TY 2015 Form 990

(A) Name and Title	(B) Average hours per week (list any hours for related organizations below dotted line)	(C) Position (do not check more than one box, unless person is both an officer and a director/trustee)	(E) Reportable compensation from related organizations (W- 2/1099-MISC)
(1) STEVE SCHRAMM...................................................................... CHAIRMAN	0.25 ................. 2.0	X		36,872	250
(2) DAVID M GUERNSEY...................................................................... DIRECTOR	0.25 ................. 2.0	X		17,700	250
(3) MARIA COAKLEY DAVID...................................................................... DIRECTOR	0.25 ................. 2.0	X		25,455	250
(4) NEVIN GROCE...................................................................... DIRECTOR	0.25 ................. 2.0	X		24,546	250
(5) BETTY NEIGHBORS...................................................................... DIRECTOR	0.25 ................. 2.0	X		20,158	250
(6) KURT SUMMERS...................................................................... DIRECTOR	0.25 ................. 2.0	X		24,736	250
(7) BRUCE O'DONOGHUE...................................................................... DIRECTOR	0.25 ................. 2.0	X		24,000	250
(8) JEFF READY...................................................................... DIRECTOR	0.25 ................. 2.0	X		19,200	250
(9) JOSE VILLA...................................................................... DIRECTOR	0.25 ................. 2.0	X		19,851	250
(10) SHERRY WUEBBEN...................................................................... DIRECTOR	0.25 ................. 2.0	X		22,500	250
(11) TOM BRYCE...................................................................... DIRECTOR	0.25 ................. 2.0	X		24,667	250
(12) PATTI MELLARD...................................................................... DIRECTOR	0.25 ................. 2.0	X		18,436	206
(13) DOUGLASS HENRY...................................................................... DIRECTOR	0.25 ................. 2.0	X		19,200	250
(14) GREG POWELL...................................................................... DIRECTOR	0.25 ................. 2.0	X		19,200	250
(15) DONALD A DANNER...................................................................... PRESIDENT/CEO	1.0 ................. 39.0	X	X	856,116	35,039
(16) MARY BLASINSKY...................................................................... SVP/SECRETARY	1.0 ................. 39.0		X	329,532	34,886
(17) TAMMY S BOEHMS...................................................................... SVP/CFO	1.0 ................. 39.0		X	409,848	25,984

- TIN:

SCHEDULE A
(Form 990 or 990EZ)

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service

Public Charity Status and Public Support

Complete if the organization is a section 501(c)(3) organization or a section 4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trust.
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Attach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ.
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Information about Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) and its instructions is at www.irs.gov/form990.

OMB No. 1545-0047

2015

Open to Public
Inspection

Name of the organization

NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER

Employer identification number

62-1570449

Part I

Reason for Public Charity Status (All organizations must complete this part.) See instructions.

The organization is not a private foundation because it is: (For lines 1 through 11, check only one box.)

A church, convention of churches, or association of churches described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(i).

A school described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii). (Attach Schedule E (Form 990 or 990-EZ))

A hospital or a cooperative hospital service organization described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(iii).

A medical research organization operated in conjunction with a hospital described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(iii). Enter the hospital's name, city, and state:

An organization operated for the benefit of a college or university owned or operated by a governmental unit described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(iv). (Complete Part II.)

A federal, state, or local government or governmental unit described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(v).

An organization that normally receives a substantial part of its support from a governmental unit or from the general public described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(vi). (Complete Part II.)

A community trust described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(vi). (Complete Part II.)

An organization that normally receives: (1) more than 331/3% of its support from contributions, membership fees, and gross receipts from activities related to its exempt functions—subject to certain exceptions, and (2) no more than 331/3% of its support from gross investment income and unrelated business taxable income (less section 511 tax) from businesses acquired by the organization after June 30, 1975. See section 509(a)(2). (Complete Part III.)

An organization organized and operated exclusively to test for public safety. See section 509(a)(4).

An organization organized and operated exclusively for the benefit of, to perform the functions of, or to carry out the purposes of one or more publicly supported organizations described in section 509(a)(1) or section 509(a)(2). See section 509(a)(3). Check the box in lines 11a through 11d that describes the type of supporting organization and complete lines 11e, 11f, and 11g.

Type I. A supporting organization operated, supervised, or controlled by its supported organization(s), typically by giving the supported organization(s) the power to regularly appoint or elect a majority of the directors or trustees of the supporting organization. You must complete Part IV, Sections A and B.

Type II. A supporting organization supervised or controlled in connection with its supported organization(s), by having control or management of the supporting organization vested in the same persons that control or manage the supported organization(s). You must complete Part IV, Sections A and C.

Type III functionally integrated. A supporting organization operated in connection with, and functionally integrated with, its supported organization(s) (see instructions). You must complete Part IV, Sections A, D, and E.

Type III non-functionally integrated. A supporting organization operated in connection with its supported organization(s) that is not functionally integrated. The organization generally must satisfy a distribution requirement and an attentiveness requirement (see instructions). You must complete Part IV, Sections A and D, and Part V.

Check this box if the organization received a written determination from the IRS that it is a Type I, Type II, Type III functionally integrated, or Type III non-functionally integrated supporting organization.

Enter the number of supported organizations .............. 1

Provide the following information about the supported organization(s).

(i)Name of supported organization	(ii) EIN	(iii) Type of organization (described on lines 1- 9 above (see instructions))	(iv) Is the organization listed in your governing document?		(v) Amount of monetary support (see instructions)	(vi) Amount of other support (see instructions)
(i)Name of supported organization	(ii) EIN		Yes	No	(v) Amount of monetary support (see instructions)	(vi) Amount of other support (see instructions)
(A) NFIB INC	940707299	9	Yes		0	0

Total 1					0	0

For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for
Form 990 or 990-EZ.

Cat. No. 11285F

Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015

Page 2

Part II

Support Schedule for Organizations Described in Sections 170(b)(1)(A)(iv) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi)
(Complete only if you checked the box on line 5, 7, or 8 of Part I or if the organization failed to qualify under Part III. If the organization fails to qualify under the tests listed below, please complete Part III.)

Section A. Public Support

Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in)		(a) 2011	(b) 2012	(c) 2013	(d) 2014	(e) 2015	(f) Total
1	Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any unusual grants.) ....
2	Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf.......
3	The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge..
4	Total. Add lines 1 through 3
5	The portion of total contributions by each person (other than a governmental unit or publicly supported organization) included on line 1 that exceeds 2% of the amount shown on line 11, column (f)..
6	Public support. Subtract line 5 from line 4.

Section B. Total Support

Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in)		(a) 2011	(b) 2012	(c) 2013	(d) 2014	(e) 2015	(f) Total
7	Amounts from line 4..
8	Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources...
9	Net income from unrelated business activities, whether or not the business is regularly carried on..
10	Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part VI.)..
11	Total support. Add lines 7 through 10.

Gross receipts from related activities, etc. (see instructions) ..................

First five years. If the Form 990 is for the organization's first, second, third, fourth, or fifth tax year as a section 501(c)(3) organization, check this box and stop here........................................ right arrow

Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage

Public support percentage for 2015 (line 6, column (f) divided by line 11, column (f)) .........

Public support percentage for 2014 Schedule A, Part II, line 14 ...............

16a

33 1/3% support test—2015. If the organization did not check the box on line 13, and line 14 is 33 1/3% or more, check this box
and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization ....................... right arrow

33 1/3% support test—2014. If the organization did not check a box on line 13 or 16a, and line 15 is 33 1/3% or more, check this
box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization ..................... right arrow

17a

10%-facts-and-circumstances test—2015. If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, or 16b, and line 14
is 10% or more, and if the organization meets the facts-and-circumstances test, check this box and stop here. Explain
in Part VI how the organization meets the "facts-and-circumstances" test. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported
organization ..................................................... right arrow

10%-facts-and-circumstances test—2014. If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, 16b, or 17a, and line
15 is 10% or more, and if the organization meets the "facts-and-circumstances" test, check this box and stop here.
Explain in Part VI how the organization meets the "facts-and-circumstances" test. The organization qualifies as a publicly
supported organization ................................................ right arrow

Private foundation. If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, 16b, 17a, or 17b, check this box and see
instructions ..................................................... right arrow

Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015

Page 3

Part III

Support Schedule for Organizations Described in Section 509(a)(2)
(Complete only if you checked the box on line 9 of Part I or if the organization failed to qualify under Part II. If the organization fails to qualify under the tests listed below, please complete Part II.)

Section A. Public Support

Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in)		(a) 2011	(b) 2012	(c) 2013	(d) 2014	(e) 2015	(f) Total
1	Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") .
2	Gross receipts from admissions, merchandise sold or services performed, or facilities furnished in any activity that is related to the organization's tax-exempt purpose......
3	Gross receipts from activities that are not an unrelated trade or business under section 513...
4	Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf...
5	The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge..
6	Total. Add lines 1 through 5.
7a	Amounts included on lines 1, 2, and 3 received from disqualified persons...
b	Amounts included on lines 2 and 3 received from other than disqualified persons that exceed the greater of $5,000 or 1% of the amount on line 13 for the year.
c	Add lines 7a and 7b..
8	Public support. (Subtract line 7c from line 6.)

Section B. Total Support

Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in)		(a) 2011	(b) 2012	(c) 2013	(d) 2014	(e) 2015	(f) Total
9	Amounts from line 6...
10a	Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources..
b	Unrelated business taxable income (less section 511 taxes) from businesses acquired after June 30, 1975.
c	Add lines 10a and 10b.
11	Net income from unrelated business activities not included in line 10b, whether or not the business is regularly carried on.
12	Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part VI.) ..
13	Total support. (Add lines 9, 10c, 11, and 12.)..

First five years. If the Form 990 is for the organization's first, second, third, fourth, or fifth tax year as a section 501(c)(3) organization,
check this box and stop here............................................. right arrow

Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage

Public support percentage for 2015 (line 8, column (f) divided by line 13, column (f)) .........

Public support percentage from 2014 Schedule A, Part III, line 15 ...............

Section D. Computation of Investment Income Percentage

Investment income percentage for 2015 (line 10c, column (f) divided by line 13, column (f)) ......

Investment income percentage from 2014 Schedule A, Part III, line 17 .............

19a

331/3% support tests—2015. If the organization did not check the box on line 14, and line 15 is more than 33 1/3%, and line 17 is not more than 33 1/3%, check this box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization ....... right arrow

33 1/3% support tests—2014. If the organization did not check a box on line 14 or line 19a, and line 16 is more than 33 1/3% and line 18 is not more than 33 1/3%, check this box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization .... right arrow

Private foundation. If the organization did not check a box on line 14, 19a, or 19b, check this box and see instructions .... right arrow

Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015

Page 4

Part IV

Supporting Organizations

(Complete only if you checked a box on line 11 of Part I. If you checked 11a of Part I, complete Sections A and B. If you checked 11b of Part I, complete Sections A and C. If you checked 11c of Part I, complete Sections A, D, and E. If you checked 11d of Part I, complete Sections A and D, and complete Part V.)

Section A. All Supporting Organizations

Yes

Are all of the organization’s supported organizations listed by name in the organization’s governing documents?
If "No," describe in Part VI how the supported organizations are designated. If designated by class or purpose,
describe the designation. If historic and continuing relationship, explain.

Yes

Did the organization have any supported organization that does not have an IRS determination of status under section 509(a)(1) or (2)? If "Yes," explain in Part VI how the organization determined that the supported organization was described in section 509(a)(1) or (2).

Did the organization have a supported organization described in section 501(c)(4), (5), or (6)? If "Yes," answer (b) and (c) below.

Yes

Did the organization confirm that each supported organization qualified under section 501(c)(4), (5), or (6) and satisfied the public support tests under section 509(a)(2)? If "Yes," describe in Part VI when and how the organization made the determination.

Yes

Did the organization ensure that all support to such organizations was used exclusively for section 170(c)(2)(B) purposes? If "Yes," explain in Part VI what controls the organization put in place to ensure such use.

Yes

Was any supported organization not organized in the United States ("foreign supported organization")? If “Yes” and if you checked 11a or 11b in Part I, answer (b) and (c) below.

Did the organization have ultimate control and discretion in deciding whether to make grants to the foreign supported organization? If “Yes,” describe in Part VI how the organization had such control and discretion despite being controlled or supervised by or in connection with its supported organizations.

Did the organization support any foreign supported organization that does not have an IRS determination under sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1) or (2)? If “Yes,” explain in Part VI what controls the organization used to ensure that all support to the foreign supported organization was used exclusively for section 170(c)(2)(B) purposes.

Did the organization add, substitute, or remove any supported organizations during the tax year? If “Yes,” answer (b) and (c) below (if applicable). Also, provide detail in Part VI, including (i) the names and EIN numbers of the supported organizations added, substituted, or removed; (ii) the reasons for each such action; (iii) the authority under the organization's organizing document authorizing such action; and (iv) how the action was accomplished (such as by amendment to the organizing document).

Type I or Type II only. Was any added or substituted supported organization part of a class already designated in the organization's organizing document?

Substitutions only. Was the substitution the result of an event beyond the organization's control?

Did the organization provide support (whether in the form of grants or the provision of services or facilities) to anyone other than (i) its supported organizations, (ii) individuals that are part of the charitable class benefited by one or more of its supported organizations, or (iii) other supporting organizations that also support or benefit one or more of the filing organization’s supported organizations? If “Yes,” provide detail in Part VI.

Did the organization provide a grant, loan, compensation, or other similar payment to a substantial contributor (defined in section 4958(c)(3)(C)), a family member of a substantial contributor, or a 35% controlled entity with regard to a substantial contributor? If “Yes,” complete Part I of Schedule L (Form 990 or 990-EZ) .

Did the organization make a loan to a disqualified person (as defined in section 4958) not described in line 7? If “Yes,” complete Part I of Schedule L (Form 990 or 990-EZ).

Was the organization controlled directly or indirectly at any time during the tax year by one or more disqualified persons as defined in section 4946 (other than foundation managers and organizations described in section 509(a)(1) or (2))? If “Yes,” provide detail in Part VI.

Did one or more disqualified persons (as defined in line 9a) hold a controlling interest in any entity in which the supporting organization had an interest? If “Yes,” provide detail in Part VI.

Did a disqualified person (as defined in line 9a) have an ownership interest in, or derive any personal benefit from, assets in which the supporting organization also had an interest? If “Yes,” provide detail in Part VI.

10a

Was the organization subject to the excess business holdings rules of section 4943 because of section 4943(f) (regarding certain Type II supporting organizations, and all Type III non-functionally integrated supporting organizations)? If “Yes,” answer line 10b below.

10a

Did the organization have any excess business holdings in the tax year? (Use Schedule C, Form 4720, to determine whether the organization had excess business holdings).

10b

Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015

Page 5

Part IV

Supporting Organizations (continued)

Yes

Has the organization accepted a gift or contribution from any of the following persons?

A person who directly or indirectly controls, either alone or together with persons described in (b) and (c) below, the governing body of a supported organization?

11a

A family member of a person described in (a) above?

11b

A 35% controlled entity of a person described in (a) or (b) above? If “Yes” to a, b, or c, provide detail in Part VI.

11c

Section B. Type I Supporting Organizations

Yes

Did the directors, trustees, or membership of one or more supported organizations have the power to regularly appoint or elect at least a majority of the organization’s directors or trustees at all times during the tax year? If “No,” describe in Part VI how the supported organization(s) effectively operated, supervised, or controlled the organization’s activities. If the organization had more than one supported organization, describe how the powers to appoint and/or remove directors or trustees were allocated among the supported organizations and what conditions or restrictions, if any, applied to such powers during the tax year.

Yes

Did the organization operate for the benefit of any supported organization other than the supported organization(s) that operated, supervised, or controlled the supporting organization? If “Yes,” explain in Part VI how providing such benefit carried out the purposes of the supported organization(s) that operated, supervised or controlled the supporting organization.

Section C. Type II Supporting Organizations

Yes

Were a majority of the organization’s directors or trustees during the tax year also a majority of the directors or trustees of each of the organization’s supported organization(s)? If “No,” describe in Part VI how control or management of the supporting organization was vested in the same persons that controlled or managed the supported organization(s).

Section D. All Type III Supporting Organizations

Yes

Did the organization provide to each of its supported organizations, by the last day of the fifth month of the organization’s tax year, (i) a written notice describing the type and amount of support provided during the prior tax year, (ii) a copy of the Form 990 that was most recently filed as of the date of notification, and (iii) copies of the organization’s governing documents in effect on the date of notification, to the extent not previously provided?

Were any of the organization’s officers, directors, or trustees either (i) appointed or elected by the supported organization(s) or (ii) serving on the governing body of a supported organization? If "No," explain in Part VI how the organization maintained a close and continuous working relationship with the supported organization(s).

By reason of the relationship described in (2), did the organization’s supported organizations have a significant voice in the organization’s investment policies and in directing the use of the organization’s income or assets at all times during the tax year? If "Yes," describe in Part VI the role the organization’s supported organizations played in this regard.

Section E. Type III Functionally-Integrated Supporting Organizations

Check the box next to the method that the organization used to satisfy the Integral Part Test during the year (see instructions):

The organization satisfied the Activities Test. Complete line 2 below.

The organization is the parent of each of its supported organizations. Complete line 3 below.

The organization supported a governmental entity. Describe in Part VI how you supported a government entity (see instructions)

Activities Test. Answer (a) and (b) below.

Yes

Did substantially all of the organization’s activities during the tax year directly further the exempt purposes of the supported organization(s) to which the organization was responsive? If "Yes," then in Part VI identify those supported organizations and explain how these activities directly furthered their exempt purposes, how the organization was responsive to those supported organizations, and how the organization determined that these activities constituted substantially all of its activities.

Did the activities described in (a) constitute activities that, but for the organization’s involvement, one or more of the organization’s supported organization(s) would have been engaged in? If "Yes," explain in Part VI the reasons for the organization’s position that its supported organization(s) would have engaged in these activities but for the organization’s involvement.

Parent of Supported Organizations. Answer (a) and (b) below.

Did the organization have the power to regularly appoint or elect a majority of the officers, directors, or trustees of each of the supported organizations? Provide details in Part VI.

Did the organization exercise a substantial degree of direction over the policies, programs and activities of each of its supported organizations? If "Yes," describe in Part VI. the role played by the organization in this regard.

Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015

Page 6

Part V

Type III Non-Functionally Integrated 509(a)(3) Supporting Organizations

Check here if the organization satisfied the Integral Part Test as a qualifying trust on Nov. 20, 1970. See instructions. All other Type III non-functionally integrated supporting organizations must complete Sections A through E.

