Contribute to the Legal Expenses

Lawsuits are expensive and I don't get a "freebee" as an attorney. There is an old saying that an attorney who represents himself has a fool for a client. I'm not a litigator, so needed to find a litigator with a knowledge of Not For Profit law. The costs went over $10,000 by the time the complaint was served. They will continue to mount. I am not seeking money for myself--only that the church move the money back where it belongs, and the by-laws be adjusted to reflect the New York laws on restricted donations. The church will not have to pay my legal fees if I prevail. I gain no money personally.

I knew this was going to get expensive and I could have "voted with my feet" by just walking away. I did not feel that was the right thing to do. So after three years of trying to quietly right the wrong, here we are--and I'm asking for your help. Several people have already indicated a desire to contribute to the legal expenses, with at least one significant pledge.

The law firm handling this case (Hamburger, Maxson, Yaffe & McNally, LLP) can not be the bookkeeper for my fund-raising efforts. Donation checks can be made payable to "Chris Haring, as attorney" (memo the check Caroline Church dispute), and will be deposited in my escrow account. One thing I will promise is that I will keep careful track of all donations. If there is a surplus when this is finally over, that will be refunded to the donors on a pro rata basis.

My mailing address is 4 Snow Crest Court, Mt. Sinai, NY 11766. If you have any questions or concerns, please e-mail me at chris@savethechurchyard.org.