Barnes & Thornburg is pleased to announce the addition of Maya Grassi to its Corporate Department as a partner in the firm’s Washington, D.C., office. Grassi’s addition is the latest in a string of transactional hires the firm has made in the last two months, including David Andersen and Matthew Michaels in Los Angeles, Robert Karr in Chicago, Dino Wu in New York, Jason Myers in Dallas, and Brian Crist in Indianapolis and South Florida.
Grassi has over 15 years of experience counseling associations and other nonprofit organizations on matters such as contracts, tax, governance, political law, and grants. Notably, Grassi has significant experience in contract matters, regularly negotiating and drafting agreements and overseeing contract management processes. She also advises nonprofit organizations on issues related to programs and operations to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies.
“With in-house and private practice experience, Maya understands the goals and perspectives of nonprofit organizations, including how to advance their important missions while also meeting operational and business needs,” said Jahan Sharifi, Corporate Department chair. “She’s known for her ability to deliver practical, business-oriented solutions, and we are thrilled to have her join our growing team.”
Before joining Barnes & Thornburg, Grassi served as associate general counsel at a large national medical association in Washington, D.C., where she helped manage legal affairs for the more than 57,000-member medical specialty society and six related foundations. She oversaw contract negotiations, advised on tax-exempt issues, ensured governance compliance, managed grant-related matters, and provided employment law counsel.
“The D.C. metro area is home to a vast number of nonprofits and associations that serve a wide range of sectors, but they all have one thing in common: the need for experienced counsel to help navigate legal complexities and focus on their mission more effectively,” said Roscoe C. Howard, Jr., managing partner of the Washington, D.C., office. “Maya’s nonprofit background has equipped her with the skills and experience necessary to do just that. It is a pleasure to have her on board.”
Grassi earned her J.D. from American University Washington College of Law and her B.A. from American University.