	Section A - Adjusted Net Income		(A) Prior Year	(B) Current Year (optional)
1	Net short-term capital gain	1
2	Recoveries of prior-year distributions	2
3	Other gross income (see instructions)	3
4	Add lines 1 through 3	4
5	Depreciation and depletion	5
6	Portion of operating expenses paid or incurred for production or collection of gross income or for management, conservation, or maintenance of property held for production of income (see instructions)	6
7	Other expenses (see instructions)	7
8	Adjusted Net Income (subtract lines 5, 6 and 7 from line 4)	8

	Section B - Minimum Asset Amount		(A) Prior Year	(B) Current Year (optional)
1	Aggregate fair market value of all non-exempt-use assets (see instructions for short tax year or assets held for part of year):	1
a	Average monthly value of securities	1a
b	Average monthly cash balances	1b
c	Fair market value of other non-exempt-use assets	1c
d	Total (add lines 1a, 1b, and 1c)	1d
e	Discount claimed for blockage or other factors (explain in detail in Part VI):
2	Acquisition indebtedness applicable to non-exempt use assets	2
3	Subtract line 2 from line 1d	3
4	Cash deemed held for exempt use. Enter 1-1/2% of line 3 (for greater amount, see instructions).	4
5	Net value of non-exempt-use assets (subtract line 4 from line 3)	5
6	Multiply line 5 by .035	6
7	Recoveries of prior-year distributions	7
8	Minimum Asset Amount (add line 7 to line 6)	8

	Section C - Distributable Amount		Current Year
1	Adjusted net income for prior year (from Section A, line 8, Column A)	1
2	Enter 85% of line 1	2
3	Minimum asset amount for prior year (from Section B, line 8, Column A)	3
4	Enter greater of line 2 or line 3	4
5	Income tax imposed in prior year	5
6	Distributable Amount. Subtract line 5 from line 4, unless subject to emergency temporary reduction (see instructions)	6

Check here if the current year is the organization's first as a non-functionally-integrated Type III supporting organization (see instructions)

Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015

Page 7

Part V

Type III Non-Functionally Integrated 509(a)(3) Supporting Organizations (continued)

Section D - Distributions		Current Year
1 Amounts paid to supported organizations to accomplish exempt purposes
2 Amounts paid to perform activity that directly furthers exempt purposes of supported organizations, in excess of income from activity
3 Administrative expenses paid to accomplish exempt purposes of supported organizations
4 Amounts paid to acquire exempt-use assets
5 Qualified set-aside amounts (prior IRS approval required)
6 Other distributions (describe in Part VI). See instructions
7Total annual distributions. Add lines 1 through 6.
8 Distributions to attentive supported organizations to which the organization is responsive (provide details in Part VI). See instructions
9 Distributable amount for 2015 from Section C, line 6
10 Line 8 amount divided by Line 9 amount

Section E - Distribution Allocations (see instructions)		(i) Excess Distributions	(ii) Underdistributions Pre-2015	(iii) Distributable Amount for 2015
1 Distributable amount for 2015 from Section C, line 6
2 Underdistributions, if any, for years prior to 2015 (reasonable cause required--see instructions)
3 Excess distributions carryover, if any, to 2015:
a
b
c
d From 2013.......
e From 2014.......
fTotal of lines 3a through e
g Applied to underdistributions of prior years
h Applied to 2015 distributable amount
i Carryover from 2010 not applied (see instructions)
j Remainder. Subtract lines 3g, 3h, and 3i from 3f.
4Distributions for 2015 from Section D, line 7:
$
a Applied to underdistributions of prior years
b Applied to 2015 distributable amount
c Remainder. Subtract lines 4a and 4b from 4.
5 Remaining underdistributions for years prior to 2015, if any. Subtract lines 3g and 4a from line 2 (if amount greater than zero, see instructions)
6 Remaining underdistributions for 2015. Subtract lines 3h and 4b from line 1 (if amount greater than zero, see instructions)
7 Excess distributions carryover to 2016. Add lines 3j and 4c.
8 Breakdown of line 7:
a
b
c Excess from 2013.......
d From 2014.......
e From 2015.......

Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) (2015)

Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015

Page 8

Part VI

Supplemental Information. Provide the explanations required by Part II, line 10; Part II, line 17a or 17b; Part III, line 12; Part IV, Section A, lines 1, 2, 3b, 3c, 4b, 4c, 5a, 6, 9a, 9b, 9c, 11a, 11b, and 11c; Part IV, Section B, lines 1 and 2; Part IV, Section C, line 1; Part IV, Section D, lines 2 and 3; Part IV, Section E, lines 1c, 2a, 2b, 3a and 3b; Part V, line 1; Part V, Section B, line 1e; Part V Section D, lines 5, 6, and 8; and Part V, Section E, lines 2, 5, and 6. Also complete this part for any additional information. (See instructions).

Facts And Circumstances Test

Return Reference	Explanation
PART I, LINE 11G(A)(VI):	NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER PROVIDES A VOICE FOR SMALL BUSINESS IN THE NATION'S COURTS AND THE LEGAL RESOURCE FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS NATIONWIDE. BY SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESS IN THE NATION'S COURT AND LEGAL SYSTEM, NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER PROVIDES VALUABLE ASSISTANCE TO THE INDIVIDUALS FOR WHICH NATIONAL FEDERATION OF INDEPENDENT BUSINESS, INC. IS SERVING. PART IV, LINE 3B: WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF KPMG, LLP, NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER ANNUALLY COMPLETES A PRO-FORMA SCHEDULE A UTILIZING THE FINANCIAL DATA OF NATIONAL FEDERATION OF INDEPENDENT BUSINESS, INC ("NFIB") IN ORDER TO CONFIRM THAT NFIB MEETS THE PUBLIC SUPPORT TEST UNDER IRC SEC. 509(A)(2). IN ADDITION, NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER CONFIRMS WITH NFIB THAT IT MAINTAINS A VALID 501(C)(6) DETERMINATION LETTER.
PART IV, LINE 3C:	DURING 2015, NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER DID NOT PROVIDE ANY MONETARY SUPPORT TO NATIONAL FEDERATION OF INDEPENDENT BUSINESS, INC. THEREFORE, NO STEPS WERE NECESSARY TO ENSURE THAT ALL SUPPORT WAS USED FOR SECTION 170(C)(2)(B) PURPOSES.

Return Reference

Explanation

PART I, LINE 11G(A)(VI):

NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER PROVIDES A VOICE FOR SMALL BUSINESS IN THE NATION'S COURTS AND THE LEGAL RESOURCE FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS NATIONWIDE. BY SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESS IN THE NATION'S COURT AND LEGAL SYSTEM, NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER PROVIDES VALUABLE ASSISTANCE TO THE INDIVIDUALS FOR WHICH NATIONAL FEDERATION OF INDEPENDENT BUSINESS, INC. IS SERVING. PART IV, LINE 3B: WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF KPMG, LLP, NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER ANNUALLY COMPLETES A PRO-FORMA SCHEDULE A UTILIZING THE FINANCIAL DATA OF NATIONAL FEDERATION OF INDEPENDENT BUSINESS, INC ("NFIB") IN ORDER TO CONFIRM THAT NFIB MEETS THE PUBLIC SUPPORT TEST UNDER IRC SEC. 509(A)(2). IN ADDITION, NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER CONFIRMS WITH NFIB THAT IT MAINTAINS A VALID 501(C)(6) DETERMINATION LETTER.

PART IV, LINE 3C:

DURING 2015, NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER DID NOT PROVIDE ANY MONETARY SUPPORT TO NATIONAL FEDERATION OF INDEPENDENT BUSINESS, INC. THEREFORE, NO STEPS WERE NECESSARY TO ENSURE THAT ALL SUPPORT WAS USED FOR SECTION 170(C)(2)(B) PURPOSES.

Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015

Additional Data

Software ID:
Software Version:

- TIN:

Schedule B
(Form 990, 990-EZ,
or 990-PF)

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service

Schedule of Contributors

Attach to Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF.

Information about Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) and its instructions is at www.irs.gov/form990.

OMB No. 1545-0047

2015

Name of the organization

NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER

Employer identification number

62-1570449

Organization type (check one):

Filers of:

Section:

Form 990 or 990-EZ

501(c)( ) (enter number) organization

4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trust not treated as a private foundation

527 political organization

Form 990-PF

501(c)(3) exempt private foundation

4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trust treated as a private foundation

501(c)(3) taxable private foundation

Check if your organization is covered by the General Rule or a Special Rule.
Note. Only a section 501(c)(7), (8), or (10) organization can check boxes for both the General Rule and a Special Rule. See instructions.

General Rule

For an organization filing Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF that received, during the year, contributions totaling $5,000 or more (in money or other property) from any one contributor. Complete Parts I and II. See instructions for determining a contributor's total contributions.

Special Rules

For an organization described in section 501(c)(3) filing Form 990 or 990-EZ that met the 33¹/3% support test of the regulations
under sections 509(a)(1) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi), that checked Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ), Part II, line 13, 16a, or 16b, and that received from any one contributor, during the year, total contributions of the greater of (1) $5,000 or (2) 2% of the amount on (i) Form 990, Part VIII, line 1h, or (ii) Form 990-EZ, line 1. Complete Parts I and II.

For an organization described in section 501(c)(7), (8), or (10) filing Form 990 or 990-EZ that received from any one contributor,
during the year, total contributions of more than $1,000 exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes, or for the prevention of cruelty to children or animals. Complete Parts I, II, and III.

For an organization described in section 501(c)(7), (8), or (10) filing Form 990 or 990-EZ that received from any one contributor,
during the year, contributions exclusively for religious, charitable, etc., purposes, but no such contributions totaled more than $1,000. If this box is checked, enter here the total contributions that were received during the year for an exclusively religious, charitable, etc., purpose. Do not complete any of the parts unless the General Rule applies to this organization because it received nonexclusively religious, charitable, etc., contributions totaling $5,000 or more during the year ......... Arrow Bullet

Caution. An organization that is not covered by the General Rule and/or the Special Rules does not file Schedule B (Form 990,
990-EZ, or 990-PF), but it must answer “No” on Part IV, line 2, of its Form 990; or check the box on line H of its
Form 990-EZ or on its Form 990PF, Part I, line 2, to certify that it does not meet the filing requirements of Schedule B (Form 990,
990-EZ, or 990-PF).

For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions
for Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF.

Cat. No. 30613XSchedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2015)

Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2015) Page 2

Name of organization NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER

Part I	Contributors (see instructions). Use duplicate copies of Part I if additional space is needed.
(a) No.	(b) Name, address, and ZIP + 4	(c) Total contributions	(d) Type of contribution
RESTRICTED	,	$ RESTRICTED	Person Payroll Noncash (Complete Part II for noncash contributions.)
(a) No.	(b) Name, address, and ZIP + 4	(c) Total contributions	(d) Type of contribution
		$	Person Payroll Noncash (Complete Part II for noncash contributions.)
(a) No.	(b) Name, address, and ZIP + 4	(c) Total contributions	(d) Type of contribution
		$	Person Payroll Noncash (Complete Part II for noncash contributions.)
(a) No.	(b) Name, address, and ZIP + 4	(c) Total contributions	(d) Type of contribution
		$	Person Payroll Noncash (Complete Part II for noncash contributions.)
(a) No.	(b) Name, address, and ZIP + 4	(c) Total contributions	(d) Type of contribution
		$	Person Payroll Noncash (Complete Part II for noncash contributions.)
(a) No.	(b) Name, address, and ZIP + 4	(c) Total contributions	(d) Type of contribution
		$	Person Payroll Noncash (Complete Part II for noncash contributions.)
Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2015)

Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2015)

Page 3

Name of organization NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER		Employer identification number 62-1570449

Part II	Noncash Property (see instructions). Use duplicate copies of Part II if additional space is needed.
(a) No.from Part I	(b) Description of noncash property given	(c) FMV (or estimate) (see instructions)	(d) Date received
		$
(a) No.from Part I	(b) Description of noncash property given	(c) FMV (or estimate) (see instructions)	(d) Date received
		$
(a) No.from Part I	(b) Description of noncash property given	(c) FMV (or estimate) (see instructions)	(d) Date received
		$
(a) No.from Part I	(b) Description of noncash property given	(c) FMV (or estimate) (see instructions)	(d) Date received
		$
(a) No.from Part I	(b) Description of noncash property given	(c) FMV (or estimate) (see instructions)	(d) Date received
		$
(a) No.from Part I	(b) Description of noncash property given	(c) FMV (or estimate) (see instructions)	(d) Date received
		$
Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2015)

Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2015)

Page 4


Name of organization NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER			Employer identification number 62-1570449
Part III Exclusively religious, charitable, etc., contributions to organizations described in section 501(c)(7), (8), or (10) that total more than $1,000 for the year from any one contributor. Complete columns (a) through (e) and the following line entry. For organizations completing Part III, enter the total of exclusively religious, charitable, etc., contributions of $1,000 or less for the year. (Enter this information once. See instructions.) $ Use duplicate copies of Part III if additional space is needed.

(a)
No.from Part I

(b) Purpose of gift

(d) Description of how gift is held

(e) Transfer of gift
Transferee's name, address, and ZIP 4	Relationship of transferor to transferee

(a)
No.from Part I

(b) Purpose of gift

(d) Description of how gift is held

(e) Transfer of gift
Transferee's name, address, and ZIP 4	Relationship of transferor to transferee

(a)
No.from Part I

(b) Purpose of gift

(d) Description of how gift is held

(e) Transfer of gift
Transferee's name, address, and ZIP 4	Relationship of transferor to transferee

(a)
No.from Part I

(b) Purpose of gift

(d) Description of how gift is held

(e) Transfer of gift
Transferee's name, address, and ZIP 4	Relationship of transferor to transferee

Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2015)

Additional Data

Software ID:
Software Version:

- TIN:

SCHEDULE D
(Form 990)

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service

Supplemental Financial Statements

Complete if the organization answered "Yes," on Form 990,
Part IV, line 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f, 12a, or 12b.
SchDMd Bullet

Attach to Form 990.
Information about Schedule D (Form 990) and its instructions is at www.irs.gov/form990.

OMB No. 1545-0047

2015

Open to Public Inspection

Name of the organization

NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER

Employer identification number

62-1570449

Part I

Organizations Maintaining Donor Advised Funds or Other Similar Funds or Accounts. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 6.

			(a) Donor advised funds	(b) Funds and other accounts

1	Total number at end of year ....
2	Aggregate value of contributions to (during year)
3	Aggregate value of grants from (during year)
4	Aggregate value at end of year ....

Did the organization inform all donors and donor advisors in writing that the assets held in donor advised
funds are the organization's property, subject to the organization's exclusive legal control? ...........

Yes No

Did the organization inform all grantees, donors, and donor advisors in writing that grant funds can be
used only for charitable purposes and not for the benefit of the donor or donor advisor, or for any other purpose conferring impermissible private benefit? ............................

Yes No

Part II

Conservation Easements. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 7.

Purpose(s) of conservation easements held by the organization (check all that apply).

Preservation of land for public use (e.g., recreation or education) Preservation of an historically important land area

Protection of natural habitat Preservation of a certified historic structure

Preservation of open space

Complete lines 2a through 2d if the organization held a qualified conservation contribution in the form of a conservation easement on the last day of the tax year.


a	Total number of conservation easements ......................	2a
b	Total acreage restricted by conservation easements ....................	2b
c	Number of conservation easements on a certified historic structure included in (a) .....	2c
d	Number of conservation easements included in (c) acquired after 8/17/06, and not on a historic structure listed in the National Register ...	2d

Number of conservation easements modified, transferred, released, extinguished, or terminated by the organization during the
tax year SchDMd Bullet

Number of states where property subject to conservation easement is located SchDMd Bullet

Does the organization have a written policy regarding the periodic monitoring, inspection, handling of violations, and enforcement of the conservation easements it holds? ............

Yes No

Staff and volunteer hours devoted to monitoring, inspecting, handling of violations, and enforcing conservation easements during the year
SchDMd Bullet

Amount of expenses incurred in monitoring, inspecting, handling of violations, and enforcing conservation easements during the year
SchDMd Bullet

Does each conservation easement reported on line 2(d) above satisfy the requirements of section 170(h)(4)(B)(i) and section 170(h)(4)(B)(ii)? .............................

Yes No

In Part XIII, describe how the organization reports conservation easements in its revenue and expense statement, and
balance sheet, and include, if applicable, the text of the footnote to the organization’s financial statements that describes
the organization’s accounting for conservation easements.

Part III

Organizations Maintaining Collections of Art, Historical Treasures, or Other Similar Assets.
Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 8.

If the organization elected, as permitted under SFAS 116 (ASC 958), not to report in its revenue statement and balance sheet works of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets held for public exhibition, education, or research in furtherance of public service, provide, in Part XIII, the text of the footnote to its financial statements that describes these items.

If the organization elected, as permitted under SFAS 116 (ASC 958), to report in its revenue statement and balance sheet works of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets held for public exhibition, education, or research in furtherance of public service, provide the following amounts relating to these items:

(i)

Revenue included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 1 ......................... SchDMd Bullet

(ii)

Assets included in Form 990, Part X ............................... SchDMd Bullet

If the organization received or held works of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets for financial gain, provide the
following amounts required to be reported under SFAS 116 (ASC 958) relating to these items:

Revenue included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 1 .......................... SchDMd Bullet

Assets included in Form 990, Part X ............................... SchDMd Bullet

For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990.

Cat. No. 52283D

Schedule D (Form 990) 2015

Page 2

Part III

Organizations Maintaining Collections of Art, Historical Treasures, or Other Similar Assets (continued)

Using the organization’s acquisition, accession, and other records, check any of the following that are a significant use of its collection items (check all that apply):

Public exhibition

Loan or exchange programs

Scholarly research

Other

Preservation for future generations

Provide a description of the organization’s collections and explain how they further the organization’s exempt purpose in
Part XIII.

During the year, did the organization solicit or receive donations of art, historical treasures or other similar
assets to be sold to raise funds rather than to be maintained as part of the organization’s collection?...

Yes No

Part IV

Escrow and Custodial Arrangements. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 9, or reported an amount on Form 990, Part X, line 21.

Is the organization an agent, trustee, custodian or other intermediary for contributions or other assets not
included on Form 990, Part X? ....................................

Yes No


b	If "Yes," explain the arrangement in Part XIII and complete the following table:		Amount
c	Beginning balance .............................	1c
d	Additions during the year ............................	1d
e	Distributions during the year ..........................	1e
f	Ending balance ................................	1f

Did the organization include an amount on Form 990, Part X, line 21, for escrow or custodial account liability?

Yes No

If "Yes," explain the arrangement in Part XIII. Check here if the explanation has been provided in Part XIII ........

Part V

Endowment Funds. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 10.

		(a)Current year	(b)Prior year	(c)Two years back	(d)Three years back	(e)Four years back

1a	Beginning of year balance ....
b	Contributions ...
c	Net investment earnings, gains, and losses
d	Grants or scholarships ...
e	Other expenditures for facilities and programs ...
f	Administrative expenses ....
g	End of year balance ......

Provide the estimated percentage of the current year end balance (line 1g, column (a)) held as:

Board designated or quasi-endowment SchDMd Bullet

Permanent endowment SchDMd Bullet

Temporarily restricted endowment SchDMd Bullet

The percentages on lines 2a, 2b, and 2c should equal 100%.

Are there endowment funds not in the possession of the organization that are held and administered for the
organization by:

Yes

(i) unrelated organizations .................

3a(i)

(ii) related organizations .................

3a(ii)

If "Yes" on 3a(ii), are the related organizations listed as required on Schedule R? .........

Describe in Part XIII the intended uses of the organization's endowment funds.

Part VI

Land, Buildings, and Equipment.
Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 11a. See Form 990, Part X, line 10.

