Anita Pelletier is Counsel in Nixon Peabody's nonprofit practice group. She advises nonprofit organizations in matters relating to legal requirements and best practices in connection with governance and operational matters.
Today I focus my practice on three main areas, building on over 10 years of experience assisting nonprofit clients to operate as effectively and efficiently as possible.
I’ve represented organizations ranging from the very small to the very large. Most recently, the Nonprofit team advised the sole member of a nonprofit regarding its authority to remove board members.
I’ve worked with several organizations to guide them through IRS and regulatory audits. Most recently, I managed and coordinated an IRS audit for a large university.
I’ve assisted numerous charities navigate the various rules regarding charitable solicitations in a market that necessitates the use of social media and electronic communications.
I’ve also represented businesses that conduct promotions to develop brand recognition and sales. Last year, we assisted a business to develop best practices for operating national sweepstakes and contests.
I’ve been following the demands for increased scrutiny of nonprofit organizations relating to transparency and public accountability. We’re developing strategies for organizations to put their houses in order before the regulators come knocking.
Rochester Business Journal | December 15, 2017
Rochester private equity and investment funds partner Jeremy Wolk, M&A and corporate transactions counsel Anita Pelletier and Washington DC M&A and corporate transactions partner Mike Cooney authored this column about the impact of U.S. tax reform on nonprofits.
Rochester Business Journal | February 10, 2017
Rochester private equity and investment funds partner Jeremy Wolk, Washington DC nonprofit organizations partner Michael Cooney and Rochester nonprofit organizations counsel Anita Pelletier co-authored this column about updates to the Nonprofit Revitalization Act of 2013 and what New York nonprofits will need to do in order to comply.
Syracuse University College of Law, J.D., summa cum laude
Maxwell School of Public Administration, M.P.A.
St. John Fisher College, B.A., Economics
New York
U.S. District Court, Western District of New York
U.S. Tax Court
U.S. Court of Federal Claims
Anita was selected, through a peer-review survey, for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2019 in the field of Nonprofit/Charities Law. Anita has been listed in Best Lawyers since 2017.
Anita Pelletier has received numerous awards for her commitment to pro bono service. In 2003, she received the William E. McKnight Award from the Monroe County Bar Association. In 2005, she received the Legal Aid Society of New York City Pro Bono Award. Anita Pelletier is a recipient of Nixon Peabody’s Rodman Peabody Pro Bono Award, winning in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2011.
Anita Pelletier is a member of the National Association of College and University Attorneys (NACUA) and a member of the Legal Resources Committee. She is a past member of the Board of Directors of the YWCA of Rochester and is also involved with the Greater Rochester Association of Women Attorneys, previously serving as a board member as well as chair of their Media Committee and co-chair of the Program Committee. Anita Pelletier is also a member of the American, New York State, and Monroe County bar associations.
