Melissa Scholz

Meet Melissa

Through Scholz Nonprofit Law, Melissa unites her expertise in nonprofit law with over 30 years of experience as a community leader and fundraiser. Prior to forming Scholz Nonprofit Law in 2007, Melissa worked at a large Wisconsin law firm and developed a broad knowledge of legal issues that affect nonprofits. She brings this tax and business savvy to the firm, where she is able to tailor their service to the unique needs of nonprofits and mission-driven businesses.

Originally from California, Melissa received her B.A. in History from Stanford University, then received her J.D. from University of Wisconsin Law School in 1995 (cum laude; Order of the Coif). Melissa and her husband, Karl Scholz, enjoyed living in Madison for thirty years and raising their family of three daughters. In 2023, Melissa and Karl relocated to Eugene, Oregon for his job with the University of Oregon. She maintains a daily presence with the Madison-based team and visits often.

Legal Experience includes:

Eighteen years as principal attorney/owner of Scholz Nonprofit Law LLC, where she has represented over 500 organizations throughout the country
Provides legal and strategic advice to nonprofit organizations, including on the formation and operation of public charities, private foundations, and advocacy organizations, collaborations with nonprofits and for-profits, and impact investing transactions.
Contributing author to State Bar of Wisconsin’s publication A Guide for Wisconsin Nonprofit Organizations, sixth edition © 2023
Contributing author to State Bar of Wisconsin’s publication Choice of Entity, ©2024
Clinical instructor for the UW-Madison Law School Law & Entrepreneurship Clinic lecturing on legal issues and advising student attorneys (2014-21)
Twelve years practicing law in a large law firm, Godfrey & Kahn SC, serving as a member of the Corporate, Healthcare, Political and Tax practice groups. Practice included general corporate and tax advice for tax-exempt groups, ranging from large hospital systems to small community-based organizations to statewide advocacy organizations. Work included contracts, financing transactions, governance issues, tax advice for 501(c)(3), (c)(4), and (c)(6) organizations, healthcare compliance, and guidance on lobbying and political activities.

Community Engagement includes:

March for Our Lives Action Fund (Parkland, FL) – Co-Chair and founding Board member
University of Oregon
While in Madison, Melissa served on many other boards and capital campaign committees, including Madison Public Schools Foundation, Porchlight, and the Fund for Women, as well as volunteeringed for her daughters’ schools and many other charitable and political causes.

Other Experience includes:

Founding employee of the national nonprofit organization, Campus Compact
Professional fundraiser for the University of Wisconsin Foundation
Elected member of the Dane County Board of Supervisors
Co-founder of a start-up ice cream company

Presentations include:

“What is Collaboration? A Legal Perspective for Nonprofits”
“Social Ventures 101”
“Guidelines for Advocacy by Nonprofits”
“Responsibilities of Directors of Nonprofit Organizations”