Description of property		(a) Cost or other basis (investment)	(b)Cost or other basis (other)	(c) Accumulated depreciation	(d) Book value

1a	Land ...
b	Buildings
c	Leasehold improvements
d	Equipment ...
e	Other ...
Total. Add lines 1a through 1e. (Column (d) must equal Form 990, Part X, column (B), line 10(c).)..

Schedule D (Form 990) 2015

Page 3

Part VII

InvestmentsOther Securities. Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 11b. See Form 990, Part X, line 12.

(a) Description of security or category (including name of security)	(b)Book value	(c)Method of valuation: Cost or end-of-year market value
(1)Financial derivatives
(2)Closely-held equity interests
(3)Other
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
(F)
(G)
(H)
Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col. (B) line 12.)

Part VIII

InvestmentsProgram Related. Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 11c. See Form 990, Part X, line 13.

(a) Description of investment	(b) Book value	(c) Method of valuation: Cost or end-of-year market value

(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col.(B) line 13.)

Part IX

Other Assets. Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 11d. See Form 990, Part X, line 15.

(a) Description				(b) Book value

(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col.(B) line 15.)...........

Part X

Other Liabilities. Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 11e or 11f. See Form 990, Part X, line 25.

1.(a) Description of liability	(b) Book value
(1) Federal income taxes	0
DUE TO AFFILIATES	33,423
VACATION ACCRUAL	28,618
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col.(B) line 25.)	62,041
2. Liability for uncertain tax positions. In Part XIII, provide the text of the footnote to the organization's financial statements that reports the organization's liability for uncertain tax positions under FIN 48 (ASC 740). Check here if the text of the footnote has been provided in Part XIII

Schedule D (Form 990) 2015

Page 4

Part XI Reconciliation of Revenue per Audited Financial Statements With Revenue per Return Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 12a.
1	Total revenue, gains, and other support per audited financial statements .......			1	1,553,364
2	Amounts included on line 1 but not on Form 990, Part VIII, line 12:
a	Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments ....	2a
b	Donated services and use of facilities .........	2b	18,532
c	Recoveries of prior year grants ...........	2c
d	Other (Describe in Part XIII.) ............	2d
e	Add lines 2a through 2d .....................			2e	18,532
3	Subtract line 2e from line 1..................			3	1,534,832
4	Amounts included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 12, but not on line 1:
a	Investment expenses not included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 7b .	4a
b	Other (Describe in Part XIII.) ...........	4b
c	Add lines 4a and 4b....................			4c
5	Total revenue. Add lines 3 and 4c. (This must equal Form 990, Part I, line 12.) ......			5	1,534,832

Part XII Reconciliation of Expenses per Audited Financial Statements With Expenses per Return. Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 12a.
1	Total expenses and losses per audited financial statements ...........			1	1,521,005
2	Amounts included on line 1 but not on Form 990, Part IX, line 25:
a	Donated services and use of facilities .........	2a	18,532
b	Prior year adjustments ............	2b
c	Other losses ................	2c
d	Other (Describe in Part XIII.) ............	2d
e	Add lines 2a through 2d....................			2e	18,532
3	Subtract line 2e from line 1...................			3	1,502,473
4	Amounts included on Form 990, Part IX, line 25, but not on line 1:
a	Investment expenses not included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 7b ..	4a
b	Other (Describe in Part XIII.) ............	4b
c	Add lines 4a and 4b.....................			4c
5	Total expenses. Add lines 3 and 4c. (This must equal Form 990, Part I, line 18.) ......			5	1,502,473

Part XIII

Supplemental Information

Provide the descriptions required for Part II, lines 3, 5, and 9; Part III, lines 1a and 4; Part lV, lines 1b and 2b;
Part V, line 4; Part X, line 2; Part XI, lines 2d and 4b; and Part XII, lines 2d and 4b. Also complete this part to provide any additional information.

Return Reference

Explanation

FIN 48 (ASC TOPIC 740) FOOTNOTE

SCHEDULE D, XIII THE LEGAL CENTER IS EXEMPT FROM THE PAYMENT OF INCOME TAXES ON RELATED INCOME UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 501(A) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE AS AN ENTITY DESCRIBED UNDER 501(C)(3). THE LEGAL CENTER IS, HOWEVER, SUBJECT TO FEDERAL AND STATE INCOME TAX ON UNRELATED BUSINESS INCOME. THE LEGAL CENTER DID NOT HAVE ANY UNRELATED BUSINESS INCOME TAX LIABILITY FOR THE THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015 AND 2014; NOR DID THE LEGAL CENTER HAVE ANY UNCERTAIN TAX POSITIONS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015 AND 2014.

Schedule D (Form 990) 2015

Additional Data

Software ID:
Software Version:

- TIN:

SCHEDULE G (Form 990 or 990-EZ)

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service

Supplemental Information Regarding
Fundraising or Gaming Activities

Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, lines 17, 18, or 19, or if the organization entered more than $15,000 on Form 990-EZ, line 6a. right arrow

Attach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ.
right arrow

Information about Schedule G (Form 990 or 990-EZ) and its instructions is at www.irs.gov/form990.

OMB No. 1545-0047

2015

Open to Public Inspection

Name of the organization
NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER

Employer identification number

62-1570449

Part I

Fundraising Activities. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 17.

Form 990-EZ filers are not required to complete this part.

Indicate whether the organization raised funds through any of the following activities. Check all that apply.

a	Mail solicitations	e	Solicitation of non-government grants
b	Internet and email solicitations	f	Solicitation of government grants
c	Phone solicitations	g	Special fundraising events
d	In-person solicitations

Did the organization have a written or oral agreement with any individual (including officers, directors, trustees

or key employees listed in Form 990, Part VII) or entity in connection with professional fundraising services?

YesNo

If "Yes," list the ten highest paid individuals or entities (fundraisers) pursuant to agreements under which the fundraiser is
to be compensated at least $5,000 by the organization.

(i) Name and address of individual or entity (fundraiser)		(ii) Activity	(iii) Did fundraiser have custody or control of contributions?		(iv) Gross receipts from activity	(v) Amount paid to (or retained by) fundraiser listed in col. (i)	(vi) Amount paid to (or retained by) organization
			Yes	No
	NATIONAL CAPITAL TELESERVICES LLC	TELE MARKETING		No	43,600	30,344	13,256









Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .					43,600	30,344	13,256

List all states in which the organization is registered or licensed to solicit contributions or has been notified it is exempt from registration or licensing.

AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY

For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ.

Cat. No. 50083H

Schedule G (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015

Page 2

Part II

Fundraising Events. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 18, or reported more than $15,000 of fundraising event contributions and gross income on Form 990-EZ, lines 1 and 6b. List events with gross receipts greater than $5,000.

		(a) Event #1 (event type)	(b) Event #2 (event type)	(c) Other events (total number)	(d) Total events (add col. (a) through col. (c))
1	Gross receipts . . . . .
2	Less: Contributions . . . .
3	Gross income (line 1 minus line 2) . . . . . .

4	Cash prizes . . . . .
5	Noncash prizes . . . .
6	Rent/facility costs . . . .
7	Food and beverages . . .
8	Entertainment . . . .
9	Other direct expenses . . .
10	Direct expense summary. Add lines 4 through 9 in column (d) . . . . . . . . . .
11	Net income summary. Subtract line 10 from line 3, column (d). . . . . . . . . .

Part III

Gaming. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 19, or reported more than $15,000 on Form 990-EZ, line 6a.

		(a) Bingo	(b) Pull tabs/Instant bingo/progressive bingo	(c) Other gaming	(d) Total gaming (add col.(a) through col.(c))
1	Gross revenue . . . . .

2	Cash prizes . . . . .
3	Noncash prizes . . . .
4	Rent/facility costs . . . .
5	Other direct expenses . . .

Volunteer labor . . . .

	Yes %
	No

	Yes %
	No

	Yes %
	No

Direct expense summary. Add lines 2 through 5 in column (d) . . . . . . . . . . right arrow

Net gaming income summary. Subtract line 7 from line 1, column (d). . . . . . . . . right arrow

Enter the state(s) in which the organization conducts gaming activities:

Is the organization licensed to conduct gaming activities in each of these states? . . . . . . . .

YesNo

If "No," explain:

10a

Were any of the organization's gaming licenses revoked, suspended or terminated during the tax year? . . .

YesNo

If "Yes," explain:

Schedule G (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015

Page 3

Does the organization conduct gaming activities with nonmembers? . . . . . . . . . . .

YesNo

Is the organization a grantor, beneficiary or trustee of a trust or a member of a partnership or other entity

formed to administer charitable gaming? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

YesNo

Indicate the percentage of gaming activity conducted in:

The organization's facility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

13a

An outside facility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

13b

Enter the name and address of the person who prepares the organization's gaming/special events books and records:

Name

Address

15a

Does the organization have a contract with a third party from whom the organization receives gaming

revenue? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

YesNo

If "Yes," enter the amount of gaming revenue received by the organization right arrow

$ and the

amount of gaming revenue retained by the third party right arrow

$ .

If "Yes," enter name and address of the third party:

Name

Address

Gaming manager information:

Name

Gaming manager compensation right arrow

Description of services provided right arrow

Director/officer Employee Independent contractor

Mandatory distributions:

Is the organization required under state law to make charitable distributions from the gaming proceeds to

retain the state gaming license? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

YesNo

Enter the amount of distributions required under state law distributed to other exempt organizations or spent

in the organization's own exempt activities during the tax year right arrow

Part IV

Supplemental Information. Provide the explanations required by Part I, line 2b, columns (iii) and (v); and Part III, lines 9, 9b, 10b, 15b, 15c, 16, and 17b, as applicable. Also complete this part to provide any additional information (see instructions).

Return Reference	Explanation

Schedule G (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015

Additional Data

Software ID:
Software Version:

- TIN:

Schedule J
(Form 990)

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service

Compensation Information

For certain Officers, Directors, Trustees, Key Employees, and Highest
Compensated Employees
SchJMediumBullet

Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 23.
SchJMediumBullet

Attach to Form 990.
SchJMediumBullet

Information about Schedule J (Form 990) and its instructions is at www.irs.gov/form990.

OMB No. 1545-0047

2015

Open to Public Inspection

Name of the organization

NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER

Employer identification number

62-1570449

Part I

Questions Regarding Compensation

Yes

Check the appropiate box(es) if the organization provided any of the following to or for a person listed on Form
990, Part VII, Section A, line 1a. Complete Part III to provide any relevant information regarding these items.

First-class or charter travel Housing allowance or residence for personal use

Travel for companions Payments for business use of personal residence

Tax idemnification and gross-up payments Health or social club dues or initiation fees

Discretionary spending account Personal services (e.g., maid, chauffeur, chef)

If any of the boxes in line 1a are checked, did the organization follow a written policy regarding payment or reimbursement or provision of all of the expenses described above? If "No," complete Part III to explain .........

Yes

Did the organization require substantiation prior to reimbursing or allowing expenses incurred by all
directors, trustees, officers, including the CEO/Executive Director, regarding the items checked in line 1a? ..

Yes

Indicate which, if any, of the following the filing organization used to establish the compensation of the
organization's CEO/Executive Director. Check all that apply. Do not check any boxes for methods
used by a related organization to establish compensation of the CEO/Executive Director, but explain in Part III.

Compensation committee Written employment contract

Independent compensation consultant Compensation survey or study

Form 990 of other organizations Approval by the board or compensation committee

During the year, did any person listed on Form 990, Part VII, Section A, line 1a with respect to the filing organization or a related organization:

Receive a severance payment or change-of-control payment? ................

Participate in, or receive payment from, a supplemental nonqualified retirement plan? .........

Yes

Participate in, or receive payment from, an equity-based compensation arrangement? .........

If "Yes" to any of lines 4a-c, list the persons and provide the applicable amounts for each item in Part III.

Only 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(29) organizations must complete lines 5-9.

For persons listed on Form 990, Part VII, Section A, line 1a, did the organization pay or accrue any
compensation contingent on the revenues of:

The organization? ...........................

Any related organization?

If "Yes," on line 5a or 5b, describe in Part III.

For persons listed on Form 990, Part VII, Section A, line 1a, did the organization pay or accrue any
compensation contingent on the net earnings of:

The organization?

Any related organization? .........................

If "Yes," on line 6a or 6b, describe in Part III.

For persons listed on Form 990, Part VII, Section A, line 1a, did the organization provide any non-fixed
payments not described in lines 5 and 6? If "Yes," describe in Part III ............

Yes

Were any amounts reported on Form 990, Part VII, paid or accured pursuant to a contract that was
subject to the initial contract exception described in Regulations section 53.4958-4(a)(3)? If "Yes," describe
in Part III .............................

If "Yes" on line 8, did the organization also follow the rebuttable presumption procedure described in Regulations section 53.4958-6(c)? .........................

For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990.

Cat. No. 50053T

Schedule J (Form 990) 2015

Page 2

Part II

Officers, Directors, Trustees, Key Employees, and Highest Compensated Employees. Use duplicate copies if additional space is needed.

For each individual whose compensation must be reported on Schedule J, report compensation from the organization on row (i) and from related organizations, described in the
instructions, on row (ii). Do not list any individuals that are not listed on Form 990, Part VII.
Note. The sum of columns (B)(i)-(iii) for each listed individual must equal the total amount of Form 990, Part VII, Section A, line 1a, applicable column (D) and (E) amounts for that individual.

(A) Name and Title		(B) Breakdown of W-2 and/or 1099-MISC compensation			(C) Retirement and other deferred compensation	(D) Nontaxable benefits	(E) Total of columns (B)(i)-(D)	(F) Compensation in column(B) reported as deferred on prior Form 990
(A) Name and Title		(i) Base compensation	(ii) Bonus & incentive compensation	(iii) Other reportable compensation	(C) Retirement and other deferred compensation	(D) Nontaxable benefits	(E) Total of columns (B)(i)-(D)
1DONALD A DANNERPRESIDENT/CEO	(i) (ii)	0 ------------- 580,252	0 ------------- 200,175	0 ------------- 75,689	0 ------------- 12,281	0 ------------- 22,758	0 ------------- 891,155	0 ------------- 0
2MARY BLASINSKYSVP/SECRETARY	(i) (ii)	0 ------------- 237,857	0 ------------- 62,300	0 ------------- 29,375	0 ------------- 12,153	0 ------------- 22,733	0 ------------- 364,418	0 ------------- 0
3TAMMY S BOEHMSSVP/CFO	(i) (ii)	0 ------------- 311,908	0 ------------- 76,100	0 ------------- 21,840	0 ------------- 12,489	0 ------------- 13,495	0 ------------- 435,832	0 ------------- 0
4JEFF SMITHTREASURER	(i) (ii)	0 ------------- 174,416	0 ------------- 17,200	0 ------------- 2,141	0 ------------- 9,906	0 ------------- 21,472	0 ------------- 225,135	0 ------------- 0
5BRAD CLOSESVP	(i) (ii)	0 ------------- 245,741	0 ------------- 48,000	0 ------------- 4,560	0 ------------- 10,430	0 ------------- 30,477	0 ------------- 339,208	0 ------------- 0
6KAREN R HARNEDEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR	(i) (ii)	207,206 ------------- 0	15,780 ------------- 0	2,860 ------------- 0	4,391 ------------- 0	17,842 ------------- 0	248,079 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0
7BETH MILITOSENIOR EXECUTIVE COUNSEL	(i) (ii)	178,492 ------------- 0	8,575 ------------- 0	1,560 ------------- 0	6,604 ------------- 0	1,148 ------------- 0	196,379 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0

Schedule J (Form 990) 2015

Page 3

Part III

Supplemental Information

Provide the information, explanation, or descriptions required for Part I, lines 1a, 1b, 3, 4a, 4b, 4c, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7, and 8, and for Part II. Also complete this part for any additional information.

Return Reference	Explanation
DISCRETIONARY SPENDING ACCOUNT	SCHEDULE J, PART I, LINE 1 THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND SENIOR EXECUTIVE COUNSEL OF THE COMPANY RECEIVE CELLULAR PHONE/DATA SERVICE ALLOWANCE. IN COMPLIANCE WITH IRS CODE SECTION 132, THESE FRINGE BENEFITS ARE TREATED AS TAXABLE SALARY, SUBJECT TO WITHHOLDING, ON THE EMPLOYEE'S W-2.
COMPENSATION ESTABLISHED BY RELATED ORGANIZATION	SCHEDULE J, PART I, LINE 3 NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER RELIES ON THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF INDEPENDENT BUSINESS, INC., A RELATED ORGANIZATION, TO ESTABLISH THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S COMPENSATION. NATIONAL FEDERATION OF INDEPENDENT BUSINESS, INC. USES ONE OR MORE OF THE METHODS DESCRIBED ON SCHEDULE J, LINE 3 TO ESTABLISH THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S COMPENSATION.
SUPPLEMENTAL NONQUALIFIED RETIREMENT PLAN	SCHEDULE J, LINE 4B NFIB PROVIDES A SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN (SERP). THIS NONQUALIFIED PLAN COVERS DONALD A. DANNER, MARY BLASKINSKY, TAMMY S. BOEHMS AND STEPHEN WOODS. PARTICIPATION IN THIS SERP HAS BEEN FROZEN AND FUTURE BENEFIT ACCRUALS FOR THE PLAN HAVE CEASED.
INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN	SCHEDULE J, LINE 7 THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND SENIOR EXECUTIVE COUNSEL OF NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER PARTICIPATE IN AN INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN WITH A PORTION OF THE INCENTIVE BASED ON MANAGEMENT'S REVIEW OF THEIR PERFORMANCE DURING THE YEAR.

Schedule J (Form 990) 2015

Additional Data

Software ID:
Software Version:

- TIN:

SCHEDULE O
(Form 990 or 990-EZ)

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service

Supplemental Information to Form 990 or 990-EZ

Complete to provide information for responses to specific questions on
Form 990 or 990-EZ or to provide any additional information.
MediumBullet

Attach to Form 990 or 990-EZ.
MediumBullet

Information about Schedule O (Form 990 or 990-EZ) and its instructions is at
www.irs.gov/form990.

