sustaining and financing schools
    • John solved some of the most important bonding issues, and created tax-exempt financing for 501(c)(3) organizations
    • John worked with IRS field agents all the way up to the General Counsel to solve problems in a tax arena that never existed before
  • Negotiating with the IRS to secure non-profit, 501(c)(3) status:
    • Defining and structuring charter schools
    • Defining charter schools’ relationship with private managers
    • John’s Articles, By-Laws and contracts are still considered the industry standard to effectively measure student outcomes
  • Non-profit board governance
  • Advising policy-makers who are interested in charter school legislation
  • Assisting tax-exempt organizations with IRS filings
  • Issuing well over $500 million in bonds for tax-exempt lease revenue