Emily Wilkinson, Esq.

Emily Wilkinson serves as Of Counsel at For Purpose Law Group, where she advises nonprofit and mission-driven organizations on formation, governance, compliance, contracts, and general counsel matters. With more than 15 years of experience in nonprofit and social impact law, Emily brings clear, practical guidance to founders, executive teams, and boards navigating the legal and operational realities of mission-driven work.

Emily’s practice focuses on California nonprofit and exempt organization law, with experience across the full nonprofit lifecycle, from formation and tax exemption to governance design, charitable compliance, fiscal sponsorship, fundraising operations, and contract negotiation. She is especially skilled at translating complex regulatory requirements into practical next steps that help organizations move forward with confidence.

Before joining FPLG, Emily served as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary for a global nonprofit organization, where she led legal, governance, and compliance functions and advised leadership on fiduciary duties, regulatory compliance, contracts, grants, employment, advocacy, media, and operational risk. She also co-founded and managed a B Corp-certified law firm serving nonprofits and social enterprises, supporting a high-volume portfolio of mission-driven clients with responsive, business-minded legal counsel.

Emily is also the author of two practical legal guides for nonprofit leaders, "The Ultimate Guide to Forming a California Nonprofit" and "The Ultimate Guide to Nonprofit Management & Governance." Her writing reflects the same approach she brings to client work: make the law understandable, useful, and connected to the real decisions nonprofit leaders have to make.

Outside of her legal practice, Emily has served in several nonprofit board leadership roles and brings a deep commitment to organizations working at the intersection of purpose, accountability, and community impact.