OMB No. 1545-0047

2015

Open to Public
Inspection

Name of the organization

NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER

Employer identification number

62-1570449

Return Reference	Explanation
VOLUNTEERS	FORM 990, PART I, LINE 6 IN 2015, THE NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER USED THE SERVICES OF 16 VOLUNTEERS. THE LEGAL CENTER HAS A 15-MEMBER ADVISORY BOARD CONSISTING OF PRO BONO ATTORNEYS AND SUBJECT-MATTER EXPERTS WHO ADVISE THE LEGAL CENTER OF WHICH CASES TO GET INVOLVED IN HELPING SMALL BUSINESSES. THE LEGAL CENTER ALSO HAD ONE PRO BONO ATTORNEY WRITE A LEGAL BRIEF FOR THE CENTER.
SUMMARY OF LEGAL CASES FOR 2015	ABC TEXAS AND NFIB V. NLRB - LABOR U.S. DISTRICT COURT FOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS U.S. COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE FIFTH CIRCUIT NFIB JOINED WITH THE ASSOCIATED BUILDERS & CONTRACTORS TEXAS IN CHALLENGING THE ACCELERATED UNION ELECTION RULES ISSUED BY THE NLRB. STATUS: PENDING. COMPLAINT FILED 1/13/15. DISTRICT COURT UPHELD THE RULES ON 6/1/15. NOTICE OF APPEAL FILED ON 6/3/15. OPENING BRIEF ON APPEAL FILED ON 8/11/15. AMERICAN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION V. EPA REGULATORY REFORM U.S. COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE EIGHTH CIRCUIT IN THIS CASE, THE AMERICAN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION AND NATIONAL PORK PRODUCERS COUNCIL CHALLENGE THE DISCLOSURE OF SENSITIVE INFORMATION ABOUT FARMERS AND RANCHERS. EPA PROPOSES TO RELEASE INFORMATION DOCUMENTING THE HOME ADDRESSES, TELEPHONE NUMBERS, EMAIL ADDRESSES, GPS COORDINATES, AND OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT FARMS AND RANCHES THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY. THIS PROPOSED DISCLOSURE WAS IN RESPONSE TO A FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT REQUEST FROM ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVISTS. NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER FILED AN AMICUS BRIEF ARGUING THAT INDIVIDUALS RETAIN THEIR FEDERALLY PROTECTED PRIVACY RIGHTS, EVEN WHEN ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES. ACCORDINGLY, NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER ARGUES THAT SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS ARE ENTITLED TO CHALLENGE THE DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION ABOUT THEIR BUSINESS BECAUSE SUCH INFORMATION COMMONLY REVEALS PERSONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE OWNERS. STATUS: PENDING. AMICUS BRIEF FILED IN SUPPORT OF AFBF ON 5/1/15. AMERICAN FARM BUREAU V. U.S. EPA PROPERTY RIGHTS U.S. SUPREME COURT CERT PETITION THE COURT HAS BEEN ASKED TO ONCE AGAIN REVIEW THE SCOPE OF EPAS POWER UNDER THE CLEAN WATER ACT. HERE THE POWER EPA HAS ASSERTED IN THE CHESAPEAKE BAY WATERSHED, UNDER THE GUISE OF A "TOTAL MAXIMUM DAILY LOAD", GIVES IT THE POWER TO RESTRICT THE USE OF LANDS FOR FARMING, HARVESTING TREES, BUILDING HOMES, OR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT-REGARDLESS OF ECONOMIC IMPACT, REGARDLESS OF ANY PROXIMITY TO "WATERS OF THE U.S.", AND REGARDLESS OF THE VIEWS AND PREFERENCES OF STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS. IT AMOUNTS TO FEDERAL SUPER-ZONING AUTHORITY. ITS ALSO FAR BEYOND EPAS STATUTORY AUTHORITY, AND THE LEVEL OF DEFERENCE THE LOWER COURTS HAVE SHOWN TO EPA IS UNPRECEDENTED. STATUS: DECIDED. BRIEF FILED 12/9/15. PETITION DENIED 3/1/16. ARRIGONI V. TOWN OF DURHAM PROPERTY RIGHTS U.S. SUPREME COURT CERT PETITION IN 1985 THE U.S. SUPREME COURT HELD THAT A PROPERTY OWNER MAY NOT INITIATE AN INVERSE CONDEMNATION CLAIM SEEKING JUST COMPENSATION FOR THE TAKING OF PROPERTY AGAINST STATE OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNLESS THE OWNER HAS FIRST PURSUED STATE REMEDIES BY SUING FOR JUST COMPENSATION IN STATE COURT. BUT OVER THE PAST 30 YEARS ITS BECOME CLEAR THAT THIS AMOUNTS TO AN EFFECTIVE BAR ON BRINGING TAKINGS CLAIMS IN FEDERAL COURT. ACCORDINGLY, NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER IS ASKING THE SUPREME COURT TO TAKE THIS CASE IN ORDER TO RECONSIDER ITS INITIAL DECISION IN WILLIAMSON COUNTY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION V. HAMILTON BANK. STATUS: PENDING. AMICUS BRIEF FILED ON 12/18/15. ASSOCIATED BUILDERS & CONTRACTORS V. CITY OF LANSING LABOR MICHIGAN SUPREME COURT IN THIS CASE, PLAINTIFF CHALLENGES A CITY OF LANSING ORDINANCE REQUIRING CITY CONTRACTORS TO PAY PREVAILING WAGES TO EMPLOYEES. ABC CONTENDS THAT THE ORDINANCE VIOLATES THE MICHIGAN CONSTITUTION, AS THE MICHIGAN SUPREME COURT STRUCK DOWN AN IDENTICAL ORDINANCE, FROM THE CITY OF DETROIT, IN 1923. HERE THE LOWER COURT RULED THAT THE LANSING ORDINANCE IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL, AND THAT THE 1923 DECISION REMAINS BINDING. BUT, THE COURT OF APPEAL REVERSED. AS SUCH, NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER URGED THE MICHIGAN SUPREME COURT TO AFFIRM ITS 1923 DECISION, AND EMPHASIZED THE DOCTRINE OF STARE DECISIS. STATUS: PENDING. AMICUS BRIEF FILED IN SUPPORT OF ABC ON 3/30/15. BAKER DC V. NLRB LABOR U.S. DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA BAKER DC, LLC, A CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, WAS ONE OF THE FIRST EMPLOYERS TO FACE AN ELECTION PETITION UNDER THE 'NEW' AMBUSH ELECTION RULES. THE COMPANY FILED FOR A TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER (TRO) TO PREVENT THE ELECTION FROM MOVING FORWARD UNDER THE NEW RULES. AS A MEMBER OF THE COALITION FOR A DEMOCRATIC WORKPLACE (CDW), NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER JOINED AN AMICUS BRIEF IN SUPPORT OF BAKERS TRO. STATUS: DECIDED. AMICUS BRIEF FILED 4/21/15. TRO DENIED. BCI COCA-COLA OF LOS ANGELES V. JOSUE - EMPLOYMENT HAWAII FIRST CIRCUIT COURT NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER FILED AN AMICUS BRIEF EXPLAINING THE PRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES THAT WOULD BE IMPOSED ON EMPLOYERS IF THE COURTS SHOULD ACCEPT THE DEPARTMENT OF LABORS INTERPRETATION OF A STATUTE SO AS TO REQUIRE EMPLOYERS TO RETURN AN EMPLOYEE TO THE SAME POSITION HE OR SHE HELD BEFORE AN INJURY WITHOUT REGARD TO HOW LONG THE EMPLOYEE HAS BEEN OUT OF COMMISSION. NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER ARGUED THAT THE EMPLOYER SHOULD ONLY BE REQUIRED TO MAKE REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS. STATUS: PENDING. AMICUS BRIEF FILED 07/02/14; SECOND BRIEF FILED 4/6/15. BETTIE PAGE CLOTHING V. NLRB LABOR U.S. COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE D.C. CIRCUIT IN APRIL 2013, THE NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD HELD THAT THE BETTIE PAGE CLOTHING COMPANY UNLAWFULLY FIRED EMPLOYEES WHO USED FACEBOOK TO DISCUSS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THEIR SUPERVISORS CONDUCT AND OTHER WORK-RELATED CONCERNS, REJECTING THE EMPLOYERS CLAIM IT WAS TRICKED INTO FIRING THE WORKERS. POST-NOEL CANNING, THE CASE REVIEW WAS TRANSFERRED FROM THE NINTH CIRCUIT TO THE D.C CIRCUIT. STATUS: PENDING. AMICUS BRIEF FILED IN SUPPORT OF EMPLOYER ON 2/25/15. BRIDGESTONE RETAIL OPERATIONS LLC V. BROWN - LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT U.S. SUPREME COURT CERT PETITION THE FEDERAL ARBITRATION ACT WAS ENACTED BY CONGRESS IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT BUSINESS OWNERS CAN RESOLVE DISPUTES THROUGH BINDING ARBITRATION AGREEMENTS. BUT THE CALIFORNIA SUPREME COURT HOLDS THAT ARBITRATION AGREEMENTS CANNOT INHIBIT AN EMPLOYEE FROM BRINGING A LAWSUIT UNDER THE STATES PRIVATE ATTORNEY GENERAL ACT. WE ARE ASKING THE U.S. SUPREME COURT TO REVIEW BECAUSE WE ARE CONCERNED THIS RULE ENABLES STATES TO CIRCUMVENT THE FAA. STATUS: DECIDED. AMICUS BRIEF FILED 3/26/15. PETITION DENIED 6/1/15. CALIFORNIA BUILDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION V. SAN JOSE PROPERTY RIGHTS U.S. SUPREME COURT CERT PETITION PLAINTIFFS ARE CHALLENGING SAN JOSES RULES FORCING DEVELOPERS TO SET ASIDE A NUMBER OF UNITS AT BELOW MARKET RATES BECAUSE THIS LIKEWISE FORCES LANDOWNERS TO DEDICATE PROPERTY TO A PUBLIC USE. THE CITY OFFERS NO COMPENSATION FOR THESE DEVELOPERS. STATUS: DECIDED. AMICUS BRIEF FILED 10/19/15. PETITION DENIED 3/1/16. CITY OF DALLAS V. HIGHWAY 205 FARMS PROPERTY RIGHTS U.S. COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE TENTH CIRCUIT EMINENT DOMAIN PROCEEDINGS IN TEXAS ARE INITIATED UPON FILING A CONDEMNATION PETITION IN COURT. THIS CASE ASKS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE CONDEMNING AUTHORITY FAILS TO PROSECUTE THEIR CASE AFTER INITIATING EMINENT DOMAIN PROCEEDINGS-WHERE THE PROCESS STALLS DURING THE "ADMINISTRATIVE" PORTION OF THE CASE, SUCH THAT THE SPECIAL COMMISSIONERS NEVER SUBMIT A REPORT FROM WHICH THE LANDOWNER CAN APPEAL. NFIBS LEGAL CENTER BRIEF ARGUES THAT THERE MUST BE SOME OPPORTUNITY FOR A LANDOWNER TO LIFT A CLOUD ON THE TITLE OF HIS PROPERTY ONCE EMINENT DOMAIN PROCEEDINGS HAVE BEGUN, AND THAT THE LANDOWNER SHOULD BE ENABLED TO SEEK A DISMISSAL FOR WANT OF PROSECUTION IF THE CONDEMNING AUTHORITY UNREASONABLY FAILS TO MOVE THE PROCEEDINGS FORWARD. STATUS: PENDING. AMICUS BRIEF FILED 2/10/15. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE V. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL/REGULATORY U.S. DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF OKLAHOMA NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER JOINED WITH THE U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO BLOCK THE EPA AND THE ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS FROM ENFORCING A CONTROVERSIAL NEW RULE THAT WOULD REGULATE EVERY TRICKLE OF WATER IN AMERICA-NO MATTER HOW SMALL-AS PART OF A REGULATORY POWER GRAB THAT COULD DESTROY HOMETOWN BUSINESSES AND LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. EPA EARLIER IN 2015 FINALIZED REGULATIONS, RECENTLY APPROVED BY THE WHITE HOUSE, WHICH GREATLY EXPAND FEDERAL AUTHORITY OVER PRIVATE PROPERTY UNDER THE CLEAN WATER ACT. THE EPA SAYS THAT THE RULE IS NECESSARY TO PROTECT LOCAL DRINKING WATER. THE WATERS THAT EPA NOW SEEKS TO REGULATE ARE ALREADY HEAVILY REGULATED AT THE STATE AND LOCAL LEVELS. STATUS: PENDING. COMPLAINT FILED 7/10/15. CONDON V. ADVANCE THERMAL HYDRONICS LEGAL REFORM NEW JERSEY SUPREME COURT THE CASE CONCERNS WHETHER DEFENDANTS AT TRIAL CAN TRY TO ALLOCATE FAULT TO SETTLED DEFENDANTS IN THE CASE, OR WHETHER THE PLAINTIFF MAY RECEIVE NEARLY A FULL RECOVERY FROM SETTLED DEFENDANTS AND THEN RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL, COMPLETE RECOVERY FROM ANY JUDGMENT DEFENDANT. UNDER THE OTHER SIDES APPROACH, A PLAINTIFF WOULD ESSENTIALLY RECEIVE A DOUBLE RECOVERY IN THE TORT SYSTEM. STATUS: PENDING. AMICUS BRIEF FILED 11/24/15.
SUMMARY OF LEGAL CASES FOR 2015 (CONT.)	CONSTELLATION BRANDS V. NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD LABOR U.S. COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE SECOND CIRCUIT THE LEGAL CENTER JOINED AN AMICUS BRIEF CHALLENGING THE NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARDS APPLICATION OF ITS SPECIALTY HEALTHCARE RULE TO CREATE A "MICROUNION" COMPOSED OF A SUBSET OF EMPLOYEES FOR COLLECTIVE BARGAINING PURPOSES. THE BOARDS DISRUPTIVE APPLICATION OF THE SPECIALTY HEALTHCARE RULE IS CURRENTLY BEING LITIGATED IN OTHER CASES. STATUS: PENDING. AMICUS BRIEF FILED 12/17/15. COOPER V. TAKEDA PHARMACEUTICALS LEGAL REFORM CALIFORNIA SUPREME COURT PETITION FOR REVIEW THE STATES HIGHEST COURT IS BEING ASKED TO DETERMINE HOW DAUBERT IS TO BE APPLIED IN CALIFORNIA COURTS FOLLOWING THE CALIFORNIA SUPREME COURTS ADOPTION OF DAUBERT A FEW YEARS AGO IN THE SARGON CASE. TAKEDA SUCCEEDED AT THE TRIAL COURT IN GETTING PLAINTIFFS SPECIFIC CAUSATION EXPERT EXCLUDED, BUT THE CALIFORNIA COURT OF APPEALS REVERSED. TAKEDA IS NOW SEEKING REVIEW FROM THE CALIFORNIA SUPREME COURT. STATUS: PENDING. LETTER BRIEF IN SUPPORT OF PETITION FOR REVIEW FILED 10/15/15. COOPERATIVE HOME CARE V. CITY OF ST. LOUIS EMPLOYMENT/MINIMUM WAGE CIRCUIT COURT FOR CITY OF ST. LOUIS MISSOURI SUPREME COURT NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER JOINED A CONSORTIUM OF GROUPS SUED LAST MONTH IN AN ATTEMPT TO STOP THE CITY FROM INSTITUTING AN $11 MINIMUM WAGE BY 2018. THE SUIT ALLEGED THE ACTION CONFLICTED WITH CURRENT STATE LAW. A CIRCUIT JUDGE STRUCK DOWN THE CITYS MINIMUM WAGE LAW IN OCTOBER JUST HOURS BEFORE IT WAS SET TO GO INTO FORCE. THE CIRCUIT COURT DECLARED THE CITYS LAW VOID AND IN VIOLATION OF STATE LAW THAT SETS THE MINIMUM WAGE AT $7.65. THE CITY APPEALED. STATUS: PENDING. COMPLAINT FILED 9/15/15. CIRCUIT COURT STRUCK DOWN THE NEW WAGE ORDINANCE. CITY APPEALED TO THE STATE SUPREME COURT. CRST V. EEOC LEGAL REFORM U.S. SUPREME COURT CERT PETITION AND MERITS BRIEF IN THIS CASE THE EEOC INITIATED LEGAL ACTION AGAINST A BUSINESS WITHOUT COMPLYING WITH ITS STATUTORY OBLIGATION TO REASONABLY INVESTIGATE THE ALLEGED VIOLATION AND TO CONCILIATE BEFORE FILING SUIT. ACCORDINGLY, THE DEFENDANT COMPANY SUCCEEDED IN OBTAINING AN ORDER DISMISSING THE CASE ON PROCEDURAL GROUNDS. THE ISSUE PRESENTED AT THIS STAGE IS WHETHER THE EEOC SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO PAY ATTORNEYS FEES. NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER FILED IN SUPPORT OF THE EMPLOYER, ARGUING THAT ATTORNEYS FEES SHOULD BE AWARDED TO A PREVAILING BUSINESS DEFENDANT REGARDLESS OF WHETHER A CASE IS DISMISSED ON PROCEDURAL GROUNDS OR RESOLVED ON THE MERITS. STATUS: PENDING. AMICUS BRIEF FILED IN SUPPORT OF CERT PETITION 6/19/15. AMICUS FILED ON THE MERITS ON 1/26/16. DAGOSTINO V. PATRICK LABOR U.S. COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE FIRST CIRCUIT THIS CASE ASKS WHETHER A STATE MAY COMPEL HOME CARE WORKERS TO JOIN A UNION AGAINST THEIR WILL BY CLASSIFYING THESE WORKERS AS PUBLIC EMPLOYEES. NFIBS LEGAL CENTER AMICUS BRIEF ARGUED THAT, IN LIGHT OF THE SUPREME COURTS DECISION IN HARRIS V. QUINN, THE STATES ATTEMPT TO COMPEL UNIONIZATION IS INAPPROPRIATE BECAUSE HARRIS MAKES CLEAR A STATE CANNOT SIMPLY PRONOUNCE WORKERS "PUBLIC EMPLOYEES." STATUS: DECIDED. AMICUS BRIEF FILED 7/31/15. COURT RULED IN FAVOR OF COMMONWEALTHS UNION SCHEME. DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES V. WHITETAIL BLUFF - REGULATORY INDIANA COURT OF APPEALS INDIANA SUPREME COURT REQUEST FOR REVIEW INDIANA IS HOME TO HUNDREDS OF SMALL BUSINESSES THAT OPERATE DEER AND ELK HUNTING PRESERVES. ACTIVISTS HAVE PRESSURED THE STATE FOR YEARS TO SHUT THEM DOWN. SEVERAL YEARS AGO OFFICIALS FROM THE INDIANA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES (DNR) PASSED A RULE BANNING THE CLOSED HUNTING PRESERVES. A CIRCUIT COURT RULED IN FAVOR OF NFIB MEMBER RODNEY STONE FINDING THAT DNR OVERSTEPPED ITS AUTHORITY BY TRYING TO CLOSE THE BUSINESSES. NFIB IS SUPPORTING MR. STONE IN THE STATES APPEAL. STATUS: DECIDED. AMICUS BRIEF FILED 8/14/14. COURT RULED IN FAVOR OF MR. STONE AND STATE REQUESTED REVIEW BY SUPREME COURT. NFIB FILED BRIEF OPPOSING REVIEW ON 3/27/15. COURT DENIED REVIEW. EEOC V. ABERCROMBIE & FITCH EMPLOYMENT U.S. SUPREME COURT NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER FILED A BRIEF IN SUPPORT OF ABERCROMBIE, THE CLOTHING RETAILER, WHO IS ACCUSED OF DISCRIMINATION FOR DECLINING TO HIRE AN APPLICANT THAT CLAIMED IT WAS DUE TO HER WEARING RELIGIOUS GARB. THE PLAINTIFF IS ALLEGING DISCRIMINATION EVEN THOUGH SHE NEVER MADE CLEAR THAT SHE WOULD NEED AN EXEMPTION FROM THE COMPANYS DRESS CODE. STATUS: DECIDED. BRIEF FILED 1/28/15. COURT RULED IN FAVOR OF PLAINTIFF. ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT LEGAL INSTITUTE V. JOSHUA EPEL REGULATORY REFORM U.S. SUPREME COURT CERT PETITION AT QUESTION IN THE CASE OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT LEGAL INSTITUTE V. JOSHUA EPEL IS WHETHER COLORADO STATE LAW CAN REQUIRE ELECTRICITY GENERATORS TO ENSURE THAT A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF ELECTRICITY THEY SELL TO COLORADO CONSUMERS COMES FROM RENEWABLE SOURCES. THIS BECOMES A PROBLEM BECAUSE COLORADO RESIDENTS RECEIVE THEIR ELECTRICITY FROM A GRID THAT SERVES ELEVEN STATES AND PORTIONS OF CANADA AND MEXICO. EELI, AND NFIB, ARE ARGUING THAT UNDER THE DORMANT COMMERCE CLAUSE THIS IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL. BECAUSE THE CONSTITUTION GIVES THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT JURISDICTION OVER INTERSTATE COMMERCE, A STATES POWER TO REGULATE IS LIMITED TO CONDUCT OCCURRING WITHIN THE STATE, OR CONDUCT THAT HAS LOCAL EFFECTS. BY IMPOSING SUCH STRINGENT ENERGY REGULATIONS, COLORADO IS CONTROLLING ENERGY SOURCES THAT ARE OUTSIDE OF ITS BORDERS. STATUS: DECIDED. AMICUS BRIEF FILED IN SUPPORT OF EMPLOYER ON 11/16/15. COURT DENIED REVIEW. FRIEDRICHS V. CA TEACHERS ASSOC. LABOR U.S. SUPREME COURT THE COURT HAS BEEN ASKED TO DECIDE WHETHER ABOOD V. DETROIT BD. OF ED. SHOULD BE OVERRULED AND PUBLIC-SECTOR "AGENCY SHOP" ARRANGEMENTS INVALIDATED UNDER THE FIRST AMENDMENT; AND WHETHER IT VIOLATES THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO REQUIRE THAT PUBLIC EMPLOYEES AFFIRMATIVELY OBJECT TO SUBSIDIZING NONCHARGEABLE SPEECH BY PUBLIC-SECTOR UNIONS, RATHER THAN REQUIRING THAT EMPLOYEES AFFIRMATIVELY CONSENT TO SUBSIDIZING SUCH SPEECH. STATUS: DECIDED. A SPLIT 4-4 DECISION SO NINTH CIRCUITS DECISION IN FAVOR OF UNIONS REMAINS. GREEN V. BRENNAN EMPLOYMENT U.S. SUPREME COURT THE UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT WILL DECIDE WHETHER FEDERAL EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION LAW ALLOWS WORKERS TO FILE CONSTRUCTIVE DISCHARGE CLAIMS WELL AFTER THEY HAVE RESIGNED, OR WHETHER THE CLOCK SHOULD START RUNNING WHEN THE ALLEGED ABUSES ARE HAPPENING. STATUS: PENDING. AMICUS BRIEF FILED IN SUPPORT OF EMPLOYER 10/7/15. HAVER V. BNSF RAILWAY LEGAL REFORM CALIFORNIA SUPREME COURT THE COURT WILL DETERMINE WHETHER TAKE HOME ASBESTOS EXPOSURE CLAIMS ARE BARRED UNDER CALIFORNIA ASBESTOS MEDICAL CRITERIA LAW AND ALSO FAIL UNDER A NEGLIGENCE THEORY BECAUSE NO DUTY IS OWED TO PERSONS EXPOSED OFF-SITE. THE INTERMEDIATE APPELLATE COURT ALLOWED THE CLAIMS TO PROCEED. STATUS: PENDING. AMICUS BRIEF FILED 3/11/15. HILLCREST PROPERTIES V. PASCO COUNTY PROPERTY RIGHTS U.S. SUPREME COURT - CERT PETITION IN THIS CASE A PROPERTY OWNER ADVANCES A FACIAL DUE PROCESS CHALLENGE TO AN ORDINANCE THAT PLAINLY VIOLATES THE TAKINGS CLAUSE IN REQUIRING LANDOWNERS TO DEDICATE LAND, IN THE FOOTPRINT OF A PLANNED HIGHWAY, AS A CONDITION OF GETTING A PERMIT APPROVAL. AFTER PREVAILING IN THE DISTRICT COURT, THE 11TH CIRCUIT REVERSED, HOLDING THAT THE CLAIM WAS BARRED BY THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS BECAUSE IT WAS BROUGHT A FEW YEARS AFTER THE ORDINANCE WAS ENACTED. OUR AMICUS BRIEF URGES THE SUPREME COURT TO TAKE THE CASE IN ORDER TO MAKE CLEAR THAT A FACIAL CHALLENGE MAY BE ADVANCED AT ANY POINT BECAUSE THE CONSTITUTIONAL INJURY OCCURS NOT WITH ENACTMENT, BUT WITH ENFORCEMENT OF THE ORDINANCE. STATUS: PENDING. AMICUS BRIEF FILED 2/20/15. HINCHY V. WALGREEN EMPLOYMENT INDIANA SUPREME COURT NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER JOINED WITH OTHER BUSINESS GROUPS IN URGING THE INDIANA SUPREME COURT TO REVERSE A COURT OF APPEAL DECISION, WHICH HELD EMPLOYERS LIABLE FOR AN EMPLOYEES CONDUCT THAT THE EMPLOYER HAD NO CONTROL OVER. THE AMICUS ARGUED THAT THE COURT SHOULD AFFIRM LONG-STANDING COMMON LAW RULES LIMITING THE DOCTRINE OF RESPONDENT SUPERIOR. AN EMPLOYER SHOULD ONLY BE HELD LIABLE FOR THE ACTIONS OF AN EMPLOYEE IF THE EMPLOYEE WAS ACTING TO FURTHER THE BUSINESS INTERESTS, OR WHERE THE EMPLOYER HAS FAILED TO TAKE REASONABLE ACTIONS TO CONTROL THE EMPLOYEES CONDUCT. STATUS: PENDING. AMICUS BRIEF FILED 2/16/15.
SUMMARY OF LEGAL CASES FOR 2015 (CONT.)	HORNE V. USDA PROPERTY RIGHTS U.S. SUPREME COURT CERT PETITION AND MERITS (2012, 2013) U.S. SUPREME COURT CERT PETITION AND MERITS (2014, 2015) UNDER THE AGRICULTURAL MARKETING AGREEMENT ACT OF 1937, RAISIN GROWERS MUST TURN OVER A SUBSTANTIAL PORTION OF THEIR CROP (SOMETIMES REACHING PERCENTAGES AS HIGH AS 30 OR 47 PERCENT OF THE ANNUAL CROP) FOR BELOW-MARKET OR NO COMPENSATION IN EXCHANGE FOR THE "PRIVILEGE" OF SELLING THE REMAINDER ON THE OPEN MARKET. THE NINTH CIRCUIT DENIED GROWERS THE RIGHT TO APPROPRIATELY CONTEST MONETARY FINES IMPOSED ON THE GROWERS WHO ALLEGEDLY FAILED TO COMPLY WITH THE SET-ASIDE. NOW THE SUPREME COURT HAS TAKEN THE CASE TO DECIDE WHETHER THIS REGIME VIOLATES THE TAKINGS CLAUSE OF THE FIFTH AMENDMENT. STATUS: DECIDED. AMICUS BRIEF FILED 8/27/12. COURT GRANTED CERT AND MERITS BRIEF FILED 1/16/13. ORAL ARGUMENT HELD 3/20/13. COURT RULED IN FAVOR OF THE GROWERS 6/10/2013. REMANDED TO NINTH CIRCUIT, WHICH RULED AGAINST GROWERS. CERT PETITION REFILED TO SUPREME COURT ON 10/19/14. MERITS BRIEF FILED ON 3/9/15. COURT RULED IN FAVOR OF HORNE. IN RE: DWYER V. COLORADO TAX COLORADO SUPREME COURT IN 2012, THE NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER FILED AN AMICUS BRIEF IN THE COLORADO SUPREME COURT IN THE LOBATO, A SCHOOL FUNDING CASE, WHICH ARGUED THAT IF THE PLAINTIFFS WERE SUCCESSFUL, THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY WOULD BE FORCED TO DEDICATE VIRTUALLY THE ENTIRE GENERAL FUND BUDGET TO PUBLIC EDUCATION AND, AS A RESULT, THE ECONOMY AND BUSINESS CLIMATE WOULD BE DECIMATED. THE PROPONENTS OF THAT LITIGATION ARE NOW ARGUING THAT THE LEGISLATURE IS NOT FOLLOWING THE MANDATE OF AMENDMENT 23 REQUIRING ANNUAL INCREASES TO PUBLIC EDUCATION FUNDING. THE STATE SOUGHT TO DISMISS THE CASE BEFORE TRIAL, BUT THE TRIAL JUDGE DENIED THAT REQUEST. SO THE STATE HAS APPEALED DIRECTLY TO THE COLORADO SUPREME COURT. STATUS: PENDING. AMICUS BRIEF FILED 4/22/15. IN RE: LONGVIEW ENERGY COMPANY LEGAL REFORM TEXAS SUPREME COURT THIS CASE INVOLVES WHETHER TEXASS $25 MILLION APPEAL BOND CAP, ENACTED AS PART OF THE STATES 2003 TORT REFORM PACKAGE, SHOULD BE APPLIED PER JUDGMENT OR PER DEFENDANT. THE TRIAL COURT REQUIRED A $100 MILLION+ BOND BY MULTIPLYING THE $25 MILLION BY FOUR DEFENDANTS, RATHER THAN ALLOWING THEM TO POST A SINGLE $25 MILLION BOND. THE INTERMEDIATE APPELLATE COURT REVERSED. OUR AMICUS BRIEF ARGUES THE BOND APPLIES PER JUDGMENT. STATUS: PENDING. AMICUS BRIEF FILED 2/20/15. IN RE: PG&E APPLICATION TAX CALIFORNIA PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION PG&E IS A PRIVATELY OWNED PUBLIC UTILITIES COMPANY, GOVERNED BY THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION. PG&E HAS SUBMITTED AN APPLICATION TO INSTALL ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) CHARGING STATIONS THROUGHOUT ITS SERVICE AREA IN ORDER TO HELP FACILITATE CALIFORNIAS GOAL OF ENCOURAGING CONSUMERS TO PURCHASE LOW EMISSION VEHICLES, SO AS TO REDUCE THE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS. THE REQUEST ASKS THE COMMISSION TO APPROVE A RATE HIKE FOR EXISTING UTILITIES CONSUMERS TO PAY FOR THIS INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT. NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER FILED AN OBJECTION ARGUING THAT IT WAS UNREASONABLE TO ALLOW A PUBLIC UTILITIES TO FORCE EXISTING CONSUMERS TO PAY FOR A SERVICE THAT IS NOT DIRECTLY BENEFITING THEM, AND FURTHER THAT PG&ES PROPOSAL WOULD AMOUNT TO AN ILLEGAL TAX UNDER CALIFORNIA LAW. STATUS: PENDING. AMICUS BRIEF FILED 3/13/15. INTERNATIONAL UNION OF PAINTERS V. TIVOLI VILLAGE LABOR NEVADA SUPREME COURT THIS CASE RAISES IMPORTANT EMPLOYER PROPERTY RIGHTS ISSUES AND A NEW UNION TACTIC CALLED "PHOTO-BOMBING" IN WHICH A UNION PROJECTS ITS HANDBILLING MESSAGES ONTO THE FAADE OF AN EMPLOYERS BUILDING BY USING LARGE PROJECTION EQUIPMENT LOCATED ON PUBLIC PROPERTY. THE UNION USES THE FAADE LIKE A GIANT MOVIE SCREEN AND PROJECTS HANDBILLING MESSAGES THAT ARE OFTEN SEVERAL STORIES HIGH. IT IS LIKE "BANNERING" ON STEROIDS. TIVOLI VILLAGE WAS SUCCESSFUL IN OBTAINING INJUNCTIVE RELIEF. HOWEVER, THE UNION HAS TAKEN AN APPEAL FROM THE DISTRICT COURT TO THE NEVADA SUPREME COURT. STATUS: PENDING. AMICUS BRIEF FILED 9/1/15. JOHNSON V. WYNNS EXTENDED CARE LEGAL REFORM U.S. COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE THIRD CIRCUIT THIS CASE RAISES THE QUESTION OF WHETHER THE NEW JERSEY TRUTH IN CONSUMER CONTRACT AND WARRANT NOTIFICATION ACT (TCCWNA) AUTHORIZES LAWSUITS AGAINST BUSINESSES USING ARBITRATION AGREEMENTS THAT EITHER (A) REQUIRE THE PARTIES TO COVER THEIR OWN ATTORNEYS FEES; (B) DESIGNATE THE PLACE OF ARBITRATION IN ANOTHER JURISDICTION; (C) INCLUDE A FONT SIZE THAT IS ALLEGED TO BE TOO SMALL; OR (D) WAIVES THE RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL. BECAUSE THE ACT AUTHORIZES LITIGANTS TO BRING CLASS ACTION SUITS THAT CAN PROVE RUINOUS TO SMALL BUSINESSES, NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER FILED IN THIS CASE TO LIMIT APPLICATION OF THE TCCWNA. WE JOINED WITH OTHER BUSINESS GROUPS IN ARGUING THAT THE FEDERAL ARBITRATION ACT PRECLUDES AN EXPANSIVE INTERPRETATION. STATUS: PENDING. AMICUS BRIEF FILED 6/10/15. KERR V. HICKENLOOPER TAX U.S. COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE TENTH CIRCUIT THE 10TH CIRCUIT HAS BEEN ORDERED TO RECONSIDER ITS PREVIOUS DECISION ALLOWING A GUARANTEE CLAUSE CHALLENGE TO MOVE TO THE MERITS. PREVIOUSLY THE 10TH CIRCUIT HELD THAT INDIVIDUAL LEGISLATORS HAD STANDING TO ADVANCE THIS CHALLENGE, AND THAT THE CLAIM IS JUSTICIABLE. BUT THE SUPREME COURT VACATED THAT DECISION AND ORDERED THE TENTH CIRCUIT TO RECONSIDER IN LIGHT OF ITS DECISION IN ARIZONA STATE LEGISLATURE V. ARIZONA INDEPENDENT REDISTRICTING COMMISSION. OUR AMICUS BRIEF ARGUES THAT, IN LIGHT OF THE ARIZONA DECISION, THE CASE SHOULD BE DISMISSED UNDER THE POLITICAL QUESTIONS DOCTRINE. STATUS: PENDING. AMICUS BRIEF FILED 7/31/15. KESNER V. SUPERIOR COURT LEGAL REFORM CALIFORNIA SUPREME COURT THE COURT WILL DETERMINE WHETHER TAKE HOME ASBESTOS EXPOSURE CLAIMS ARE BARRED UNDER CALIFORNIA ASBESTOS MEDICAL CRITERIA LAW AND ALSO FAIL UNDER A NEGLIGENCE THEORY BECAUSE NO DUTY IS OWED TO PERSONS EXPOSED OFF-SITE. THE INTERMEDIATE APPELLATE COURT ALLOWED THE CLAIMS TO PROCEED. STATUS: PENDING. AMICUS BRIEF FILED 3/11/15. LALLI V. GNC EMPLOYMENT U.S. COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE FIRST CIRCUIT NFIBS LEGAL CENTER AMICUS BRIEF ARGUES THAT WHEN AN EMPLOYER PAYS AN EMPLOYEE A FIXED SALARY FOR VARIABLE HOURS (A FLUCTUATING WORKWEEK), THE EMPLOYER IS ALSO PERMITTED TO PAY THE EMPLOYEE A BONUS (WHETHER BASED ON HOURS, PERFORMANCE, OR ANY OTHER METRIC), AND TO CALCULATE OVERTIME BASED ON THE "WAGES DIVIDED BY HOURS EQUALS REGULAR RATE." STATUS: PENDING. AMICUS BRIEF FILED 7/27/15. LINERT V. FORD MOTOR CO. LEGAL REFORM OHIO SUPREME COURT NFIB JOINED AN APPEAL OF A LOWER-COURT DECISION THAT REQUIRES MANUFACTURERS SELLING PRODUCTS IN OHIO TO WARN CONSUMERS POST-SALE OF ANY KNOWN RISK INVOLVING THE PRODUCT, EVEN IF THE PRODUCT IS NOT DEFECTIVE. STATUS: PENDING. AMICUS BRIEF FILED 8/17/15. LOMPE V. SUNRIDGE PARTNERS LLC LEGAL REFORM U.S. COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE TENTH CIRCUIT THIS CASE INVOLVES TWO ISSUES AT THE CORE OF TWO CRITICAL DUE PROCESS CONSIDERATIONS: (1) DILIGENT POST-TRIAL EVALUATION BY THE DISTRICT JUDGE OF THE PUNITIVE DAMAGES AWARD IN LIGHT OF THE NATURE OF THE CONDUCT, THE INJURIES, AND THE OTHER FACTORS RECOGNIZED TO PLACE MEANINGFUL LIMITS ON A JURY'S POWER TO PUNISH A CIVIL DEFENDANT. THE DISTRICT JUDGE IN THIS CASE LET THE JURY USE WORLDWIDE WEALTH EVIDENCE TO JUSTIFY ITS $25.5 MILLION AWARD, AND THEN ESSENTIALLY GAVE COMPLETE DEFERENCE TO THE JURY'S FINDING WITHOUT CONSIDERING DUE PROCESS VIOLATIONS. STATUS: PENDING. AMICUS BRIEF FILED 2/9/15. MACHINISTS LOCAL V. WALKER LABOR CIRCUIT COURT DANE COUNTY THE LEGAL CENTER JOINED A BUSINESS COALITION BRIEF THAT IS DEFENDING WISCONSINS RIGHT TO WORK LAW. STATUS: PENDING. AMICUS BRIEF FILED 5/6/15. MACYS V. UNITED COMMERCIAL FOOD WORKERS/NLRB LABOR NLRB U.S. COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE FIFTH CIRCUIT THE NLRBS REGIONAL DIRECTOR APPLIED THE UNIT DETERMINATION STANDARD ANNOUNCED IN SPECIALTY HEALTHCARE TO FIND THE EMPLOYEES WORKING IN THE FRAGRANCE DEPARTMENT IN A MACY'S DEPARTMENT STORE AN APPROPRIATE UNIT. THE YEAR PRIOR, THE UNION HAD FAILED TO ORGANIZE A WALL-TO-WALL UNIT IN THE SAME STORE. THE BRIEF ATTACKS THE MICRO-UNIT STANDARD APPLIED BY THE BOARD. STATUS: PENDING. AMICUS BRIEF FILED 2/27/13. NLRB RULED IN FAVOR OF UNION AND EMPLOYER APPEALED. AMICUS BRIEF FILED IN SUPPORT OF APPEAL ON 4/27/15.
SUMMARY OF LEGAL CASES FOR 2015 (CONT.)	MALONE INVESTMENTS LLC V. SOMERSET COUNTY PROPERTY RIGHTS MARYLAND COURT OF APPEALS PETITION FOR REVIEW NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER HAS ASKED MARYLANDS HIGHEST COURT TO TAKE-UP A CASE TO DETERMINE WHETHER LOCAL GOVERNMENT MAY-CONSISTENT WITH THE FIFTH AMENDMENT OF THE U.S. CONSTITUTION-WITHHOLD ACCESS TO PUBLIC SERVICES,EXCEPT ON THE CONDITION THAT A BUSINESS PAY TO COVER DISPROPORTIONATE COSTS OF A PUBLIC WORKS PROJECT. NFIB ARGUES THAT KOONTZ V. ST. JOHN RIVER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT PROHIBITS SUCH EXTORTIONATE CONDITIONS. STATUS: DECIDED. AMICUS BRIEF FILED 10/16/15. PETITION DENIED 1/4/16. MAY V. AIR & LIQUID SYSTEMS LEGAL REFORM MARYLAND COURT OF APPEALS MARYLANDS HIGHEST COURT WILL DECIDE WHETHER A MANUFACTURER HAS A DUTY TO WARN WITH RESPECT TO ASBESTOS-CONTAINING PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED, SUPPLIED, OR PLACED IN THE STREAM OF COMMERCE BY THIRD-PARTIES. STATUS: DECIDED. AMICUS BRIEF FILED 5/29/15. COURT RULED IN FAVOR OF PLAINTIFFS 12/18/15. MCCRORY V. BERGER REGULATORY REFORM NORTH CAROLINA SUPREME COURT THE NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER JOINED A COALITION BRIEF OVER WHETHER THE LEGISLATURE HAS THE POWER TO APPOINT MEMBERS OF CERTAIN COMMISSIONS OR WHETHER THE GOVERNOR HAS SOLE AUTHORITY. THE CASE STARTED WHEN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY CREATED THE COAL ASH COMMISSION TO OVERSEE CLEANUP OF THE STATES COAL ASH PONDS. THE LEGISLATURE APPOINTED SIX OF THE COMMISSIONS NINE MEMBERS. GOVERNOR MCCRORY HAS ARGUED THAT THOSE APPOINTMENTS ENCROACHED ON "CORE EXECUTIVE BRANCH FUNCTIONS" AND THEREFORE VIOLATED THE CONSTITUTIONAL SEPARATION OF POWERS. THE BUSINESS GROUPS, INCLUDING NFIB LEGAL CENTER, HAVE ARGUED THAT ITS WITHIN THE LEGISLATURES CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY TO APPOINT MEMBERS TO COMMISSIONS. STATUS: DECIDED. AMICUS BRIEF FILED IN SUPPORT OF THE LEGISLATURE ON 5/4/15. COURT RETAINED THE CURRENT RULES COMMISSION STRUCTURE IN DECISION ISSUED 2/3/16. MENDOZA V. NORDSTROM EMPLOYMENT CALIFORNIA SUPREME COURT NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER ARGUES IN THIS CASE THAT THE CALIFORNIA LABOR CODE SHOULD BE CONSTRUED TO ALLOW EMPLOYERS FLEXIBILITY IN SCHEDULING, AND THAT THIS IS GOOD FOR EMPLOYEES AS WELL. SPECIFICALLY, WE ARGUED THAT THE LABOR CODES DAY OF REST REQUIREMENT SHOULD BE CONSTRUED AS APPLYING ON A FIXED WEEKLY BASIS BECAUSE APPLYING THE REQUIREMENT ON A ROLLING BASIS WOULD RESULT IN PRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES FOR EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES ALIKE. STATUS: PENDING. AMICUS BRIEF FILED 11/20/15. MICHIGAN V. EPA REGULATORY REFORM U.S. SUPREME COURT THIS CLEAN AIR ACT CASE, ASKS WHETHER EPA IMPROPERLY IMPOSED REGULATORY BURDENS-ESTIMATED TO COST INDUSTRY OVER $10 BILLION A YEAR-WITHOUT ADEQUATELY CONSIDERING WHETHER THE REGULATION COULD BE JUSTIFIED IN LIGHT OF THE MINIMAL BENEFITS TO THE PUBLIC. NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER ARGUED THAT SUCH REGULATIONS ARE ONLY NECESSARY AND APPROPRIATE WHERE THERE IS CLEAR AND CONVINCING EVIDENCE THAT PUBLIC HEALTH BENEFITS OUTWEIGH THE BURDENS. STATUS: DECIDED. AMICUS FILED 1/27/15. ON 6/29/15, THE COURT BLOCKED EPAS RULE AND ORDERED IT TO REVIEW AND REWRITE IT, TAKING COSTS INTO CONSIDERATION. MORNING STAR / CAL. CHAMBER V. CAL. AIR RESOURCES BOARD REGULATORY REFORM CALIFORNIA COURT OF APPEAL IN THIS CASE, THE NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER LEADS A COALITION OF INDUSTRY GROUPS CHALLENGING THE LEGALITY OF REGULATIONS PROMULGATED BY THE CALIFORNIA AIR RESOURCES BOARD, WHICH PROVIDE FOR THE AUCTIONING OF EMISSION ALLOWANCES UNDER CALIFORNIAS CAP-AND-TRADE PROGRAM. THE BRIEF ARGUES THAT THE AUCTIONING OF EMISSION ALLOWANCES UNREASONABLY RAISES THE COST OF COMPLIANCE FOR THE REGULATED COMMUNITY AND NEEDLESSLY RESULTS IN HIGHER ENERGY COSTS FOR THE SMALL BUSINESSES. NFIBS LEGAL CENTER SPECIFICALLY ARGUES THAT THE BOARD EXCEEDED ITS STATUTORY AUTHORITY IN CHOOSING TO FORCE BUSINESSES TO PAY BILLIONS OF DOLLARS FOR THE RIGHT TO CONTINUE THEIR OPERATIONS. STATUS: PENDING. AMICUS BRIEF FILED 5/15/15. MORRISS V. BNSF RAILWAY EMPLOYMENT U.S. COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE EIGHTH CIRCUIT THE COURT IS BEING ASKED TO DECIDE WHETHER OBESITY NOT CAUSED BY A PHYSIOLOGICAL CONDITION IS A DISABILITY FOR PURPOSES OF ACCOMMODATION UNDER THE ADA. STATUS: PENDING. AMICUS BRIEF FILED 5/22/15. MOTOROLA, INC. V. MURRAY LEGAL REFORM DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA COURT OF APPEALS REQUEST FOR REVIEW AND MERITS THE D.C. COURT IS BEING ASKED TO REJECT THE FRYE STANDARD AND ADOPT THE MORE RELIABLE AND MODERN DAUBERT STANDARD FOR EXPERT TESTIMONY. STATUS: PENDING. AMICUS BRIEF FILED 10/24/14. COURT GRANTED REVIEW AND AMICUS BRIEF AND BRIEF ON MERITS FILED 2/25/15. MURR V. STATE OF WISCONSIN PROPERTY RIGHTS U.S. SUPREME COURT CERT PETITION IN THIS CASE NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER JOINS WITH THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HOMEBUILDERS AND THE CALIFORNIA CATTLEMENS ASSOCIATION IN ASKING THE U.S. SUPREME COURT TO TAKE UP AN IMPORTANT ISSUE OF CONCERN TO MANY SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS WHO OWN ADJOINING PARCELS OF LAND. IN THIS CASE WISCONSIN COURTS HELD THAT A LANDOWNER CAN BE DENIED THE RIGHT TO BUILD ANYTHING ON AN ADJACENT PARCEL OF LAND WITHOUT INCURRING AN OBLIGATION TO PAY FOR THE TAKING OF THE OWNERS PROPERTY RIGHTS. THE WISCONSIN COURTS INAPPROPRIATELY TREATED TWO SEPARATE LOTS AS A SINGLE PROPERTY TO DEFEAT THE OWNERS TAKINGS CLAIM. ACCORDINGLY, THE CASE IS CONCERNING FOR SMALL BUSINESS LANDOWNERS WHO MAY BE INTERESTED IN EXPANDING THEIR OPERATIONS ON ADJACENT LOTS, OR INTERESTED IN INVESTING IN OTHER DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES NEAR THEIR EXISTING FACILITIES. STATUS: PENDING. AMICUS BRIEF FILED 9/17/15. CERT GRANTED. MYERS V. CROUSE-HINDS LEGAL REFORM INDIANA SUPREME COURT NFIBS LEGAL CENTER AMICUS BRIEF ARGUED THAT INDIANAS WELL-ESTABLISHED STATUTE OF REPOSE JURISPRUDENCE IS CONSTITUTIONALLY CORRECT, AND ENHANCES THE ABILITY OF INDIANA MANUFACTURERS AND OTHER BUSINESSES TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE MILLIONS OF HOOSIERS AND OTHER CONSUMERS THEY SERVE. STATUS: PENDING. AMICUS BRIEF FILED 7/20/15. NERRTAVICH V. PPL LEGAL REFORM PENNSYLVANIA SUPREME COURT IN THIS CASE THE PENNSYLVANIA SUPREME COURT HAS BEEN ASKED TO HOLD PROPERTY OWNERS LIABLE FOR NEGLIGENT ACTS OF THEIR EMPLOYEES, WITHOUT REGARD TO WHETHER THE PROPERTY OWNER HAS EXERTED ANY CONTROL OVER THE CONTRACTORS WORK. NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER JOINED WITH THE U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN THIS FILING, ARGUING THAT THE COURT SHOULD AFFIRM THE HISTORIC COMMON LAW RULE THAT A LANDOWNER IS NOT LIABLE FOR THE ACTIONS OF A CONTRACTOR EXCEPT IN THE EVENT THAT HE OR SHE DIRECTS THE CONTRACTOR TO TAKE SPECIFIC ACTIONS THAT DIRECTLY CAUSE INJURY TO ANOTHER. STATUS: PENDING. AMICUS BRIEF FILED 8/7/15. NATIONAL RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION V. NY LABOR BOARD - EMPLOYMENT NEW YORK INDUSTRIAL BOARD OF APPEALS NEW YORK SUPREME COURT NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER JOINED AN AMICUS LETTER BRIEF FILED IN THE NATIONAL RESTAURANT ASSOCIATIONS CHALLENGE WITH THE STATE INDUSTRIAL BOARD OF APPEALS, ASKING THE PANEL TO THROW OUT A SEPTEMBER ORDER FROM THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR IMPLEMENTING A HIGHER MINIMUM WAGE AT FAST-FOOD CHAINS LIKE MCDONALDS AND BURGER KING. CRITICS OF THE MINIMUM-WAGE BUMP, WHICH WOULD GRADUALLY RAMP UP TO $15-AN-HOUR STATEWIDE BY JULY 2021. THE STATES CURRENT MINIMUM WAGE IS $8.75. NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER ARGUED IN THE AMICUS THAT THE LABOR DEPARTMENT'S ORDER IS A "THINLY VEILED ATTEMPT BY GOVERNOR CUOMO" TO ILLEGALLY BYPASS THE STATE LEGISLATURE. STATUS: PENDING. AMICUS BRIEF FILED 12/4/15. AMICUS BRIEF FILED WITH NEW YORK SUPREME COURT 2/5/16. NESTLE-DREYER V. NLRB LABOR U.S. COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE FOURTH CIRCUIT ON DECEMBER 28, 2011, THE NLRB UPHELD A REGIONAL DIRECTOR'S UNIT DETERMINATION OF MAINTENANCE EMPLOYEES AT NESTLE DREYER'S ICE CREAM PLANT. THE REGIONAL DIRECTORS DECISION WAS BASED ON THE MICRO-UNION STANDARD FROM SPECIALTY HEALTHCARE. NESTLE-DREYER LOST THE ELECTION AND REFUSED TO BARGAIN. ON MAY 18, THE BOARD ISSUED A DECISION FINDING THE COMPANY COMMITTED A ULP BY DOING SO. NESTLE DRYER HAS APPEALED THE ULP DECISION TO THE U.S. COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE FOURTH CIRCUIT CHALLENGING THE MICRO UNION STANDARD. STATUS: PENDING. NFIB FILED AMICUS BRIEF ON 7/11/12. AGAIN CONSIDERED BY THE BOARD AND FOURTH CIRCUIT (POST-NOEL CANNING). BRIEF FILED 1/13/15. NEW JERSEY BUSINESS & INDUSTRY ASSOC. V. CITY OF TRENTON - EMPLOYMENT SUPERIOR COURT OF NEW JERSEY, MERCER COUNTY NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER JOINED WITH OTHER INDUSTRY GROUPS THAT CHALLENGED TRENTONS NEWLY PASSED PAID SICK LEAVE ORDINANCE. THE COMPLAINT ARGUES, AMONG OTHER CLAIMS, THAT NEW JERSEYS LAW VIOLATES THE STATE CONSTITUTION. STATUS: DECIDED. COMPLAINT FILED 2/27/15. COURT DISMISSED COMPLAINT.
SUMMARY OF LEGAL CASES FOR 2015 (CONT.)	NFIB V. GESSLER - TAX DISTRICT COURT CITY AND COUNTY OF DENVER COLORADO SUPREME COURT SEEKING ENFORCEMENT OF THE TAXPAYER BILL OF RIGHTS UNDER THE STATES CONSTITUTION, NFIB SUED THE SECRETARY OF STATE SCOTT GESSLER. ACCORDING TO THE LAWSUIT, THE STATE COLLECTS APPROXIMATELY $20 MILLION PER YEAR FROM BUSINESSES THAT ARE REQUIRED TO FILE CERTAIN DOCUMENTS WITH THE STATE. HOWEVER, THE SECRETARY OF STATES OFFICE DOESNT JUST REGULATE BUSINESSES, IT RUNS THE STATES ELECTIONS OPERATIONS, REGULATES BINGOS AND RAFFLES, AND CONDUCTS OTHER FUNCTIONS NOT RELATED TO BUSINESSES, ALL OF WHICH IS FUNDED BY THE MONEY COLLECTED FROM BUSINESSES SMALL AND LARGE. THE OFFICE RECEIVES NO MONEY FROM THE STATES GENERAL FUND. STATUS: PENDING. DISTRICT COURT UPHELD THE FEE AND NFIB APPEALED TO THE SUPREME COURT IN DECEMBER 2015. NORTH DAKOTA V. HEYDINGER REGULATORY REFORM MINNESOTA SUPREME COURT NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER JOINED WITH PACIFIC LEGAL FOUNDATION IN THIS CASE, ARGUING THAT MINNESOTAS GREEN ENERGY STANDARDS VIOLATE THE DORMANT COMMERCE CLAUSE. IN THIS CASE MINNESOTAS REGULATIONS EFFECTIVELY CONTROL OUT-OF-STATE CONDUCT, IN A MANNER THAT AMOUNTS TO EXTRATERRITORIAL REGULATION. STATUS: PENDING. AMICUS BRIEF FILED 1/22/15. PAINTCARE V. MORTENSEN REGULATORY REFORM CALIFORNIA SUPREME COURT THIS CASE RAISES THE QUESTION OF WHETHER A STATE AGENCY HAS GENERAL "GAP-FILLING" AUTHORITY TO REGULATE ON MATTERS FOR WHICH A STATUTE IS SILENT. WE URGED THE CALIFORNIA SUPREME COURT TO TAKE THE CASE BECAUSE WE THINK THIS IS A FUNDAMENTAL QUESTION OF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW ON WHICH CALIFORNIA COURTS ARE DIVIDED. OUR POSITION IS THAT AN AGENCYS AUTHORITY SHOULD GENERALLY BE NARROWLY CONSTRUED CONSISTENT WITH TEXT AND STRUCTURE OF THE STATUTE IN QUESTION. STATUS: PENDING. AMICUS BRIEF FILED IN SUPPORT OF PAINTCARE ON 4/17/15. PASCO COUNTY V. HILLCREST PROPERTY, LLP PROPERTY RIGHTS U.S. COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE ELEVENTH CIRCUIT U.S. SUPREME COURT CERT PETITION HILLCREST PROPERTY CHALLENGES A COUNTY ORDINANCE REQUIRING LANDOWNERS TO DEDICATE PROPERTY TO THE PUBLIC FOR PLANNED FUTURE HIGHWAYS. THE CONDITION IS IMPOSED AS A TERM OF APPROVAL FOR ANY NEW DEVELOPMENT PROJECT WHEN THE OWNER HOLDS LAND IN THE FOOTPRINT OF A PLANNED FUTURE HIGHWAY. NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER JOINED WITH PACIFIC LEGAL FOUNDATION IN ARGUING THAT THIS CONDITION IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL. STATUS: DECIDED. AMICUS BRIEF FILED 8/26/13. COURT REVERSED DISTRICT COURT ON STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS ISSUE, AND NEVER ADDRESSED THE MERITS (6/13/14). AMICUS BRIEF FILED IN SUPPORT OF PETITION FOR CERTIORARI 2/20/15. CERTIORARI DENIED. PEOPLE V. ATLANTIC RICHFIELD CO. ET AL. LEGAL REFORM CALIFORNIA COURT OF APPEAL IN THIS CASE, COMPANIES THAT ONCE MANUFACTURED LEAD-PAINT APPEAL A SUPERIOR COURT DECISION HOLDING THEM LIABLE FOR A PUBLIC NUISANCE. THIS RULING WAS CONTROVERSIAL IN PART BECAUSE CURRENT STATUTES PERMIT LANDOWNERS TO MAINTAIN BUILDINGS WITH LEAD PAINT UNDER CERTAIN SPECIFIED CONDITIONS. FURTHER, THE CASE HAS SERIOUS IMPLICATIONS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES PROPERTY OWNERS-AT LEAST FOR THOSE OWNING OLDER PROPERTIES THAT MAY CONTAIN LEAD PAINT. ACCORDINGLY, NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER FILED AN AMICUS BRIEF ARGUING THAT THE SUPERIOR COURTS DECISION SHOULD BE REVERSED. STATUS: PENDING. AMICUS BRIEF FILED 2/23/15. PEOPLE FOR THE ETHICAL TREATMENT OF PROPERTY OWNERS (PETPO) V. US FWS REGULATORY REFORM U.S. COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE TENTH CIRCUIT NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER JOINED WITH THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN SUPPORT OF PROPERTY OWNERS CHALLENGING THE REGULATORY AUTHORITY OF THE U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICES TO ENFORCE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT (ESA) RESTRICTIONS FOR THE UTAH PRAIRIE DOG. THE U.S. DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF UTAH HELD THAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAS NO AUTHORITY TO ENFORCE ESA RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO THIS SPECIES BECAUSE IT IS FOUND ONLY IN UTAH, HAS NO COMMERCIAL VALUE AND HAS NO IMPACT ON INTERSTATE COMMERCE. OUR JOINT-AMICUS BRIEF EMPHASIZES THAT THE COMMERCE CLAUSE HAS MEANINGFUL LIMITATIONS AND THAT IGNORING THOSE LIMITATIONS HAS SEVERE ADVERSE IMPACTS ON BUSINESSES IN THIS CASE. STATUS: PENDING. AMICUS BRIEF FILED 5/26/15. PROPERTY RESERVE V. DWR PROPERTY RIGHTS CALIFORNIA COURT SUPREME COURT IN THIS CASE LANDOWNERS SUCCESSFULLY ARGUED BEFORE THE COURT OF APPEAL THAT THE STATE HAD EFFECTED A TAKING-REQUIRING PAYMENT OF JUST COMPENSATION-FOR A TEMPORARY PHYSICAL INVASION OF THEIR LAND WHEN STATE AGENTS ENTERED THE PROPERTY FOR THE PURPOSES OF CONDUCTING ENVIRONMENTAL AND ENGINEERING STUDIES NECESSARY TO DETERMINE WHETHER A CONTEMPLATED PROJECT PUBLIC WORKS PROJECT WAS FEASIBLE. DURING THESE STUDIES STATE AGENTS ENTERED THE PROPERTIES REPEATEDLY OVER THE COURSE OF SEVERAL MONTHS, AND BORE HOLES IN THE GROUND. BUT THE STATE MAINTAINS THAT THOSE STUDIES WERE CONDUCTED FOR THE PURPOSE OF DETERMINING WHETHER THE STATE WANTED TO ACTUALLY EXERCISE ITS EMINENT DOMAIN POWERS AND THAT IT WOULD MAKE IT LOGISTICALLY VERY DIFFICULT FOR THE STATE TO CARRY OUT PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS IF IT COULD NOT DO PRELIMINARY STUDIES WITHOUT EFFECTING A TAKING. IN RESPONSE, NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER ARGUED IN THE CALIFORNIA SUPREME COURT THAT ANY NON-TRIVIAL PHYSICAL INVASION OF PROPERTY IS A PER SE TAKING. STATUS: PENDING. AMICUS BRIEF FILED IN SUPPORT OF LANDOWNERS ON 3/19/15. RAINS V. STAYTON BUILDERS LEGAL REFORM OREGON SUPREME COURT THIS CASE INVOLVES THE CONSTITUTIONALITY OF OREGONS DAMAGE CAP. THE TRIAL RESULTED IN A VERDICT OF $5.2 MILLION IN ECONOMIC DAMAGES PLUS $3.1 MILLION IN NONECONOMIC DAMAGES TO AN INJURED CONSTRUCTION WORKER AND AN ADDITIONAL $1 MILLION TO HIS WIFE FOR LOSS OF CONSORTIUM. THE INTERMEDIATE APPELLATE COURT REVERSED THE TRIAL COURTS DECISION THAT THE CAP WAS INVALID AS APPLIED TO ALL CLAIMS. STATUS: PENDING. AMICUS BRIEF FILED 7/2/15. SAKKAB V. LUXOTTICA RETAIL NORTH AMERICA, INC. - EMPLOYMENT U.S. COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE NINTH CIRCUIT THE QUESTION PRESENTED IN THIS CASE IS WHETHER EMPLOYERS MAY ENFORCE ARBITRATION AGREEMENTS WITH THEIR EMPLOYEES. NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER JOINED WITH PACIFIC LEGAL FOUNDATION IN ARGUING THAT ARBITRATION AGREEMENTS SHOULD BE ENFORCED-PURSUANT TO THE FEDERAL ARBITRATION ACT-ON THE SAME TERMS AS ANY OTHER AGREEMENT. GIVEN A STRING OF DECISIONS FROM STATE COURTS LIMITING THE ENFORCEABILITY OF ARBITRATION AGREEMENTS, WE MAINTAIN THAT ITS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT FOR THE FEDERAL COURTS TO ENFORCE THIS POINT OF FEDERAL LAW. STATUS: PENDING. AMICUS BRIEF FILED 11/20/15. SCAPA DRYER FABRICS, INC. V. KNIGHT LEGAL REFORM GEORGIA SUPREME COURT THE LEGAL CENTER JOINED A COALITION BRIEF ASKING THE STATE SUPREME COURT TO OVERTURN AN APPELLATE DECISION THAT UPHELD AN AWARD OF MORE THAN $4 MILLION TO A RETIRED SHEET METAL WORKER AND HIS WIFE. THE PLAINTIFF HERE DID NOT EXHIBIT SYMPTOMS OF MESOTHELIOMA UNTIL DECADES AFTER HIS INITIAL ASBESTOS EXPOSURE. STATUS: PENDING. AMICUS BRIEF FILED 5/15/15. SOLUS INNOVATIONS LLC V. SUPERIOR COURT LEGAL REFORM CALIFORNIA SUPREME COURT OUR AMICUS BRIEF ARGUED THAT CALIFORNIA DISTRICT ATTORNEYS LACK AUTHORITY TO IMPOSE PENALTIES ON TOP OF THOSE ALREADY ASSESSED BY CAL/OSHA FOR WORKPLACE SAFETY VIOLATIONS. SPECIFICALLY, WE CONTEND THAT THE FEDERAL OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ACT PREEMPTS ALL STATE REGULATION OF WORKPLACE SAFETY ISSUES, EXCEPT AS AUTHORIZED BY THE SECRETARY OF LABOR IN AN APPROVED STATE WORKPLACE SAFETY PLAN. SINCE IN THIS CASE THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY OF ORANGE COUNTY SOUGHT TO IMPOSE PENALTIES EXPONENTIALLY GREATER THAN THOSE ALREADY IMPOSED BY CAL/OSHA, AND WITHOUT ANY AUTHORITY UNDER CALIFORNIAS APPROVED PLAN, WE ARGUE THAT THE SUPREME COURT SHOULD RULE IN FAVOR OF THE EMPLOYER-DEFENDANTS. STATUS: PENDING. AMICUS BRIEF FILED 5/27/15. SPOKEO, INC. V. ROBINS LEGAL REFORM U.S. SUPREME COURT UNDER ARTICLE III OF THE U.S. CONSTITUTION, A PLAINTIFF MUST ALLEGE THAT HE OR SHE HAS SUFFERED AN "INJURY-IN-FACT" TO ESTABLISH STANDING TO SUE IN FEDERAL COURT. IN THIS CASE, THE COURT WILL DECIDE WHETHER CONGRESS MAY CONFER ARTICLE III STANDING BY AUTHORIZING A PRIVATE RIGHT OF ACTION BASED ON A BARE VIOLATION OF A FEDERAL STATUTE, EVEN THOUGH THE PLAINTIFF HAS NOT SUFFERED ANY CONCRETE HARM. STATUS: PENDING. AMICUS BRIEF FILED 7/9/15. STAHL V. HIALEAH HOSPITAL EMPLOYMENT FLORIDA SUPREME COURT THE COURT HERE WILL DECIDE WHETHER TO UPHOLD REFORMS TO FLORIDAS WORKERS COMPENSATION SYSTEM. STATUS: PENDING. AMICUS BRIEF FILED 12/2/15.
SUMMARY OF LEGAL CASES FOR 2015 (CONT.)	STATE OF OREGON V. ALDERWOOD PROPERTY RIGHTS OREGON SUPREME COURT NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER JOINED WITH PACIFIC LEGAL FOUNDATION IN A FILING BEFORE THE OREGON SUPREME COURT IN STATE V. ALDERWOOD, ARGUING THAT LANDOWNERS SHOULD BE COMPENSATED WHEN THE STATE IMPEDES OR OBSTRUCTS ACCESS FROM PRIVATE PROPERTY ONTO PUBLIC ROADS. THE STATE CONTENDS THAT THE OWNER SHOULD NOT BE ENTITLED TO ENTER EVIDENCE OF LOST VALUES RESULTING FROM SUCH AN OBSTRUCTION; HOWEVER, WE CONTEND THAT ACCESS RIGHTS ARE COMPENSABLE AND PROTECTED BY THE TAKINGS CLAUSE. STATUS: PENDING. AMICUS BRIEF FILED ON 3/27/15. STEPHENSON V. PFIZER EMPLOYMENT U.S. COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE FOURTH CIRCUIT THE APPELLATE COURT IS BEING ASKED TO DETERMINE WHETHER PROVIDING A FULL-TIMER DRIVER IS A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION UNDER THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT. STATUS: DECIDED. AMICUS BRIEF FILED 5/11/15. COURT RULED FOR THE PLAINTIFF ON 3/2/16. STREET STONE PARTNER V. CHICAGO LEGAL REFORM ILLINOIS SUPREME COURT THE STATE HAS ARGUED THAT NON-ATTORNEYS SHOULD NOT BE PERMITTED TO REPRESENT PARTIES IN STATE ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS. NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTERS AMICUS ARGUES THAT ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY HEARINGS, LIKE UNEMPLOYMENT MATTERS, CAN BE HANDLED MORE EFFICIENTLY AND LESS EXPENSIVELY BY NON-ATTORNEY REPRESENTATIVES. STATUS: PENDING. AMICUS BRIEF FILED 1/7/15. SUTTNER V. CRANE CO. LEGAL REFORM NEW YORK COURT OF APPEALS THE STATES HIGHEST COURT WILL CONSIDER WHETHER A MANUFACTURER OF A PRODUCT SUCH AS A PUMP OR VALVE HAS A DUTY TO WARN ABOUT ASBESTOS-CONTAINING REPLACEMENT PARTS (GASKETS AND PACKING) OR EXTERNALLY APPLIED THERMAL INSULATION MADE BY OTHERS AND USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE MANUFACTURERS PRODUCTS. STATUS: PENDING. AMICUS BRIEF FILED 6/18/15. TYSON V. BOUAPHAKEO LEGAL REFORM U.S. SUPREME COURT NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER JOINED WITH THE U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ON A BRIEF URGING THE SUPREME COURT TO RIGIDLY ENFORCE FEDERAL RULES PRECLUDING CERTIFICATION OF CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS. SPECIFICALLY, WE ARGUED THAT IT IS IMPROPER TO CERTIFY A CLASS ACTION SUIT TO PROCEED IN THE ABSENCE OF SOLID EVIDENCE THAT ALL OF THE CLASS MEMBERS HAVE BEEN INJURED IN THE SAME WAY. NFIBS LEGAL CENTER BRIEF ARGUED, ITS IMPROPER TO RELY ON MODELS BECAUSE THEY WOULD ULTIMATELY AWARD DAMAGES TO SOME INDIVIDUALS WHO HAD NOT BEEN INJURED (OR GREATER DAMAGES THAN THEY OUGHT TO RECEIVE), WHILE CONVERSELY DENYING PROPER COMPENSATION TO INDIVIDUALS WHO MAY HAVE SUFFERED A MORE SERIOUS INJURY THAN THE STATISTICAL MEAN AVERAGE OF THE REPRESENTATIVE CLASS. STATUS: DECIDED. AMICUS BRIEF FILED 8/14/15. COURT RULED IN FAVOR OF PLAINTIFFS. UNITED AUTO WORKERS V. VOLKSWAGEN - LABOR NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER JOINED AN AMICUS BRIEF ARGUING THAT THE NLRBS SPECIALTY HEALTHCARE RULE VIOLATES THE FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF THE NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS ACT BY CEDING TO THE UNION THE BOARDS RESPONSIBILITY TO DECIDE WHAT BARGAINING UNIT IS APPROPRIATE, AND ALLOWS FOR THE "BALKANIZATION" OF EMPLOYER WORKPLACES BY ALLOWING FOR THE CREATION OF MULTIPLE MICRO-UNITS THAT WILL CAUSE ENDLESS NEGOTIATIONS, CONFLICTING UNION DEMANDS AND BURDENSOME ADMINISTRATIVE OBLIGATIONS. STATUS: PENDING. AMICUS BRIEF FILED 12/23/15. US LEGAL SERVICES V. ATALESE LEGAL REFORM U.S. SUPREME COURT CERT PETITION THE FEDERAL ARBITRATION ACT WAS ENACTED WITH THE EXPLICIT PURPOSE OF ENSURING THAT ARBITRATION AGREEMENTS WILL BE RESPECTED IN COURTS, SO AS TO REDUCE LITIGATION COSTS FOR BUSINESSES. UNFORTUNATELY SOME STATES HAVE CONTINUALLY SOUGHT TO INVALIDATE ARBITRATION AGREEMENTS UNDER JUDICIALLY CRAFTED RULES. IN THIS CASE, THE NEW JERSEY SUPREME COURT HELD THAT AN ARBITRATION AGREEMENT WAS INVALID BECAUSE IT DID NOT CLEARLY STATE THAT THE CONSUMER WOULD BE WAIVING HIS/HER RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL; HOWEVER, THE TERMS OF THE AGREEMENT WERE PERFECTLY CLEAR IN STATING THAT THE PARTIES WERE AGREEING TO "BINDING ARBITRATION". ACCORDINGLY,NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER JOINED WITH CATO INSTITUTE IN ARGUING THAT THE NEW JERSEY SUPREME COURTS DECISION UNDERMINES THE NATIONAL POLICY OF ENFORCING ARBITRATION AGREEMENTS BY THEIR TERMS. AND OF GREATER CONCERN, THE BRIEF ARGUED THAT NEW JERSEYS RULE HAS NATIONWIDE IMPLICATIONS BECAUSE ANY COMPANY DOING BUSINESS WITH A NEW JERSEY CUSTOMER MUST EMPLOY SPECIAL LANGUAGE IN FUTURE ARBITRATION AGREEMENTS. STATUS: DECIDED. AMICUS BRIEF FILED 2/23/15. PETITION DENIED 6/8/15. UPMC SHADYSIDE V. NLRB LABOR U.S. COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE THIRD CIRCUIT UPMC AND UPMC PRESBYTERIAN SHADYSIDE FILED AN APPEAL INVOLVING TWO ISSUES: (1) WHETHER A DISTRICT COURT HAS THE POWER TO MODIFY BROAD SUBPOENAS ISSUED BY AN ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY (HERE, THE NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD); AND (2) WHETHER THE NLRB CAN HOLD ONE PARENT ENTITY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ALLEGED UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICES OF ANOTHER SEPARATELY-INCORPORATED AND SEPARATELY-OPERATED SUBSIDIARY COMPANY UNDER A "SINGLE EMPLOYER" THEORY OF LIABILITY. STATUS: PENDING. AMICUS BRIEF FILED 4/15/15. WEST VIRGINIA V. EPA ENVIRONMENTAL/REGULATORY U.S. COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE D.C. CIRCUIT NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER JOINED A COALITION OF BUSINESS GROUPS IN A LAWSUIT TO INVALIDATE THE EPAS NEW POWER PLANT RULE, WHICH FORCES STATES TO SHUT DOWN MANY OF THEIR ELECTRIC ENERGY GENERATORS IN FAVOR OF COSTLY AND ALTERNATIVES THAT MIGHT NOT BE AS RELIABLE. THE POWER PLANT REGULATION IS PART OF THE ADMINISTRATIONS SO-CALLED CLEAN POWER PLAN. IT FORCES STATES TO SHUTTER COAL-POWER ELECTRICITY GENERATORS, WHICH SUPPLY MOST OF AMERICAS ELECTRICITY, AND SUBMIT PLANS FOR MORE ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES. EVEN THE ADMINISTRATION EXPECTS THE REGULATION TO DRIVE UP THE COST OF ELECTRICITY, THE IMPACT OF WHICH WILL FALL HARD ON SMALL BUSINESSES THAT DEPEND HEAVILY ON AFFORDABLE ENERGY. STATUS: PENDING. NFIBS PETITION FILED 10/23/15. YAAKOV V. FCC LEGAL REFORM U.S. COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE DC CIRCUIT NFIBS LEGAL CENTER AMICUS BRIEF ARGUED THAT THE FCCS SOLICITED FAX RULE EXCEEDS THE FCCS STATUTORY AUTHORITY, PARTICULARLY UNDER THE FIRST AMENDMENT. IF THE COURT AGREES AND VACATES THE SOLICITED FAX RULE, NFIBS MEMBERS WILL NO LONGER BE SUBJECT TO CLASS-ACTION LAWSUITS FOR VIOLATING THIS FCC RULE. STATUS: PENDING. AMICUS BRIEF FILED 5/22/15.
FORM 990 PROVIDED TO GOVERNING BODY	PART VI, SECTION B: POLICIES, LINE 11 FOLLOWING AN INDEPENDENT AUDIT OF ITS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, A DRAFT OF NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER'S FORM 990 IS PREPARED. THIS FORM 990 IS REVIEWED INTERNALLY BY NFIB'S TAX ACCOUNTANT, CONTROLLER/TREASURER, AND SVP/CFO. ANY QUESTIONS ARISING FROM THE INITIAL REVIEW ARE ADDRESSED TO ENSURE THE RETURN IS COMPLETE AND ACCURATE. ANY NECESSARY CHANGES/CORRECTIONS ARE MADE ON THE FORM 990 AND THE RETURN AGAIN GOES THROUGH NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER'S INTERNAL REVIEW PROCESS. UPON APPROVAL OF THE SVP/CFO, THE RETURN IS REVIEWED BY THE CHAIR OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. THE FINAL RETURN IS THEN FILED WITH THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE.
WRITTEN CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY	PART VI, SECTION B: POLICIES, LINE 12 EVERY BOARD MEMBER, OFFICER, AND KEY EMPLOYEE OF NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER IS REQUIRED TO DISCLOSE ANY ACTUAL OR POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST ON AN ANNUAL BASIS.
PROCESS OF DETERMINING COMPENSATION FOR OFFICERS AND other key	PART VI, SECTION B: POLICIES, LINE 15 THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF NFIB IS RESPONSIBLE FOR DETERMINING COMPENSATION FOR THE CEO, CFO, SECRETARY AND SVPS OF THE ORGANIZATION. THE TREASURER'S AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S COMPENSATION IS REVIEWED AND SET BY THE CEO. IN OCTOBER 2015, AN OUTSIDE COMPENSATION CONSULTING FIRM WAS ENGAGED TO PROVIDE EXPERT ANALYSES REGARDING THE REASONABLENESS OF THE TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE FOR THE EXECUTIVES OF NFIB AND ITS AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS. THE COMMITTEE RELIES ON THIS INDEPENDENT REVIEW TO ENSURE THAT REASONABLE COMPENSATION IS PAID TO THE CEO, CFO, SECRETARY AND SVPS. THE COMMITTEE'S PHILOSOPHY IS TO ENSURE THAT THE COMPENSATION FOR THESE POSITIONS RELATIVE TO MARKET COMPARISONS IS COMPETITIVE IN ORDER TO ATTRACT, RETAIN AND MOTIVATE QUALIFIED EMPLOYEES WHILE NOT BEING AT THE TOP OF THE RANGE. THE COMMITTEE SETS THE COMPENSATION FOR THE CEO, CFO, SECRETARY AND SVPs EACH YEAR DURING THEIR MEETING WHICH IS TYPICALLY HELD IN FEBRUARY. MINUTES FROM THESE ANNUAL MEETINGS ARE TAKEN BY THE CORPORATE SECRETARY DURING THE MEETING. WHEN THE MINUTES ARE REVIEWED AND APPROVED, THEY ARE RETAINED WITH ALL OTHER CORPORATE RECORDS.
DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC	PART VI, SECTION C: DISCLOSURE, LINE 19 IT IS NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER'S ("THE CENTER") POLICY TO MAKE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION, UPON REQUEST, EITHER WRITTEN OR IN PERSON, ITS EXEMPTION APPLICATION, SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS AND ANY LETTER OR DOCUMENT ISSUED BY THE IRS CONCERNING THE APPLICATION. THE CENTER ALSO MAKES AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION AND COPYING, UPON REQUEST, EITHER WRITTEN OR IN PERSON, ITS FEDERAL FORM 990, RETURN OF ORGANIZATION EXEMPT FROM INCOME TAX. THE FORM 990 IS AVAILABLE FOR A THREE-YEAR PERIOD BEGINNING WITH THE DUE DATE OF THE RETURN (INCLUDING ANY EXTENSION OF TIME FOR FILING). THE FOUNDATION'S CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY IS ALSO AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC UPON REQUEST, EITHER WRITTEN OR IN PERSON.

For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ.

Cat. No. 51056K

Schedule O (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015

Additional Data

Software ID:
Software Version:

- TIN:

SCHEDULE R
(Form 990)

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service

Related Organizations and Unrelated Partnerships

Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 33, 34, 35b, 36, or 37.
MediumBullet

Attach to Form 990.
MediumBullet

Information about Schedule R (Form 990) and its instructions is at www.irs.gov/form990.

OMB No. 1545-0047

2015

Open to Public Inspection

Name of the organization

NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER

Employer identification number

62-1570449

Part I

Identification of Disregarded Entities Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 33.

(a) Name, address, and EIN (if applicable) of disregarded entity	(b) Primary activity	(c) Legal domicile (state or foreign country)	(d) Total income	(e) End-of-year assets	(f) Direct controlling entity

Part II

Identification of Related Tax-Exempt Organizations Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 34 because it had one or more related tax-exempt organizations during the tax year.

(a) Name, address, and EIN of related organization	(b) Primary activity	(c) Legal domicile (state or foreign country)	(d) Exempt Code section	(e) Public charity status (if section 501(c)(3))	(f) Direct controlling entity	(g) Section 512(b)(13) controlled entity?
(a) Name, address, and EIN of related organization	(b) Primary activity	(c) Legal domicile (state or foreign country)	(d) Exempt Code section	(e) Public charity status (if section 501(c)(3))	(f) Direct controlling entity	Yes	No
(1)NATIONAL FEDERATION OF INDEPENDENT BUS 53 CENTURY BLVD SUITE 250 NASHVILLE,TN37214 94-0707299	MEM. REPRES.	CA	501(C)(6)		NA		No
(2)NFIB RESEARCH FOUNDATION 53 CENTURY BLVD SUITE 250 NASHVILLE,TN37214 04-3592337	RESEARCH	TN	501(C)(3)	11a-Type I	NFIB	Yes
(3)NFIB YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR FOUNDATION 53 CENTURY BLVD SUITE 250 NASHVILLE,TN37214 62-1557196	EDUCATION	TN	501(C)(3)	11a-Type I	NFIB	Yes
(4)NFIB SAVE AMERICAS FREE ENTERPRISE TRUST 53 CENTURY BLVD SUITE 250 NASHVILLE,TN37214 94-2532364	PAC	CA	527		NFIB	Yes
(5)NFIB THE VOICE OF FREE ENTERPRISE INC 53 CENTURY BLVD SUITE 250 NASHVILLE,TN37214 27-3615830	SOC. WELFARE	TN	501(C)(4)		NFIB	Yes

For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990.

Cat. No. 50135Y

Schedule R (Form 990) 2015

Page 2

Part III

Identification of Related Organizations Taxable as a Partnership Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 34 because it had one or more related organizations treated as a partnership during the tax year.

(a) Name, address, and EIN of related organization	(b) Primary activity	(c) Legal domicile (state or foreign country)	(d) Direct controlling entity	(f) Share of total income	(g) Share of end-of-year assets	(h) Disproprtionate allocations?		(i) Code V-UBI amount in box 20 of Schedule K-1 (Form 1065)	(j) General or managing partner?
(a) Name, address, and EIN of related organization	(b) Primary activity	(c) Legal domicile (state or foreign country)	(d) Direct controlling entity	(f) Share of total income	(g) Share of end-of-year assets	Yes	No	(i) Code V-UBI amount in box 20 of Schedule K-1 (Form 1065)	Yes	No

Part IV

Identification of Related Organizations Taxable as a Corporation or Trust Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 34 because it had one or more related organizations treated as a corporation or trust during the tax year.

(a) Name, address, and EIN of related organization	(b) Primary activity	(c) Legal domicile (state or foreign country)	(d) Direct controlling entity	(e) Type of entity (C corp, S corp, or trust)	(f) Share of total income	(g) Share of end-of-year assets	(i) Section 512(b)(13) controlled entity?
(a) Name, address, and EIN of related organization	(b) Primary activity	(c) Legal domicile (state or foreign country)	(d) Direct controlling entity	(e) Type of entity (C corp, S corp, or trust)	(f) Share of total income	(g) Share of end-of-year assets	Yes	No
(1) NFIB MEMBER SERVICES CORPORATION 53 CENTURY BLVD SUITE 250 NASHVILLE,TN372143682 94-2899404	MEMBER BENEFITS	CA	NA	C			Yes

Schedule R (Form 990) 2015

Page 3

Part V

Transactions With Related Organizations Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 34, 35b, or 36.

Note. Complete line 1 if any entity is listed in Parts II, III, or IV of this schedule.

Yes

1 During the tax year, did the orgranization engage in any of the following transactions with one or more related organizations listed in Parts II-IV?

a Receipt of (i) interest, (ii) annuities, (iii) royalties, or (iv) rent from a controlled entity .....................

b Gift, grant, or capital contribution to related organization(s) ............................

c Gift, grant, or capital contribution from related organization(s) ............................

Yes

d Loans or loan guarantees to or for related organization(s) ............................

e Loans or loan guarantees by related organization(s) ............................

f Dividends from related organization(s) ............................

g Sale of assets to related organization(s) ............................

h Purchase of assets from related organization(s) ............................

i Exchange of assets with related organization(s) ............................

j Lease of facilities, equipment, or other assets to related organization(s) .......................

k Lease of facilities, equipment, or other assets from related organization(s) ......................

l Performance of services or membership or fundraising solicitations for related organization(s) .....................

m Performance of services or membership or fundraising solicitations by related organization(s) .................

Yes

n Sharing of facilities, equipment, mailing lists, or other assets with related organization(s) ...................

Yes

o Sharing of paid employees with related organization(s) ............................

Yes

p Reimbursement paid to related organization(s) for expenses ............................

Yes

q Reimbursement paid by related organization(s) for expenses ............................

Yes

r Other transfer of cash or property to related organization(s) ............................

Yes

s Other transfer of cash or property from related organization(s) ............................

If the answer to any of the above is "Yes," see the instructions for information on who must complete this line, including covered relationships and transaction thresholds.

(a) Name of related organization	(b) Transaction type (a-s)	(c) Amount involved	(d) Method of determining amount involved
(1) NFIB THE VOICE OF FREE ENTERPRISE INC	LINE	532,252	FMV
(2) NATIONAL FEDERATION OF INDEPENDENT BUSINESS	LINE	103,727	FMV
(3) NATIONAL FEDERATION OF INDEPENDENT BUSINESS	LINE	227,362	FMV
(4) NATIONAL FEDERATION OF INDEPENDENT BUSINESS	LINE	75,359	FMV

Schedule R (Form 990) 2015

Page 4

Part VI

Unrelated Organizations Taxable as a Partnership Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 37.

Provide the following information for each entity taxed as a partnership through which the organization conducted more than five percent of its activities (measured by total assets or gross revenue) that was not a related organization. See instructions regarding exclusion for certain investment partnerships.

(a) Name, address, and EIN of entity	(b) Primary activity	(c) Legal domicile (state or foreign country)	(e) Are all partners section 501(c)(3) organizations?		(f) Share of total income	(g) Share of end-of-year assets	(h) Disproprtionate allocations?		(i) Code V-UBI amount in box 20 of Schedule K-1 (Form 1065)	(j) General or managing partner?
(a) Name, address, and EIN of entity	(b) Primary activity	(c) Legal domicile (state or foreign country)	Yes	No	(f) Share of total income	(g) Share of end-of-year assets	Yes	No	(i) Code V-UBI amount in box 20 of Schedule K-1 (Form 1065)	Yes	No

Schedule R (Form 990) 2015

Page 5

Part VII

Supplemental Information

Provide additional information for responses to questions on Schedule R (see instructions).

Return Reference	Explanation

Schedule R (Form 990) 2015

Additional Data

Software ID:
Software Version:

		Prior Year	Current Year
8	Contributions and grants (Part VIII, line 1h) .........	1,149,672	1,534,089
9	Program service revenue (Part VIII, line 2g) .........	0	0
10	Investment income (Part VIII, column (A), lines 3, 4, and 7d ) ....	226	743
11	Other revenue (Part VIII, column (A), lines 5, 6d, 8c, 9c, 10c, and 11e)	0	0
12	Total revenue—add lines 8 through 11 (must equal Part VIII, column (A), line 12)	1,149,898	1,534,832
13	Grants and similar amounts paid (Part IX, column (A), lines 1–3 )...	0	0
14	Benefits paid to or for members (Part IX, column (A), line 4).....	0	0
15	Salaries, other compensation, employee benefits (Part IX, column (A), lines 5–10)	653,677	642,348
16a	Professional fundraising fees (Part IX, column (A), line 11e) .....	32,662	30,344
b	Total fundraising expenses (Part IX, column (D), line 25) 232,850
17	Other expenses (Part IX, column (A), lines 11a–11d, 11f–24e)....	480,673	829,781
18	Total expenses. Add lines 13–17 (must equal Part IX, column (A), line 25)	1,167,012	1,502,473
19	Revenue less expenses. Subtract line 18 from line 12.......	-17,114	32,359
		Beginning of Current Year	End of Year
20	Total assets (Part X, line 16).............	301,075	353,598
21	Total liabilities (Part X, line 26).............	123,391	143,555
22	Net assets or fund balances. Subtract line 21 from line 20.....	177,684	210,043

Sign Here

	Signature of officer	Date

	Type or print name and title


4a	(Code: ) (Expenses $ 1,230,360 including grants of $ ) (Revenue $ )
	SEE SCHEDULE O FOR SUMMARY OF 2015 CASES

4b	(Code: ) (Expenses $ including grants of $ ) (Revenue $ )












4c	(Code: ) (Expenses $ including grants of $ ) (Revenue $ )












4d	Other program services (Describe in Schedule O.)
	(Expenses $ including grants of $ ) (Revenue $ )
4e	Total program service expenses1,230,360

(A) Name and Title	(B) Average hours per week (list any hours for related organizations below dotted line)			(D) Reportable compensation from the organization (W- 2/1099-MISC)	(E) Reportable compensation from related organizations (W- 2/1099-MISC)	(F) Estimated amount of other compensation from the organization and related organizations
(A) Name and Title
(18) JEFF SMITH........................................................................ TREASURER	1.0 .......................39.0	X		0	193,757	31,378
(19) BRAD CLOSE........................................................................ SVP	1.0 .......................39.0	X		0	298,301	40,907
(20) KAREN R HARNED........................................................................ EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR	40.0 .......................0.0	X		225,846	0	22,233
(21) BETH MILITO........................................................................ SENIOR EXECUTIVE COUNSEL	40.0 .......................0.0		X	188,627	0	7,752

1b	Sub-Total................
c	Total from continuation sheets to Part VII, Section A....
d	Total (add lines 1b and 1c)...........	414,473	2,404,075	201,635

1	Briefly describe the organization’s mission or most significant activities: THE NFIB SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CENTER'S MISSION IS TO BE THE VOICE FOR SMALL BUSINESS IN THE NATION'S COURTS AND THE LEGAL RESOURCE FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS NATIONWIDE.
2	Check this box
3	Number of voting members of the governing body (Part VI, line 1a) ........	3	15
4	Number of independent voting members of the governing body (Part VI, line 1b) .....	4	14
5	Total number of individuals employed in calendar year 2015 (Part V, line 2a) ......	5	4
6	Total number of volunteers (estimate if necessary) .............	6	16
7a	Total unrelated business revenue from Part VIII, column (C), line 12 ........	7a	0
b	Net unrelated business taxable income from Form 990-T, line 34 .........	7b	0

(A) Name and business address	(B) Description of services	(C) Compensation
KIRKLAND ELLIS LLP, 655 FIFTEENTH STREET NW WASHINGTON,DC20005	LEGAL SERVICES	108,234
CASS ASSOCIATES PC, 10560 FOX FOREST DRIVE GREAT FALLS,VA220661743	LEGAL SERVICES	125,000



2 Total number of independent contractors (including but not limited to those listed above) who received more than $100,000 of compensation from the organization 2

1a	Federated campaigns..		1a
b	Membership dues..		1b
c	Fundraising events..		1c
d	Related organizations		1d	532,252
e	Government grants (contributions)		1e

f	All other contributions, gifts, grants, and similar amounts not included above		1f	1,001,837

g	Noncash contributions included in lines 1a-1f:$
h Total.Add lines 1a-1f.......		1,534,089

		Business Code
2a
b
c
d
e
f	All other program service revenue.
g Total.Add lines 2a–2f.....		0

3 Investment income (including dividends, interest, and othersimilar amounts) ..........			743	0	0	743
4 Income from investment of tax-exempt bond proceeds			0
5 Royalties...........			0
		(ii) Personal	(i) Real
6a	Gross rents
b	Less: rental expenses
c	Rental income or (loss)	0	0
d	Net rental income or (loss)......			0
		(ii) Other	(i) Securities
7a	Gross amount from sales of assets other than inventory
b	Less: cost or other basis and sales expenses
c	Gain or (loss)
d	Net gain or (loss).....			0
8a	Gross income from fundraising events (not including $ of contributions reported on line 1c). See Part IV, line 18 ....
	a
b	Less: direct expenses ...b
c	Net income or (loss) from fundraising events..			0
9a	Gross income from gaming activities. See Part IV, line 19 ...
	a
b	Less: direct expenses ...b
c	Net income or (loss) from gaming activities..			0
10a	Gross sales of inventory, less returns and allowances ..
	a
b	Less: cost of goods sold ..b
c	Net income or (loss) from sales of inventory..			0
Business Code			Miscellaneous Revenue
11a
b
c
d	All other revenue ....
e	Total. Add lines 11a–11d ......			0
12	Total revenue. See Instructions......			1,534,832	0	0	743

1	Grants and other assistance to domestic organizations and domestic governments. See Part IV, line 21	0
2	Grants and other assistance to individuals in the United States. See Part IV, line 22	0
3	Grants and other assistance to governments, organizations, and individuals outside the United States. See Part IV, lines 15 and 16	0
4	Benefits paid to or for members	0
5	Compensation of current officers, directors, trustees, and key employees ....	248,079	248,079
6	Compensation not included above, to disqualified persons (as defined under section 4958(f)(1)) and persons described in section 4958(c)(3)(B) ....	0
7	Other salaries and wages	309,048	309,048
8	Pension plan accruals and contributions (include section 401(k) and 403(b) employer contributions) ....	0
9	Other employee benefits .......	55,502	55,502
10	Payroll taxes ...........	29,719	29,719
11	Fees for services (non-employees):
a	Management ......	0
b	Legal .........	522,243	522,243
c	Accounting ...........	12,797		12,797
d	Lobbying ...........	0
e	Professional fundraising services. See Part IV, line 17	30,344			30,344
f	Investment management fees ......	0
g	Other (If line 11g amount exceeds 10% of line 25, column (A) amount, list line 11g expenses on Schedule O)	91,786	1,057	375	90,354
12	Advertising and promotion ....	10,000	10,000
13	Office expenses .......	161,149	31,561	17,436	112,152
14	Information technology ......	0
15	Royalties ..	0
16	Occupancy ...........	0
17	Travel ............	28,886	20,231	8,655
18	Payments of travel or entertainment expenses for any federal, state, or local public officials .	0
19	Conferences, conventions, and meetings ....	2,920	2,920
20	Interest ...........	0
21	Payments to affiliates .......	0
22	Depreciation, depletion, and amortization ..	0
23	Insurance ...	0
24	Other expenses. Itemize expenses not covered above (List miscellaneous expenses in line 24e. If line 24e amount exceeds 10% of line 25, column (A) amount, list line 24e expenses on Schedule O.)
a
b
c
d
e	All other expenses
25	Total functional expenses. Add lines 1 through 24e	1,502,473	1,230,360	39,263	232,850
26	Joint costs. Complete this line only if the organization reported in column (B) joint costs from a combined educational campaign and fundraising solicitation. Check here if following SOP 98-2 (ASC 958-720).

1	Cash–non-interest-bearing ........		0	1	0
2	Savings and temporary cash investments .........		269,600	2	324,323
3	Pledges and grants receivable, net ......		23,600	3	19,315
4	Accounts receivable, net .............		0	4	0
5	Loans and other receivables from current and former officers, directors, trustees, key employees, and highest compensated employees. Complete Part II of Schedule L
			0	5	0
6	Loans and other receivables from other disqualified persons (as defined under section 4958(f)(1)), persons described in section 4958(c)(3)(B), and contributing employers and sponsoring organizations of section 501(c)(9) voluntary employees' beneficiary organizations (see instructions) Complete Part II of Schedule L
			0	6	0
7	Notes and loans receivable, net ....		0	7	0
8	Inventories for sale or use ........		0	8	0
9	Prepaid expenses and deferred charges ......		0	9	3,068
10a	Land, buildings, and equipment: cost or other basis. Complete Part VI of Schedule D	10a
b	Less: accumulated depreciation	10b	0	10c
11	Investments—publicly traded securities .		0	11	0
12	Investments—other securities. See Part IV, line 11 .....		0	12	0
13	Investments—program-related. See Part IV, line 11 ..		0	13	0
14	Intangible assets ...............		0	14	0
15	Other assets. See Part IV, line 11 ...........		7,875	15	6,892
16	Total assets. Add lines 1 through 15 (must equal line 34)...		301,075	16	353,598

17	Accounts payable and accrued expenses .....	69,728	17	81,514
18	Grants payable ...	0	18	0
19	Deferred revenue .........	0	19	0
20	Tax-exempt bond liabilities .........	0	20	0
21	Escrow or custodial account liability. Complete Part IV of Schedule D	0	21	0
22	Loans and other payables to current and former officers, directors, trustees, key employees, highest compensated employees, and disqualified
	persons. Complete Part II of Schedule L..	0	22	0
23	Secured mortgages and notes payable to unrelated third parties ..	0	23	0
24	Unsecured notes and loans payable to unrelated third parties ..	0	24	0
25	Other liabilities (including federal income tax, payables to related third parties, and other liabilities not included on lines 17-24). Complete Part X of Schedule D	53,663	25	62,041
26	Total liabilities. Add lines 17 through 25..	123,391	26	143,555

	Organizations that follow SFAS 117 (ASC 958), check here and complete lines 27 through 29, and lines 33 and 34.
27	Unrestricted net assets	177,684	27	210,043
28	Temporarily restricted net assets ...........	0	28	0
29	Permanently restricted net assets	0	29	0
	Organizations that do not follow SFAS 117 (ASC 958), check here and complete lines 30 through 34.
30	Capital stock or trust principal, or current funds .....		30
31	Paid-in or capital surplus, or land, building or equipment fund ...		31
32	Retained earnings, endowment, accumulated income, or other funds		32
33	Total net assets or fund balances ...........	177,684	33	210,043
34	Total liabilities and net assets/fund balances ........	301,075	34	353,598